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ASUE IGHODALO’S PURSUIT OF A POLITICAL MIRAGE

CapitalTimesNews / 3 months
0
4 min read

By Fred Itua A pie in the sky is often used to describe an illusion—an enticing dream that, despite its allure, remains beyond reach. It represents aspirations that are detached from reality, fantasies that refuse to materialize no matter how fervently pursued. The ambition to govern Edo State is, in itself, a noble one. Every qualified individual has the right to aspire to public office. However, ambition must be matched with prudence, and political aspirations should be pursued with a sense of realism. When the electorate has spoken through the ballot, and the mandate has been decisively bestowed, the logical question becomes: at what point does one accept reality and move on? There is a well-known African proverb that says, if you do not know where you are going, at least remember where you are coming from. Since his defeat in the September 21, 2024, Edo State governorship election, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, has remained locked in a desperate and seemingly futile attempt to upend the verdict of the people. His persistent legal maneuvers appear to be nothing more than an attempt to cling to a fading hope, seeking every possible avenue to overturn the legitimate mandate freely given to Senator Monday Okpebholo, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), whom many now hail as the Akpako-messiah. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Senator Okpebholo the winner of the election, having secured 291,667 votes, defeating Ighodalo, who garnered 247,655 votes. In a democracy, elections are won and lost at the polling units, and when the people have spoken, the expectation is that candidates, especially those who claim to be democrats, would respect the will of the electorate. Unwilling to accept the outcome, Ighodalo and the PDP swiftly took their grievances to the Edo State Election Petition Tribunal, challenging the results from 765 polling units out of the 4,519 polling units in the state. However, the tribunal’s proceedings have been anything but smooth, largely due to PDP’s apparent lack of a solid case. The tribunal, initially set up in Benin, was relocated to Abuja due to security concerns, but the change in venue did little to alter the PDP’s approach. Instead of diligently presenting its arguments, the party resorted to deliberate delay tactics, seemingly intent on dragging out the process rather than proving its claims. At the peak of these antics, PDP’s legal team, led by Adetunji Oyeyipo (SAN), sought adjournments on the flimsy excuse that their witnesses had experienced “travel disruptions.” “My Lords, this is the reason we are unable to present them today. We urge your Lordships to give us another date. We undertake that on the next date, we will bring as many witnesses as may be convenient for the tribunal.” This statement, however, did not sit well with the tribunal’s chairman, Justice Wilfred Kpochi, who expressed clear displeasure over the PDP’s time-wasting tactics. The tribunal firmly ruled that the party should proceed with its case immediately, as it had been adequately informed beforehand. Even more telling is the fact that, despite initially planning to present a robust lineup of witnesses, the PDP abruptly closed its case on Monday, February 3, after calling only 19 witnesses—a sharp contrast to the aggressive posturing it had displayed earlier. At the same time, the party made unsubstantiated claims that the APC was intimidating its witnesses, yet it failed to present any credible evidence to support these allegations. These inconsistencies raise the question: was the PDP truly prepared for this legal battle, or was it simply engaging in a futile exercise meant to create unnecessary political tensions? Now that the PDP has closed its case against the APC and Governor Okpebholo, one can only hope that the party will allow INEC and the APC to present their defense without further obstruction. Rather than continuing on this path of endless litigation, it would be far more beneficial for Ighodalo and the PDP to reflect on the reasons for their defeat, realign their political strategies, and focus on constructive opposition—one that strengthens democracy rather than weakens it. Ultimately, elections are not won in courtrooms but at the polling booths, and the people of Edo State have spoken. It is time to respect their choice. Fred Itua is the Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor

