So, it’s official, Edo State has a new governor, and it’s Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC). With his certificate of return in hand, Okpebholo boldly declared that it’s time to work, but will he actually deliver or just make more empty promises?
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) made things official on Thursday, handing certificates of return to Okpebholo and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa. After securing 291,667 votes, winning 11 out of the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs), Okpebholo is now tasked with leading a state that has been craving real change for years. Let’s not forget, his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), wasn’t far behind, with 247,274 votes across seven LGAs. Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata, meanwhile, barely made a dent with 22,761 votes.
But here’s the question: Is Monday Okpebholo the man Edo State really needs, or just another politician full of promises? After all, we’ve heard it all before, “I’m ready to serve,” “It’s time for change,” “I’ll respect the people.” Sound familiar?
Okpebholo’s victory wasn’t without praise from certain quarters. Former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, who is known for his strong opinions, was quick to sing Okpebholo’s praises, claiming that the new administration “will not disrespect the people” or the traditional institutions. Oshiomhole’s comments sound nice on paper, but will the respect extend to actual governance, or is this just political posturing?
The ceremony in Benin City, where the certificates were handed over by INEC’s National Commissioner for Edo State, Rhoda Gumus, was packed with dignitaries, including APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje and the reinstated Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu.
Now, Okpebholo is set to succeed Governor Godwin Obaseki, whose tenure ends on November 11. Obaseki’s leadership has been a “good and bad” administration with critics pointing out more failures than successes. Will Okpebholo be any different, or is Edo State about to experience more of the same?
As the governor-elect gears up to take the leadership, there’s a lot riding on his shoulders. Edo people are tired of empty promises and long for actual change, something that goes beyond political lip service. It’s time to see if Okpebholo will be a governor who actually listens to his people or if he’ll simply join the ranks of leaders who over-promise and under-deliver.
