By: Pius Alile
In just a week of his assuming office as the 6th Executive Governor of Edo State, Sen. Monday Okpebholo has not only given momentum to his creed of a new Edo on the rise, he has redefined the tempo of action in an unprecedented dimension, which has brought a soothing breath of fresh air to into the state that was in the throes of asphyxiation due to the maladministration of the Obaseki/PDP government.
It is amazing how the soft-spoken new Governor has literally firmed his grasps on the plough pushing to break boundaries towards the realization of his lofty vision of development for his beloved State. Like a man burdened with a sense of unavoidable responsibility, His Excellency, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, has proceeded with an unwavering commitment and alacrity to deliver on his campaign promises in record time, as encapsulated in his five-point agenda.
Right from the day of his inauguration, Sen. Monday Okpebholo has set the machinery of governance abuzz with critical actions, including the appointment of his Chief Press Secretary, the Secretary to the State Government, the Attorney General, Commissioner of Health, the Chief of Staff and the Commissioner of Finance. In between was the appointment of the Chairman of the State Universal Education Board, SUBEB and heads of other agencies. Interestingly, these crucial action was done in less than a week in office.
It is relevant to note that delayed appointment had almost become a tradition sustained by the immediate past Governor. It was such that the appointment of Commissioners never happened until after four months in office. It is apparent that Sen. Monday Okpebholo had decided to break away from this unfounded tradition. He has shown that he does not waste time. He has in record time proven that he is impatient to return Edo State to the path of social and economic revolution even as he amply demonstrates the idea pf hitting the ground running.
Talking about hitting the ground running, nothing could be more illustrative than the commissioning and ground-breaking of the first and highly anticipated Ikpoba Hill, Ramat Park Flyover in Benin City. This singular act is an attestation to the fact that Sen. Monday Okpebholo came prepared for the task ahead. He has thrown naysayers into confusion, and his supporters in boundless joy.
For a man sworn to remove obstacles that complicate the lives of the ordinary people, it is not surprising that Governor Okpebholo has suspended the collection of levies from commuter drivers and traders in the markets, by agents predisposed to exploitation, extortion and violence. This has not only promoted decency on the roads and in the markets, it portends the enabling of price reduction for goods and services in Edo State.
Other impressive actions of Governor Monday Okpebholo in this short time are: the commitment to renovating a number of schools in a state of utter dilapidation, sacking of management boards, and the obtaining of approval from the State House of Assembly for the appointment of twenty Special Advisers.
A development that underscores Governor Okpebholo’s resolve to navigate potential obstacles, is his cordial relationship with the State House of Assembly dominated by PDP legislators and under the leadership of the opposition party. Interestingly, he has been able to manage their relationship. This has ensured their cooperating with him for the approval of sundry requests, including the N400b budget for the running of state and execution of his record breaking infrastructure projects.
Meanwhile, it should be noted that despite the speed in taking decisions, Governor Monday Okpebholo has demonstrated his focus on qualification and merit. He has shown an intention to marry speed with competence and capacity.
In conclusion, one can say that with the manner Governor Monday Okpebholo has started his stunning performance driven administration, he has evidently come with the preparedness and temperament to get things done, and without delay, for the actualisation of a prosperous Edo State borne on the wings of a mantra of ascendant rebirth.
