It was James Freeman Clarke who said, “A politician thinks of the next election, while a statesman thinks of the next generation.”
By all standards, I am not a politician but a policy analyst. Those who know me understand that I hardly award marks. What endears me to anyone is mastery of pragmatism and speed.
I may not claim to know Nigeria deeply, but I know when a leader is genuine and sincere. Love him or hate him, the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, is an enigma of sorts. A man of few words and profound action, he exemplifies the timeless aphorism: “Actions speak louder than words.”
It is no surprise that the opposition has unleashed an avalanche of lies, like winter ice precipitated by snow, in an attempt to slow Governor Okpebholo down.
As John Jensen once said:
“History is past politics, and politics is present history.”
One striking attribute of the Governor is his seamless ability to achieve so much with little fanfare, bureaucracy, or scribbles. When he wants something done, he does not embark on endless trips or sign MOUs of mirage. He just does it.
The performance of Governor Monday Okpebholo in his first year in office is akin to biblical signs and wonders. He has worked tirelessly and with commendable precision. Edo was in rot when he took over, and while it will take time to surmount the herculean tasks ahead, he has already placed the State on a pedestal of progress and prosperity.
The Governor has flagged off the inner-city bypass from Teboga Road to Ugbowo. This will ease traffic around the busy Benin–Lagos Road corridor and open up communities along the new bypass for economic growth. He has also commenced construction of the first flyover in the Benin metropolis—around the Ramat Park area—with several adjoining arterial roads to improve transportation in and out of the city.
His Excellency is constructing another flyover along the vital Benin–Sapele Road, by Adesuwa Girls Grammar School Road. This includes reconstruction of key arterial routes to boost business activities.
Governor Okpebholo has appointed 5,000 teachers who were previously at the mercy of consultants. They have been integrated into the public service with full benefits. He has also appointed over 460 cleaners and placed them on minimum wage, unlike the N20,000 they were paid under the previous administration.
Within four weeks of assuming office, the Governor swore in judges of the Edo State High Court whom his predecessor refused to swear in for 84 weeks. During the swearing-in ceremony, he declared that anyone can succeed in Edo State without a godfather—competence and godliness are sufficient. The Ministry of Justice now enjoys financial autonomy, and judiciary workers have never had it this good.
As Lord Acton famously said:
“Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”
This explains why the previous Governor withheld the swearing-in of eight judges for so long, and even when he finally acted, he swore in only five and left out three. Who then is the true apostle of due process?
Governor Okpebholo exposed the façade of the so-called EdoBEST after visiting schools and uncovering long-hidden decay. He even renovated one of the schools within six weeks through a rapid-response intervention—an innovation worthy of commendation.
He is also addressing the infamous midnight inauguration of the Edo State House of Assembly in June 2019, where members were inaugurated at 9:30 p.m., including one who was allegedly taken straight from buying suya in Ihama.
For the first time in eight years, the Governor has provided brand new Hilux vehicles, other utility vehicles, and 1,000 motorcycles to security agencies. This has resulted in a successful mop-up of arms and arrests of suspects—far better than the few used Sienna vehicles previously provided.
He has revitalised the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS) and restored terrestrial TV transmission after over a year of blackout. The Ihevbe transmission station is now functional for the first time in five years, amid massive ongoing digitisation. A world-class broadcaster and EBS veteran, Suleiman Aledeh, now leads the institution.
The Governor has doubled the State’s internal revenue, bringing Edo into the league of sustainable state economies.
He has restored the full privileges of His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, halting attempts by elements of the former government to balkanise the Benin Kingdom.
He has taken steps to resolve the plight of those whose homes were demolished for the so-called Coral City project in Obazagbon and Okuoroma communities—approaching the matter with compassion.
The Ekpoma–Auchi Road has been reconstructed and tarred by the State Government—despite being a federal road—providing smooth travel for commuters. Unlike the previous administration, which merely put up a sign saying “Please bear with us, this is a federal road,” Governor Okpebholo chose action over excuses.
He has curbed incessant cult killings by supporting the amendment of the Edo State Anti-Cultism Law and taking bold, practical measures that have deterred impunity.
The Governor has distributed educational materials previously hoarded, thereby revitalising learning. He has taken over the Edo Specialist Hospital from exploitative consultants, making it accessible to the people, and is working to restore the over 100-year-old Central Hospital.
He facilitated the graduation of stranded nursing students at Ambrose Alli University following accreditation issues, improving their employability.
Governor Okpebholo has opened up the creative space. The Edo Creative Hub is active. The Edo Carnival now engages hundreds of youths daily, reducing the risk of crime. With time, Benin City may become a centre for “Detty December” tourism, boosting the hospitality industry.
In sports, the Governor has reconstituted all sports associations. Edo athletes continue to win medals, and the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium is now a hive of activity as athletes train with strong government support.
The Governor has relaunched Edo Line, providing safer transportation options, jobs, and commercial opportunities.
Mechanised farming has been revived, paving the way for food security and optimum use of Edo’s arable land.
The administration has conducted thorough investigations into the previous government, leading to revelations that will help set Edo on a new path.
Senator Monday Okpebholo leads a youth-based government. His administration organised the first Creative Business Networking Conference in Edo State, giving young creators a platform to harness ideas and opportunities.
Edo State under Governor Okpebholo is a work in progress. It has been one year of breathtaking initiatives and the rise of a new Edo.
Indeed, a new Edo has risen.
As former U.S. President John F. Kennedy said:
“Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”
About the Author:
Douglas Ogbankwa, Esq., is a lawyer, writer, and policy analyst.
Email: douglasogbankwa@gmail.com
