The Judgment of the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja dismissing the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo has upheld the supremacy of the law and given credence to the resilience of our legal system in ensuring that only right persons occupy elective positions.
With this ruling which has definitely affirmed Senator Monday Okpebholo as the elected governor of Edo State, it is now incumbent on Edo people, irrespective of political affiliations to work with the administration to build a state that thrives on justice, peace and the well being of every citizen.
Interestingly, It is no more news that the average Nigerian despise politics because it is regarded as a dirty game and its practitioners are viewed with suspicion, especially when those in opposition will not see anything good in what the government is doing
However, this is not unexpected, given what some people regard as the failures of the political class, particularly some elected or those appointed into various positions.
But, with the calibre of some politicians today, there is a changing attitude of politicians. People are becoming more politically conscious and enlightened. They are becoming more probing of politicians and administrators to enable them score their performances.
Some public officers are equally becoming more dedicated to service with the urge to live up to the expectations of their people.
Today, the Executive Governor of Edo state, Senator Monday Okpebholo, also known as Akpakomiza belongs to this class of public officers striving to leave a mark for posterity sake in the art of governance.
The governor started his political journey by building a foundation based on his strong desire to meet the needs of his people with the provision of the necessities of life such as water, schools and roads even when he was not yet in government.
It is public knowledge that during the eight years of the previous administration in the state, the people became frustrated as they found themselves in a state of hopelessness and despondency because of the in-action of the immediate past governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki
The technocrat used contractors who were imported to the state to embark on construction jobs, sidelining Edo State people and using consultants who were engaged to take over the functions of the civil servants, while some legacies of former Governor, Samuel Ogbemudia were pulled down all in the name of reforms.
But, barely five months in office, the Senator Monday Okpebholo administration has overwhelmed both residents and visitors to the state with remarkable giant strides as he makes a lasting impression in governance.
In a nation where public officers are often in the firing line due to allegations of corruption and other misdeeds, so far, Governor Okpebholo is building a reputation of honesty and displaying his sincerity of purpose to transform Edo state to an enviable state in the comity of states in the country.
The Governor has demonstrated his resolve for transparency in governance, by applying the laws for whosoever contravenes the law and no one will be protected.
There is no doubt that Edo people are gradually building an unshakeable trust in the governor whose words are his bonds as his actions speak louder than words. This has been demonstrated lavishly in the governance of Edo state since November 12th 2024.
With the land mark judgment of the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, Edo people should expect the best from this politician who is in a hurry to ensure the state is risen
Unlike most politicians who lack tenacity of purpose, Governor Okpebholo has so far been sincere with every promise made to the people of Edo state .
When he expressed his displeasure over the poor condition of the roads in the state, before the election, he was very concerned about the plight of the people who use the roads.
Barely few days on assumption of office, the Governor commenced the first fly over bridge in the state to solve the traffic situation along the Ikpoba Hill axis, and he has commissioned contractors to work on several dilapidated roads within Benin City and other places including the Benin – Ekpoma road.
There is no doubt that Governor Okpebholo is a man with integrity, hard working and determined to change the narrative of governance in the state.
It is therefore, now necessary for all well meaning sons and daughters of Edo state across the country and in diaspora to support the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo to succeed with the task of governance ahead.
Hon Paul Ohonbamu
Commissioner for Information and Communications
