By Fred Itua
Within 10 days of his swearing in on November 12, 2024, Governor Monday Okpebholo has proven himself capable of administering a complex and multicultural environment like Edo State without getting distracted by darts thrown at him by either Fifth Columnists or partisans who would rather that the status quo remained.
In his inaugural address, Governor Okpebholo had unveiled a 5-point agenda, which he said was not mere rhetorics but points that are measurable and have specific timelines.
The agenda, which is all about the people of Edo, will pay priority attention to Security, Infrastructure, Healthcare, Food Sufficiency and Education.
During electioneering, rather than making bogus television appearances, the governor had taken his time to go round the 192 political wards of the state, directly interfacing with cross sections of the people from the lower, middle to the upper class.
Such tours gave him valuable insights into the specific needs of the people and so it was not surprising that within 10 days, he took decisions that have been widely hailed across the state and beyond as pro-people and devoid of malice.
Indications that he meant business emerged a day even before his swearing-in as he named a Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua. The following day shortly after he was sworn in, he made other critical appointments, naming Barr. Musa U. Ikhilor as Secretary to the State Government (SSG); Hon. Samson Osagie PhD as Attorney General and Commissioner For Justice; and Dr Cyril Adams Oshiomhole as Commissioner for Health.
In obedience to the cries of the people who had complained about extortion even in these days of national economic reforms, the governor would go on the next day after being sworn-in to order the immediate and indefinite suspension of revenue collection in the state especially in motor parks and others, until further notice.
Does the state need revenue to work? Yes. Is the governor averse to increasing the Internally Generated Revenue IGR of the state? No. But was the governor comfortable with the situation whereby the people were being exploited? Certainly not.
It was this unpleasant situation that forced the governor to take the decision to ban such collections and ordered the State Commissioner of Police to arrest anyone who flouts the order.
The Governor is already reviewing the issues and concerns raised by the people in respect of the collections and would soon decide on the way forward.
On the same day, November 13, there was wide jubilation across the state when news filtered out that the governor had ordered contractors to return to sites and immediately fix failed portions of the roads within the Benin metropolis.
The governor had given the directive during an inspection tour of Upper Mission Road Extension by Aduwawa Junction and the Ramat Park Axis in Benin City.
Decrying the bad state of the roads, the Governor assured the people that work would commence immediately, as he was in a hurry to bring the dividends of democracy to the people.
Some of the areas work is expected to commence immediately, include the 7.5km Temboga Road, Lucky Way Junction by Aduwawa, and Ramat Park – Slope Axis.
Similarly, other parts of the State capital to experience a face-lift are Eyaen Road and Obadan Junction along the Benin – Auchi Expressway.
The Governor Okpebholo administration is not vindictive but there were certain decisions taken in the past which were in bad faith and for which majority of the people had complained about.
The state cannot move forward without removing some clogs in the wheel of progress.
It is to this end that some decisions have had to be taken – all in the interest of the people.
For instance, the governor has reverted the Ministry of Roads and Bridges to its original designation – Ministry of Works.
Governor Okpebholo said that since no bridges or good roads were constructed by the administration of ex-Governor Godwin Obaseki, it is therefore absurd to maintain such a name.
“It is funny how you can call a government institution, Ministry of Roads and Bridges. Ironically, no single bridge was built by the same administration. Not even a pedestrian bridge.
“In the coming days, we will look at more actions taken by the previous administration and more decisions will be taken that will be done in the best interest of the State,” he declared.
Governor Okpebholo has also revealed plans by his administration to address the issues surrounding Oke-Oroma land disputes.
The Governor, alongside his deputy, Hon. Dennis Idahosa had recently met with community leaders, residents, and victims of demolished structures at Oke-Oroma community in Benin City, Edo State capital.
He said decisive actions will be taken when a commission of inquiry makes its findings.
He said if it is confirmed that the lands belong to the people, the Certificate of Occupancy (CofO) issued will be revoked and the lands returned to their rightful owners.
This is a campaign promise fulfilled as the governor had during his campaigns in the area promised to revisit the issue.
“I remember that during my campaign here, I promised to come back, and now I am here. We hate injustice in this administration. That is why we are here and happy to meet all of you. We will listen to your voice.
“In the next few days, I will invite you to the Government House and back it up with action.
“Few days from now, we will set up a Commission of Inquiry to look into this land issue so that we will return your lands to you after the findings,” he stated.
