It is no longer news that the All Progressive Congress APC has returned to power in Edo State after its victory at the September 21 Governorship Election which saw Senator Monday Okpebholo, the party’s candidate, trouncing his opponents.

His swearing-in on November 12 as Edo State Governor marks the commencement of a new era of governance in the state for the next four years.

In spite of the tensions that trailed the election, Edo people showed unparalleled maturity before, during and after the polls – ultimately electing a governor who will pilot the affairs of the State for the next four years.

The people displayed commitment, determination, zeal and closed their ears to the drums of war beaten by some partisans. The people remained resolute in their commitment to peace and peace they got, hence a smooth democratic transition.

Okpebholo who won the keenly contested poll in Edo State is a business man and a politician. He had won the Edo Central Senatorial District election under APC on 25th February 2023, breaking the 24-year dominance of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP in Edo Central.

Okpebholo’s investments in hospitality, construction, oil and gas, Information and Communications Technology qualifies him as one with the business savvy that could lead to rapid transformation of the state. As one with a digital mindset, transformations in the Edo State Civil Service is expected. From a humble beginning, the governor would go on to establishing the Chapman Computers Limited, in Jos, the Plateau state capital, and later established another firm, Interweb Satcom Limited, a major industry player in broadband sales and development.

Since the declaration of the election results, some enemies of the State began work selling lies and causing palpable fears in the minds of civil servants in the State of a hard time under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo but two weeks into governance, both civil servants and the larger populace can now see that the governor means well for the state.

In his inaugural address, Governor Monday Okpebholo had said the mandate to preside over the State will be judiciously utilized and not betray the confidence reposed in him.

Governor Okpebholo said his administration will implement programmes and carefully outlined a five-point agenda designed to grow a robust economy and improve the lives of the people.

The number one citizen of Edo State said his administration will focus on security; infrastructural development; affordable healthcare; water and food sufficiency, as well as value-driven education across the State.

Under security, Governor Okpebholo assured that his administration will deal with kidnapping and other violent crimes which have made Edo people victims for so long. He noted that his government will be firm in dealing with criminals and improve the security situation of the State to enable farming and other businesses flourish again.

The governor who frowned at the deplorable condition of roads across the State said his administration’s policy on road infrastructure is targeted at developing roads, drainages and bridges to ease transportation for all. He assured that his administration will immediately commence work to make the roads motorable again.

Assuring of the readiness of his administration to partner relevant groups in developing the State across all sectors, Governor Okpebholo said soft loans will be given to market women, small businesses to support them, while the youths will be supported to acquire relevant skills for self empowerment.

“Fellow citizens, my administration is ready to connect communities not yet connected to the national grid to ensure that they have electricity”. This is one promise that will endear the governor to more people and there is no doubt that he is a man who is always ready to walk his talk.

The governor who believes in good, quality and affordable education for Edo people said his administration will immediately swing into action to recruit qualified teachers and rebuild deplorable classrooms even as tertiary education will not be forgotten.

In Health, the governor’s mantra is quality, accessibility and affordability. This is perhaps the fundamental reasons in naming a Commissioner for the Ministry as soon as he assumed office.

Traditional institution is another focus by the Okpebholo administration which has pledged to give it the necessary support to play its roles as custodian of the rich Edo cultural heritage.

“It is in recognition of this that my administration shall support the decision of the Federal Government to uphold the Oba of Benin as the exclusive owner of the returned Benin artifacts that were looted by the British Colonial forces during the Benin massacre of 1897”.

The Senator Monday Okpebholo-led administration is ready to work to strengthen institutions of governance for accelerated development and on this ground, the governor has moved to address the crisis that afflicted the State House of Assembly in 2019 were 14 lawfully elected members were denied inauguration into the 7th Assembly by the past administration. At the same time, he is also addressing issues in the Judiciary, which predated this Administration.

“My administration is setting up a commission of enquiry to investigate the remote cause(s) of this incident. To avoid a reoccurrence, this is imperative.

“The Judicial arm of government shall be strengthened to dispense justice freely and promptly. The delay and refusal by the previous administration to swear in the three judges recommended by the judicial council is indeed regrettable. The Chief Judge should look into this and take necessary actions without delay”.

This is a new dawn as the people welcome the new administration in the State hoping that Governor Monday Okpebholo continues to match his words with actions and not deviating from the developmental trajectory he has set for his administration.

For, indeed, Edo people will in the coming days and months, assess him based on the practical governance promised during his inauguration.