By Tobore Jerome
The nature and character of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Executive Governor of Edo State, to governance is one that has brought smiles to millions of Edo people in the spirit of renewed hope.
Governor Okpebholo has redefined governance in Edo State by embarking on people’s oriented projects, which have started eliciting applause and positive discussion on the lips of Edolites across the length and breadth of the state.
Since the inception of this administration, the people’s action governor has been christened as “Waka Waka Governor” which simply means the governor has been going from place to place initiating projects, flagging of projects that are of importance to Edo people and has turn every part of the state into a construction site.
Little wonder stakeholders across the state has continued to call Governor Okpebholo a workaholic governor, who work round the clock and goes about personally supervising projects so as to ensure that Edo people get the best and tax payers money is properly utilized for the benefits of all persons living in the state irrespective of their social, economic and political status.
Governor Okpebholo Edo for Edo policy has seen young Edolites recruited into various agencies of government across the state, with the most recently recruited 360 Edo indigenes and residents into the state civil service. This move by the current administration has erased the previous administration of Governor Obaseki policy of bringing in consultants from outside the state, a policy that shortchanged Edo people and crippled the state civil service, and led to capital flight of Edo resources.
Governor Okpebholo’s nature and character to governance has also brought significant peace and harmony to Edo State, which has seen businesses thriving and people going about their lawful activities without fear anymore. Insecurity such as Cult clashes, kidnapping, farmers-herders clashes has become a thing of the past. The governor’s approach in suspending the activities of market unions and associations has restored normalcy to markets across the state and has also brought about food sufficiency and stability in the price of goods and commodities in the state.
Another critical aspect of Governor Okpebholo’s nature and character to governance is the governor’s display of calmness amid the ongoing Edo governorship election petition tribunal sitting in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
Governor Okpebholo display of calmness and his confidence in the rule of law has thrown the camp of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), it’s candidate, Asue Akintunde Ighodalo, leaders and members of the PDP into disarray and confusion just like Haman and his agents in the biblical book of Esther.
The people’s action and working governor is unshakable haven gotten the mandate of Edo people with overwhelming support at the September 21, 2024 governorship poll, has demonstrated exemplary leadership with class as the tribunal sitting continues. This disposition by the governor has further aggravated the pain of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) which has led them into unfounded propaganda.
The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Fred Itua, in an article titled “Governor Okpebholo Holds Steady Advantage as Edo Election Tribunal Progresses” further examines the nature and character of Governor Okpebholo confidence amidst ongoing Edo election tribunal.
Itua gave a clear analysis on why Governor Okpebholo is so calm and not bothered about the ongoing tribunal case or allowing it to distract him from bringing dividends of democracy to Edo people.
Itua article partly reads “Interestingly, despite the opposition’s claims, proceedings so far suggest that Governor Okpebholo’s position remains unshaken. The evidence presented by the PDP apparently revolves around alleged irregularities.
“But Governor Okpebholo’s legal team has meticulously dismantled these claims, presenting counter-evidence and testimonies that validate the credibility of the election.
“The tribunal acknowledged the detailed documentation submitted by the petitioners and ordered a verification by all parties to highlight a robust and transparent election process.
“So far, witness testimonies have further bolstered the Governor’s case. Independent observers before now had testified that the election was largely peaceful and conducted in line with electoral laws.
“Their accounts align with reports from international and domestic monitors who hailed the election as a credible exercise. These testimonies directly counteract the opposition’s narrative of widespread manipulation.
“The tribunal’s scrutiny of evidence has also favoured Governor Okpebholo. A significant turning point was the forensic audit of the BVAS machines used during the election. The audit, requested by the PDP, ironically affirmed the authenticity of the results, showing that votes recorded tallied with the electoral commission’s figures. This revelation has weakened the opposition’s case and reinforced the legitimacy of Okpebholo’s victory.
“Another critical factor working in favor of Governor Okpebholo is the perceived overreach by the PDP’s legal team. Their strategy of contesting results in all 18 local government areas has been criticized as overly ambitious and lacking in focus.
“The tribunal’s insistence on concrete evidence for each claim has exposed weaknesses in the PDP arguments, further tilting the scale toward Governor Okpebholo.
“Governor Okpebholo has maintained a calm demeanor throughout the proceedings, a move that has also endeared him to the public. He has consistently expressed confidence in the judicial process, emphasizing his respect for the rule of law. This posture has contrasted sharply with the petitioner’s frequent & public outbursts, which some observers perceive as a sign of desperation.
“Public sentiment appears to be swinging in favor of Governor Okpebholo as well. Many citizens have taken to social media to express their belief that the tribunal will uphold his victory. The Governor’s track record, especially in road infrastructure development, has solidified his support base, with many viewing the tribunal’s proceedings as a mere formality.
“As the tribunal proceeds, the momentum remains firmly with Governor Monday Okpebholo. His administration has continued to function effectively, demonstrating his focus on governance even amidst legal challenges. This dual commitment to justice and service has reinforced the public’s trust in his leadership.
“With proceedings so far reflecting a strong case for Governor Okpebholo, the tribunal’s eventual decision will likely affirm his mandate. For now, the APC and its supporters remain optimistic, while the PDP faces an uphill battle to substantiate its claims. The unfolding drama at the tribunal underscores the resilience of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the enduring will of the Edo electorate.”
The chronicles of Okpebholo’s nature and character in delivering good governance to Edo people is one that has been applauded by stakeholders within and outside Edo State. Political pundits and actors have equally made a case for Governor Okpebholo leadership qualities and leadership approach to be enshrined into academic syllabus for future generations to read and learn about.