In order to be able to track government finances and take stock of the state of affairs with regards to government funds, the governor froze all State-owned bank accounts with immediate effect and until further notice.
The decision will also allow for necessary investigations and reconciliations so that the people are not short-changed. Governor Okpebholo is determined to ensure that Edo people’s money are all accounted for.
The governor’s respect for the traditional institution is top-notch. As a private person, as a senator and now governor, his relationship with the custodians of Edo’s rich cultural heritage has been one of mutual respect.
This much he spoke to during his swearing-in when he said; “Our traditional institution shall be given the necessary support to play its role as custodian of our rich cultural heritage. It is in recognition of this that my administration shall support the decision of the Federal Government to uphold the Oba of Benin as the exclusive owner of the returned artefacts, that were looted away by British Colonial Forces during the Benin Massacre of 1897”.
Rule of Law, Separation of Powers
Being a man of unblemished character without any criminal record, Gov. Okpebholo’s commitment to the rule of law and separation of powers is not in doubt.
Accordingly, the governor has pledged that his administration will work closely with other arms of government in the State for the common good.
He said; “To the Edo State House of Assembly, our people have tasked us to work together for the common good of all. My administration is ready to work with you to strengthen institutions of governance and accelerate development.
“Recall that on 17th June 2019, 14 elected members of Edo state House of Assembly were denied inauguration into the 7th Assembly. It was a big blow to our democracy. My administration is setting up a panel of inquiry to investigate the remote causes of that incident so as to avoid future occurrence. This is very imperative because the legislative arm of government is an essential component for the sustenance of democracy.
“Under the doctrine of Separation of Powers, the judicial arm of government shall be strengthened to administer justice; fairly and promptly.
“The delay and refusal by the previous administration to swear in three judges recommended by the National Judicial Council is indeed regrettable. The Chief Judge will look into this and take necessary actions without delay.”
Determined to touch all sectors, the governor acknowledges the immense contributions of the vibrant and dynamic Edo state Civil Service and is deeply concerned about the welfare of the staff.
Consequently, he is committed to initiating meaningful reforms to ensure innovation, transparency, and zero-tolerance for corruption in public service.
Halting violent clashes
Within three days of assumption of office, Governor Okpebholo took steps to halt violent cult clashes in the state.
Edo state cannot be the heartbeat of the country and yet allow bloodbath. This was why he asked the Commissioner of Police to halt the violent cult clashes in the State.
“As the Governor of Edo State, cultism can not be allowed here. We must end it and very fast too. I have ordered the Commissioner of Police to halt the madness within 48 years. All those involved in the killings should be stopped”, he stated.
The Governor also banned Drivers Welfare Association and Network Empowerment due to intelligence reports that they were among those causing trouble in the state.
He said some associations that are causing trouble in the State, especially in Benin City, cannot be allowed to operate here. Emphasizing that Edo must be safe, the governor said his administration will not fold its arms and allow such associations to create unnecessary tensions.
Less than five days of assumption of office, the governor inspected the abandoned Ebomisi Secondary School in Ugbogiobo, Ovia North East Local Governments Area of Edo State and gave a timeline within which he will rebuild it.
The school reportedly abandoned by the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki, for what some people said was his anger at the support given the APC and Governor Okpebholo during the 21st September 2024 governorship election.
Governor Okpebholo visited the school as promised during his campaigns, and said his administration will restore hope to the community.
“My reason for coming here today is to bring back hope to this school and rebuild the school so that our children can go back there and continue with their learning.
“For me, this is not acceptable, as we have to go ahead to renovate this school and rebuild it. We will be here again in the next two months and you will see the state of the school”, he promised.
In the aspect of collaboration on all fronts, the governor has reached out to his counterparts in Kogi and Ondo. In the coming days, he will also reach out to his other colleagues
Governor Monday Okpebholo is many things to many people but the fact remains that he won’t be an MoU governor.
The governor has also not sacked civil servants. Those who were recently shown the exit were appointees of the last administration in the State.
Governor Okpebholo recognizes the enormous task ahead and for him, it is a race against time.
Like he said; “I recognize the enormous task ahead; but with a firm resolve and God’s guidance, we shall prevail.
“We will not betray this confidence you have reposed in me and the Deputy Governor, Honourable Dennis Idahosa”.
Election is over and now is the time for governance. It will be in the interest of all for the opposition to work with the governor in advancing the cause of the people. This is the irreducible minimum required of genuine democrats.
Fred Itua is the spokesman to Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo
