Edo State’s newly elected governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, pledged to serve all citizens of Edo State during a high-profile meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday. The governor-elect’s promise comes amidst lingering controversies surrounding the recent gubernatorial election, setting the stage for what could be a transformative era in Edo State politics.
As the morning sun cast long shadows across the manicured lawns of Aso Rock, a delegation of political heavyweights made their way into the Presidential Villa. At the center of attention was Senator Monday Okpebholo, flanked by APC National Chairman Umar Ganduje and a coterie of party stalwarts. The air buzzed with anticipation as they prepared to meet with President Tinubu.
This is more than a courtesy call,” whispered a senior aide, who spoke on condition of anonymity. It’s a statement of intent, a signal that Edo State is ready to align with the federal government for the benefit of its people.
Emerging from the closed-door meeting, Senator Okpebholo addressed the press corps, his voice steady and resolute. For me, I’m coming as a servant to serve the Edo people,” he declared, his words echoing through the marbled halls. “That is what is required of me, and that is exactly what I’m going to do.”
This commitment to servant leadership struck a chord with onlookers, many of whom have grown weary of politicians who seem disconnected from the everyday struggles of ordinary citizens.
“It’s refreshing to hear such humility from a newly elected governor,” remarked political analyst Dr. Amina Bello. “The real test, of course, will be in the implementation of his promises.”
Okpebholo wasted no time in outlining his priorities for Edo State, painting a picture of rapid development and social progress:
– Education Reform: “We are going to employ teachers. We are going to renovate our schools,” he stated emphatically.
– Infrastructure Development: The governor-elect hinted at major projects to come, though specifics were not provided at this time.
– Inclusive Governance: In a move that surprised some observers, Okpebholo extended an olive branch to opposition parties, saying, “If they have an idea that is beautiful, that is acceptable by the people, then why not? My door is open to everybody.
This last point, in particular, raised eyebrows among the political class present. Comrade Philip Shaibu, the current Deputy Governor of Edo State who was also part of the delegation, was seen nodding approvingly at this statement of inclusivity.
While the mood in Abuja was celebratory, back in Edo State, the political landscape remains complex. The Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) declaration of Okpebholo as the winner has been met with allegations of irregularities from opposition parties.
“We cannot ignore the concerns raised by some stakeholders,” noted electoral observer Chidi Okonkwo. “However, it’s encouraging to see the governor-elect already focusing on governance rather than getting bogged down in post-election disputes.”
Indeed, Okpebholo’s call for those who lost the election to accept the outcome with patience seems aimed at quelling potential unrest and fostering a spirit of cooperation.
The impressive delegation accompanying Okpebholo to the Presidential Villa was not lost on political watchers. Alongside APC National Chairman Umar Ganduje were:
– Hope Uzodimma, Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum
– Senator Adams Oshiomhole, former Edo State Governor
– Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum and Governor of Kwara State
– Governors Uba Sani (Kaduna), Usman Ododo (Kogi), and Dapo Abiodun (Ogun)
This show of party unity sends a clear message about the APC’s commitment to Edo State and its new leadership.
The presence of such a high-powered delegation indicates that Okpebholo will have significant support from both the party and the federal government,” observed political scientist Dr. Oluwaseun Adebayo. “This could translate into accelerated development for Edo State if managed correctly.”
As news of the Abuja meeting spread, reactions in Edo State were mixed but largely optimistic. On the streets of Benin City, citizens expressed their hopes and concerns.
We’ve heard promises before,” said market vendor Grace Obaseki. “But there’s something different about Okpebholo’s tone. I hope he truly means to serve us all, not just his party members.”
Meanwhile, youth leader Osaze Ighile was more enthusiastic: “The governor-elect’s openness to ideas from the opposition is a good sign. We need all hands on deck to move Edo forward.”
As the dust settles on the election and this high-profile meeting, all eyes will be on Senator Okpebholo’s first 100 days in office. His promises of educational reform, infrastructure development, and inclusive governance have set high expectations.
The real work begins now,” said a senior APC official who requested anonymity. “Okpebholo has the goodwill of the party and the president. It’s up to him to translate that into tangible benefits for the people of Edo State.”
Senator Monday Okpebholo’s meeting with President Tinubu marks the beginning of a new chapter in Edo State’s political narrative. His pledge of servant leadership and openness to diverse ideas offers hope for a more inclusive and development-focused governance model. However, the true measure of his leadership will be in the execution of these promises. As Edo State watches and waits, the coming months will reveal whether this new dawn will indeed bring the transformation its citizens so deeply desire.
