JOHN MAYAKI reckons that Okpebholo is renewing the hope of Edo people
President Bola Tinubu may have run on Renewed Hope, but the slogan is finding fine expression in Edo State, where Senator Monday Okpebholo is restoring power to the people following an eight-year misadventure of the last administration. Okpebholo emerged victorious from an election that tested democracy’s true essence in the state as it challenged the people to answer the question of whether government exists to serve their real interests or those of errant salesmen in suits with forked tongues.
Okpebholo’s pitch was simple but effective. He called on the people: “Come, let us build a government in our own image and for our interests.” They heeded his call and placed their trust in him. 100 days later, they are counting the gains. One event is particularly illustrative – just weeks into his administration, Governor Okpebholo terminated what was effectively the slave contract of 360 cleaners and absorbed them into the state civil service, where they now earn the minimum wage along with other social protections.