The newly sworn-in Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, wasted no time in making a grand entrance into the political scene. Within hours of taking office, he ordered the immediate dissolution of all executive boards across the state.
A statement from his Chief Press Secretary on Wednesday confirmed that all political appointees were dismissed, and permanent secretaries brought in from outside the state’s public service were shown the door. With the wave of a hand, Okpebholo has essentially wiped the slate clean, leaving many wondering if this is a bold new direction or simply a case of “out with the old, in with the new.”
Revenue Collection Suspended
Okpebholo suspended the collection of all state revenues indefinitely. He targeted revenue streams from motor parks and other areas, putting an abrupt stop to one of the government’s key income sources. The governor has also given marching orders to the state’s police commissioner to arrest anyone who defies this directive.
The governor claims he will review the revenue collection system soon, promising new directives that supposedly align with his vision for a more transparent Edo State. But let’s be real, how many times have we heard this same dance? Promises of reform are easy to make in the honeymoon phase of a new administration, but delivering on them is an entirely different challenge.
A Flurry of Road Repairs
Barely 24 hours into his governorship, Okpebholo made another flashy move, ordering contractors back to work on the dilapidated roads of Benin City. He wasted no time inspecting key areas like the Upper Mission Extension Road and the Ramat Park Axis. The governor’s rhetoric during the tour was a classic example of the “hit the ground running” mantra. He promised immediate repairs and declared that his administration, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “renewed hope” agenda, would focus on providing good roads for the people.
But let’s not get carried away by this initial gra gra. Fixing a few potholes doesn’t automatically translate to meaningful development. These roads have been in terrible condition for years, and previous administrations have also promised to fix them. The difference this time? Well, according to Okpebholo, his approach will be different because there’s only one dry season, and they “have no time to waste.”
Empty Words or a New Era for Edo?
The governor’s tour ended with the grand opening of a new branch of Premium Trust Bank in Benin, almost as if to signal that his administration is ready to welcome new investments into the state. opening a bank is one thing, rebuilding trust in government is another. The real test for Okpebholo will not be in sacking appointees or suspending revenue collection, it will be in whether he can deliver real, tangible results that improve the daily lives of Edo’s residents.
It’s easy to make daring moves in the first few days of a new administration. Politicians have a long history of starting with a bang only to fizzle out or fade away when the real work begins. As of now, Okpebholo has made his intentions clear, he’s here to shake things up.