OKPEBHOLO: CONFOUNDING THE DOUBTERS, REDEFINING LEADERSHIP IN EDO

Nicolas Adekeye / 4 months
0
6 min read

By Fred Itua As I set out to pen this piece on this serene Sunday afternoon, my mind is drawn to the profound epistle of Apostle Paul to the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 1:27-29: “But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence.” Hallelujah! I have chosen to begin this way because it resonates deeply with my assessment of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s leadership over the past two months . When Senator Monday Okpebholo stepped into the political ring, many underestimated him. He wasn’t the loudest voice in the room, nor the most flamboyant. In a political landscape where the ability to raise dust often overshadows the capacity to lay foundations, Okpebholo’s calm and collected demeanor was dismissed as a weakness. But, as Apostle Paul aptly put it, God has a way of using the “foolish” things of the world to confound the wise. And indeed, Governor Okpebholo has confounded his critics with actions that speak louder than the hollow rhetoric of his predecessor. To truly appreciate the transformation taking place in Edo State, one must first understand where we’re coming from. For eight long years, governance was more about optics than outcomes. The previous administration, under Governor Godwin Obaseki, was a masterclass in what the locals have dubbed “audio governance.” Projects were announced with great fanfare, but their execution remained a mirage. MoUs were signed and celebrated, only to gather dust in forgotten drawers. Roads that were critical to economic and social well-being were left to rot, with billboards proclaiming, “Please bear with us; this is a federal road,” as if to absolve the state of any responsibility. Governor Okpebholo has flipped the script. He didn’t start his administration with loud declarations or endless ribbon-cutting ceremonies. Instead, he started with work—real, tangible work. In just two months, Governor Okpebholo has demonstrated that governance is about delivering results, not excuses. The Benin-Auchi Road by Obadan Junction, long neglected, has received the needed attention. The failed portions of the Benin-Abuja Road in Ekpoma, which seemed destined to remain a nightmare for travelers, are now under repair. Roads that were mere campaign promises in the past, like Upper Ekenwan Road, are nearing completion. Even the Aduwawa-Upper Mission Junction, a project that felt like a distant dream, is now coming to life. And let’s not forget the Temboga-Uteh Road, which now wears the Governor’s signature of progress. One resident put it succinctly: “In just two months, this man has done more than others did in eight years. He doesn’t make noise; he makes things happen.” Beyond roads, Governor Okpebholo’s administration is tackling the long-neglected healthcare sector. The construction of a modern health center in Udomi, Irua, is a testament to his commitment. The 2025 budget allocates N63.9 billion to healthcare and an additional N1.8 billion for a health insurance scheme, ensuring that no Edo citizen is left behind. One of the most commendable moves of Governor Okpebholo’s administration has been his decisive action to sanitize Edo’s markets. By placing a ban on market unions, which had long been accused of oppressive and exploitative practices, the governor has brought relief to traders and consumers alike. These unions had been driving up the prices of food and commodities through arbitrary levies and monopolistic control, leaving ordinary Edo citizens to bear the brunt. In his words, “Markets should be places of commerce and community, not oppression. We cannot allow a few individuals to profit at the expense of the majority.” Since the ban, market prices have begun to stabilize, and traders have expressed gratitude for the governor’s intervention. Edo State has not been immune to the scourge of insecurity, particularly the alarming rise in cult-related killings that claimed over 100 lives in 2024. Governor Okpebholo has tackled this issue head-on, adopting a consultative and inclusive approach. Through interagency consultations and his robust security meetings, he has fostered collaboration among law enforcement agencies and local communities. This proactive engagement has led to a significant de-escalation of tensions and a peaceful resolution to many conflicts. As one community leader observed, “For the first time, we feel heard. The governor is not just issuing orders; he’s listening and acting.” Another area where Governor Okpebholo has demonstrated his commitment to justice is in addressing the contentious issue of land grabbing. Under the previous administration, many communities and individuals saw their lands forcefully taken, their properties destroyed, and their voices silenced. Governor Okpebholo has taken a firm stance, declaring that such lands will be restored to their rightful owners, provided they can present proof of ownership. This policy has brought renewed hope to many Edo citizens who had all but given up on ever reclaiming their ancestral lands. “The government is here to serve the people, not to oppress them,” the governor stated. “We will right the wrongs of the past and ensure justice prevails.” Governor Okpebholo’s 2025 budget, aptly titled the “Budget of Renewed Hope for a Rising Edo,” is a roadmap to sustainable development. With 63% of the N604 billion budget earmarked for capital expenditure, it’s clear where his focus lies. * Road Development: N162 billion * Education: N48 billion * Health: N63.9 billion * Agriculture: N75 billion This is not just a budget; it is a statement of intent. It reflects the governor’s five-point agenda—security, infrastructure, healthcare, food sufficiency, and education—augmented by a renewed focus on agriculture. Governor Okpebholo’s approach to governance can be likened to a diligent farmer. While others scatter seeds carelessly, hoping for a quick harvest, he tills the soil, plants with precision, and nurtures the crops. The results are already visible, and the harvest promises to be bountiful. In reforming local government administration, the governor has brought

EDO STATE GOVERNOR SIGNS...

NIGER STATE GOVERNOR ADJUSTS...

MINISTER MATAWALLE LAUDS TINUBU’S...

FG APPROVES DRAFT BILL...

FORMER NNPCL CEO MELE...

CSOS URGE AKPABIO TO...

EDO STATE GOVERNOR SIGNS...

NIGER STATE GOVERNOR ADJUSTS...

MINISTER MATAWALLE LAUDS TINUBU’S...

FG APPROVES DRAFT BILL...

FORMER NNPCL CEO MELE...

CSOS URGE AKPABIO TO...

EDO STATE GOVERNOR RECEIVES REPORT ON N96BN LOCAL GOVERNMENT FRAUD, VOWS TO PROSECUTE INDICTED OFFICIALS

OKPEBHOLO RENOVATES 100 SCHOOLS IN EDO STATE TO MARK 100 DAYS IN OFFICE

ASUE IGHODALO’S PURSUIT OF A POLITICAL MIRAGE

EDO YOUTHS TELL PDP TO ‘SHUT UP’ OVER OKPEBHOLO’S GOVERNANCE

GOV OKPEBHOLO CHARGES NEW POLICE CONSTABLES TO SHUN CORRUPTION, PROTECT COMMUNITIES

GOVERNOR OKPEBHOLO COMMISSIONS WASTE MANAGEMENT EQUIPMENT IN EDO STATE

OKPEBHOLO: CONFOUNDING THE DOUBTERS, REDEFINING LEADERSHIP IN EDO

EDO RESIDENTS HAIL GOVERNOR OKPEBHOLO FOR SAFEST YULETIDE SEASON IN A DECADE

EDO STATE GOVERNOR CALLS FOR SYNERGY AMONG THREE ARMS OF GOVERNMENT

EDO STATE GOVERNOR NOMINATES SIX COMMISSIONER DESIGNATES

FG APPROVES DRAFT BILL FOR NATIONAL.

FORMER NNPCL CEO MELE KYARI RESPONDS.

CSOS URGE AKPABIO TO STEP ASIDE.

EDO STATE GOVERNOR SIGNS BILL TO.

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