Edo State’s New Dawn: Expectations from Governor-Elect Senator Monday Okpebholo, by Clement Uwayah

The Edo State gubernatorial elections have come and gone, and Senator Monday Okpebholo has emerged victorious. The tensions and concerns raised during the campaigns makes the elections proper deserving to be termed highly peaceful. The key players like INEC, the Police, and other security forces gave a very good account of themselves, performing optimally. The electorates are also worthy of commendation, despite visible voter apathy. However, as expected, there are grievances to be addressed. As aggrieved parties explore legal avenues to address electoral grievances, it’s essential to focus on the future.

Elections and the ritualistic results contestation will never cease, even with the freest and fairest conduct. So, it’s time for all citizens to brace up for a new dawn. The focus should shift to holding the incoming governor accountable from the onset, with the understanding that power comes from above.

The governor-elect’s remarkable rise to prominence, from senator to governorship candidate, has sparked optimism among Edo citizens. The outgoing regime has done its part, but the new administration must not use their achievements as a benchmark. The many unfulfilled promises and unrealized MOUs hindered the outgoing governor’s campaign efforts.

Instead, Senator Okpebholo should focus on addressing the state’s pressing issues, particularly infrastructural decay. Roads, healthcare facilities, and other essential infrastructure require urgent attention. The governor-elect must dispel concerns that he will be a puppet leader, dictated by external forces. He must be definite in his desires to move the state forward, ensuring that the people’s expectations remain his driving force.

The mockery of inarticulateness shouldn’t be misconstrued as inability. Effective governance isn’t solely dependent on oratory skills; it’s about delivering results. Senator Okpebholo must prove to Edo citizens, Nigeria, and the world that good governance transcends rhetoric.

Allegations of possible sympathy and empowering of hooliganism must be addressed. Ensuring public safety is paramount. The governor-elect should prioritize securing the state, maintaining law and order, and promoting peaceful coexistence among citizens. The hitherto old order of unwarranted activities and disturbances by community youths that is being checkmated by the outgone governor must be sustained.

Our motor parks mustn’t become theaters of absurdities where extortion reigns supreme. Transportation is very important for citizens to thrive in their social and economic lives. There must be sanity in daily revenue collections from commercial vehicles. Currently, the situation is dire, with multiple payments by commercial vehicle operators, especially within Benin City metropolis. Efforts must be made to refine the system.

The governor-elect during highlighted key areas to focus on during his campaigns. There’s an urgent need to deliver on his five point manifesto and beyond. These include; improve roads networks, upgrade healthcare facilities, enhance essential infrastructure, foster job creation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic development and enhance the quality of education, focusing on accessibility and affordability

The state of many public schools is appalling, raising questions about the outgoing governor’s commitment to education. Schools within the city that have brought laurels to the state were seen in deplorable conditions, mocking claims of a computerized educational system. Our children deserve to learn in roofed classrooms.

This piece isn’t intended as the governor-elect’s roadmap but rather a nod to where we want to be in the next four years. In the emerging political trend of greater awareness, a good performance will be required to secure re-election. Citizens are tired of mediocrity in governance.

As Senator Monday Okpebholo prepares to take office, Edo citizens eagerly await positive change. By addressing pressing issues, disproving doubters, and prioritizing security and peace, the governor-elect can set a new standard for governance in the state.

God bless Edo State! God bless Nigeria!

Clement Uwayah, a political affairs commentator writes from Benin City, Nigeria