‘Be patient, two months not enough to measure Okpebholo’s performance’

Esan Central LG boss blames gov of orchestrating his removal from office
A socio-cultural political group in the Diaspora, United Edo Front, yesterday, called for calm and patience with Governor Monday Okpebholo, saying two months in office are too short to evaluate the performance of his administration.

The group, during its end-of-year get-together, described criticisms against Okpebholo’s administration as premature and lacking objectivity.

He said: “You cannot score a government less than 60 days into its tenure. Those doing so lack understanding of the complexities of governance.”

In a statement endorsed by Dr Jude Omosigho, Mrs Julian Ebewele and Mr John Mayaki, the group said: “There is no doubt in our minds that the governor means well for the people of Edo State. Those people you see on television stations painting a picture of the crisis in the state are being unfair to the governor and his administration.

“Governance is a long-term endeavour, and it is unrealistic to expect a new administration to address systemic issues or undertake sweeping reforms and changes within two months.

“We note that the state has been most peaceful and that governance under Okpebholo is firmly in place. The governor is fully in charge. Governance is not about resolving the myriad of challenges in a fell swoop. We do not think that there are magicians in government.”

On claims of interference in local councils, the Edo United Front said: “President Bola Tinubu was very clear when he clarified this issue recently, during his meeting with governors. While it is true that the autonomy granted to local councils requires collaboration with the states for grassroots development, we thank the governor for fully supporting this. Local government councils operate independently and, as such, allegations that the governor was interfering or orchestrating impeachments are baseless and misleading. The governor cannot do the job of the councillors in the various councils.

“You cannot rule out crisis and disagreements in a democracy. Council disputes are internal matters that can be resolved through legal and administrative channels, and not by laying the blame on the feet of the governor. If councillors decide to impeach their chairmen, how does that concern the governor?”

The statement urged the political players to be patient and support Okpebholo’s administration saying: “Okpebholo has shown no indication of promoting hate or vendetta. His focus remains on fostering peace and development. Governance is not an instant gratification exercise but requires patience, collaboration, and constructive engagement.”

Meanwhile, the impeached Chairman of Esan Central Local Council, Paul Iyoha, at the weekend, accused the Okpebholo of orchestrating his removal from office.

Iyoha faulted the process leading to his impeachment, noting that neither he nor other council chairmen were given a fair hearing before being suspended by the Edo State House of Assembly.