By Fred Itua
In George Orwell’s Animal Farm, Napoleon, the pig rises to power not by virtue of competence or vision but by undermining others, spreading falsehoods, and manipulating the system to serve his selfish interests. Like Napoleon, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, after its crushing defeat in the 2024 governorship election, has adopted a strategy of sabotage. Incapable of delivering themselves, they now pour scorn on Senator Monday Okpebholo’s administration, attempting to derail the progress he is committed to achieving.
Since losing the election, the PDP has displayed post-traumatic bitterness. Its factional spokespersons—some of whom served in previous administrations and were accused of absconding with official properties, including luxurious vehicles allegedly disposed off, at scandalously low prices—have launched an unrelenting tirade against the Governor.
For instance, they criticized the proposed flyover project aimed at easing the notorious gridlock that has plagued Benin City for years. It seems they would prefer the city remains mired in chaos than to see a solution emerge under Okpebholo’s leadership. They probably envied such remarkable feat of an iconic Ramat Park flyover by Governor Okpebholo, which they would have loved to accomplish but for their short-sightedness.
Meanwhile, the Governor has focused on strengthening the civil service, re-entrusting it with its rightful role as the engine room of governance. In doing so, he has flushed out consultants hurriedly converted into civil servants by the previous administration and elevated to senior roles. These consultants, who treated Edo State as their cash cow, have been shown the door, paving the way for career civil servants to step up and drive governance effectively. But rather than acknowledge this bold reform, the PDP has chosen to cry foul.
The party’s dissatisfaction extends to the restoration of the state-owned Ambrose Alli University in Ekpoma and the resumption of its monthly subvention—a clear effort to revitalize the institution. Yet, the PDP attempted to stir needless controversy around this decision. Their grievances are steeped in bitterness, as they appear unable to applaud progress when it emanates from the opposition.
The dearth of the university in the past eight years in the hands of the past PDP administration has been criticized as most ignoble. Beyond economic prospects, the university has added robust value to academics and attracted global researchers to Edo State. In one swoop, the PDP administration downed all those accomplishments.
Equally telling is their reaction to the Governor’s insistence on accountability in local government administration. The councils under the PDP-led government abandoned their core responsibilities and took up the roles of vote-buying, intimidations of political opponents, and siphoning of resources for political expediencies. Predictably, the PDP vehemently protested the Governor’s demand for transparency, preferring the councils to remain its life support, especially in funding their court cases against the Government.
The local government councils were already weighed down by the huge spending on court cases and party leaders, such that they got little or nothing for their primary duties like salaries.
One of the core values of Governor Okpebholo’s administration is that workers’ salaries and emoluments must be prioritized and non-negotiable.
While the PDP has the right to criticism, they must be constructive and devoid of fallacies and misrepresentations. Governor Okpebholo has even urged the state-owned Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS) to entertain critical assessments of his administration. However, criticism must be rooted in truth and not bitterness, which currently defines the opposition’s approach. Okpebholo’s stance for fair play must not be taken for granted.
Attempts to demarket this administration will fail. Governor Monday Okpebholo’s election by the majority of the people has also been justified by his tireless work for all; irrespective of tribe, religion, or political leaning, as it was in the past administration.
Like Orwell’s Napoleon, the PDP may thrive on manipulation and sabotage, but the people of Edo State can see through the mischief. Progress, under the leadership of Governor Okpebholo, will not be hindered by the noise of a bitter opposition.
Fred Itua is the Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor