Okpebholo: The Actualiser, the Performer

By John Mayaki

Eyes were not on the soft-spoken, easy-going man when I met him in 2016 during Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu’s gubernatorial contest. We had no clue he would eventually trounce the once-behemoth PDP in a senatorial contest. In one shot, he defeated the Goliath and became a Senator.

Now, the man nobody thought was a politician or would ever emerge as Governor is fast actualising the dreams of late Ambrose Alli and performing wonders in the state without noise or big grammar.

Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo is the man. After Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the state went into recession; by that I mean a state lacking the presence of governance and the decay became massive for any successor. According to the APC State Chairman, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, after Oshiomhole, there was no government in Edo State until Okpebholo emerged.

Now, everywhere you go in Edo State, you see Okpebholo. If you don’t see him in person, you will see his footprints. You will see his bulldozers, his excavators, his tipping trucks. He is in the minds, mouths, and memories of the people. He has successfully etched his name in our minds with the gigantic and gargantuan projects across the state.

This deft and shrewd politician from Edo Central has promised President Bola Tinubu 2.5 million votes for his re-election. But some people who do not understand how this actualiser hopes to bring it to pass are quick to doubt him. I can tell you that nobody will vote against Okpebholo, especially with the massive road and drainage construction currently being undertaken across the state. From the over 5 million Edo people, Okpebholo wants 2.5 million. Is that too much to ask?

Okpebholo is firm, focused, and resolute. Do not test his resolve. He is a go-getter. He is bold. He is not afraid to take decisions that will put the state at the forefront of development. In addition, he is meticulous and incorruptible.

He is simply actualising his destiny. Never a novice in politics, he cut his teeth as a committed loyalist of the late Chief Tony Anenih, another astute politician who ever lived. Today, Edo citizens are happy about making the right choice in Okpebholo as their governor.

It is not an understatement. Many people have attested to the fact that Okpebholo is a model governor. He is not afraid to take decisions, no matter how controversial, if the action is in either the short or long term interest of the state. As the governor of the Heartbeat State, Okpebholo has continued to shoulder heavy national party responsibilities.

This actualiser has shown capacity in the governance of the state, just as he has proven himself an astute politician. If you like, call him a political administrator. He has brought honour to his party, his political leaders, and the state because of his achievements. He has brought unity to the party, the APC.

Okpebholo has an uncanny capacity for the rough game of politics, and he is unapologetic about it. The game is the game. If you contest against him, he will win. If he contests against you, he will defeat you. So, the choice is yours to make.

We have seen videos where citizens want him as governor for the next 16 years. They do not mind the Constitution being amended for Okpebholo. Someone said he should even demolish his fence and house to give way for the massive road construction and erosion control along Old Sapele Road. We have also seen a bus driver who testified that Okpebholo’s administration enabled him to complete his house and marry a second wife. The testimonies are not just weird and unusual; they are unbelievable, considering how this performer has impacted the socio-economic life of the people.

Okpebholo’s exemplary character, courage, and commitment to public welfare are glaring. He has lived up to expectations as the best man for the job. There are no regrets about that. Even members of the opposition cannot withhold respect for Okpebholo’s transformational activities. Like King Solomon of old, the fame of this actualiser and performer has grown beyond the shores.

Okpebholo, the actualiser; Okpebholo, the performer; Okpebholo, the President Tinubu’s mobiliser. Okpebholo will deliver. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election is settled.