The recent meeting between Senator Monday Okpebholo, the newly inaugurated governor of Edo State, and former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, has brought to light troubling questions about governance, sovereignty, and the dignity of the Edo people. What should have been a celebration of Edo’s democratic mandate now seems overshadowed by condescending advice and undue interference from an outsider. Such a scenario not only undermines Edo’s sovereignty but paints a grim picture of a state submitting its independence to political overlords.
Edo State, as a sub-national entity in Nigeria’s federal system, has its own constitutional rights, executive powers, and autonomy. The governor, who swore an oath to protect the state and serve its people, should represent the pinnacle of this independence. However, the mere optics of travelling miles to another state to receive what amounts to tutorials from a former governor raises serious questions about the governor’s commitment to the dignity and sovereignty of Edo State.
It is even more concerning that Wike’s “advice” focused less on governance and more on maintaining loyalty to political godfathers and benefactors. “Don’t abandon those who worked day and night for you,” Wike admonished, prioritizing loyalty to power brokers over the needs of ordinary citizens. Nowhere in his lengthy address did the welfare of Edo’s people—the very electorate who entrusted Governor Okpebholo with their mandate—come into the conversation. This glaring omission signals a troubling disconnect between the leaders and the people they are meant to serve.
A governor’s foremost responsibility is to the people, not to the political elite who claim to have facilitated their rise. As John Quincy Adams once said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.” Governor Okpebholo must recognize that true leadership lies in service to the people, not in pandering to external influences or political godfathers.
By seeking external validation from an outsider who holds no constitutional role in Edo State, Governor Okpebholo risks eroding the dignity and trust of the Edo people. This is particularly damaging in a state with a proud history of resilience and self-determination. The people of Edo deserve a leader who prioritizes their welfare above all else, not one who appears beholden to external forces.
Wike’s advice further highlights a systemic problem in Nigerian politics: the overemphasis on loyalty to individuals at the expense of governance and accountability. The insinuation that the governor owes his position to those who “installed” him, rather than the people’s mandate, undermines the sanctity of democratic elections. It reduces governance to a transactional relationship between political elites, leaving the electorate as mere bystanders in their own state’s affairs.
This approach to governance is not only undemocratic but deeply unjust. As Mahatma Gandhi rightly noted, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Governor Okpebholo must embrace this ethos and redirect his focus toward the people who entrusted him with their hopes and aspirations. The welfare of Edo’s citizens must take precedence over any political allegiance or external pressure.
Edo State is at a critical juncture. The challenges of unemployment, infrastructure deficits, education, and healthcare demand visionary leadership and a clear sense of purpose. The governor’s primary allegiance must be to the people who face these challenges daily, not to the whims of those who claim to have facilitated his rise to power. Anything less would be a betrayal of the trust reposed in him by the electorate.
Furthermore, Wike’s emphasis on loyalty to political benefactors exposes the entrenched culture of godfatherism that continues to plague Nigerian politics. This culture stifles innovation, promotes mediocrity, and undermines democratic governance. Governor Okpebholo must rise above this and chart a new course that prioritizes merit, accountability, and service to the people.
The people of Edo are not pawns in a political chess game. They are the bedrock of the state’s democracy and deserve leaders who will champion their interests with courage and integrity. As Theodore Roosevelt once said, “The welfare of each of us is dependent fundamentally upon the welfare of all of us.”Governor Okpebholo must embody this principle by ensuring that the collective good of Edo’s citizens remains his highest priority.
The optics of this meeting also raise questions about the governor’s readiness to assert his independence and fulfill his constitutional responsibilities. A leader who truly understands the weight of their mandate would not need to seek guidance from an outsider on how to govern their state. Such actions risk portraying Edo State as subservient to external interests, a perception that undermines the state’s integrity and pride.
Edo State deserves leadership that is bold, independent, and visionary. The governor must recognize that his legitimacy stems from the people’s mandate, not from political elites or external influencers. He must resist the temptation to prioritize personal relationships over the collective good and instead focus on building a legacy of service and progress.
It is also worth noting that the welfare of the people was conspicuously absent from Wike’s discourse. This omission is both troubling and telling. A true leader’s advice would center on strategies for improving education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic opportunities for the people. The absence of these priorities in Wike’s speech underscores the need for Governor Okpebholo to refocus his agenda on the issues that matter most to Edo’s citizens.
Governor Okpebholo has an opportunity to redefine leadership in Edo State. He can choose to break free from the chains of political patronage and forge a path that prioritizes the people’s interests above all else. As Nelson Mandela once said, “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” The governor must embrace this philosophy and commit to transformative leadership.
The people of Edo State deserve better than a governor who appears beholden to external forces. They deserve a leader who will fight for their interests, uphold their dignity, and champion their aspirations. Governor Okpebholo must rise to this challenge and prove he is worthy of his position as the Executive Governor of Edo State.
In conclusion, Edo State’s sovereignty and dignity cannot be compromised. Governor Okpebholo must prioritize the welfare of the people over the demands of political elites. He must chart a course that is independent, visionary, and people-centred. Edo deserves a leader who will put the state’s interests first and work tirelessly to build a brighter future for its citizens. Anything less would betray the trust and hope that the people have placed in him.
Deacon Darlington Okpebholo Ray, a Fellow of the British College of Journalism, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Truth Live News International, Sociopolitical Activist writes from London, England.