Barely weeks into his tenure as the governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo finds himself at the center of an unrelenting storm of political distractions. These challenges are primarily emanating from the camp of his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, and his loyalists. While political transitions often involve disagreements, the incessant nature of these attacks risks undermining Okpebholo’s administration before it gains full momentum. For the sake of the people of Edo State, it is imperative that this trend ends so the new governor can focus on fulfilling his mandate.

For instance, the Edo State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) recently leveled serious allegations against Governor Okpebholo. At a press conference, Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, the caretaker chairman of the PDP in Edo State, accused Okpebholo of squandering over ₦30 billion supposedly left behind by the Godwin Obaseki administration within 14 days of taking office. The funds, he claimed, were used to compensate political “godfathers” who facilitated Okpebholo’s electoral victory.

Additionally, Aziegbemi alleged that Okpebholo had procured ₦5 billion worth of vehicles without following due process and was attempting to justify ₦2 billion as inauguration costs. He also criticized the APC-led administration for failing to pay November salaries on time, a deviation from the prompt payments that characterized the Obaseki era.

While these accusations are concerning, they have not been substantiated with concrete evidence. The Edo State government, through Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Okpebholo, has strongly denied these claims, labeling them as baseless propaganda intended to tarnish the new administration. Itua also stated that the government was committed to exposing the alleged rot left behind by Obaseki’s administration, setting the stage for a clash of narratives.

In response to the allegations, Governor Okpebholo announced the formation of a 14-member State Assets Verification Committee. The committee was tasked with reviewing the handover process and ensuring transparency in the management of state resources. While this move might seem like a logical step toward accountability, it has been met with sharp criticism from Obaseki’s camp.

Crusoe Osagie, media aide to Godwin Obaseki, dismissed the probes as a “circus of meaningless theatrics,” accusing Okpebholo of using them as a smokescreen to distract from his lack of preparedness for governance. Osagie argued that Okpebholo’s focus on investigations rather than delivering tangible results was indicative of an administration that had no clear developmental agenda.

Osagie further touted Obaseki’s achievements, including the creation of Edo State’s first-ever asset register, and accused Okpebholo of attempting to rewrite the narrative surrounding the transition process. He went on to suggest that the probes were motivated by the interests of Okpebholo’s alleged political godfathers, who were seeking revenge for being denied access to state resources during Obaseki’s tenure.

It is evident that the ongoing squabbles between the camps of Obaseki and Okpebholo are less about governance and more about political dominance. Obaseki, who defected to the PDP after a fallout with the All Progressives Congress (APC), spent much of his second term battling political adversaries. His administration, while praised in some quarters for reforms, was also criticized for alienating key stakeholders.

Okpebholo’s emergence as governor under the APC banner signaled a return to power for the party in Edo State. However, rather than accepting this reality, Obaseki’s loyalists seem intent on undermining the new administration. By focusing on unsubstantiated allegations and dismissing every move made by the governor, they risk creating an atmosphere of perpetual instability in the state.

Lost in this political tug-of-war are the people of Edo State, who stand to lose the most from these distractions. Edo citizens elected Okpebholo with the hope that he would address pressing issues such as unemployment, poor infrastructure, and economic stagnation. Every minute spent on political mudslinging and counter-allegations is a minute lost in addressing these challenges.

It is essential for both parties to remember that governance is about serving the people, not settling political scores. The PDP and Obaseki’s camp must understand that their time in power has ended and allow the new administration to focus on its agenda. Similarly, Governor Okpebholo must rise above the noise and concentrate on delivering the promises that got him elected.

While the probes initiated by Okpebholo’s administration are essential for ensuring accountability, they must not become the centerpiece of his tenure. Governance should prioritize development, not endless investigations. The governor must strike a balance between holding the previous administration accountable and driving forward his vision for Edo State.

If Obaseki’s administration was as transparent as it claims, then the probes should not pose a threat. Instead of resisting them, Obaseki’s loyalists should cooperate with the process to prove their innocence. At the same time, Okpebholo must ensure that the investigations are thorough, fair, and devoid of political vendettas.

For Edo State to move forward, both the ruling and opposition parties must prioritize the state’s development over their personal or political interests. Constructive criticism is essential in a democracy, but it must be based on facts and presented responsibly. Opposition for opposition’s sake benefits no one, least of all the citizens of Edo State.

Governor Okpebholo, on his part, must remain focused on governance. Key areas that require immediate attention include the prompt payment of salaries, improvement of public infrastructure, and creating a conducive environment for economic growth. By delivering tangible results, he can win the trust of Edo people and silence his critics.

Edo State cannot afford to be trapped in a cycle of political vendettas. The time has come for all stakeholders to set aside their differences and work toward a common goal: the progress and prosperity of Edo State. Obaseki’s loyalists must recognize that their time in power is over and allow the new administration to function without unnecessary interference.

As for Governor Okpebholo, his mandate is clear. The people of Edo State have placed their trust in him to deliver meaningful development and address the challenges facing the state. It is up to him to prove that their trust was not misplaced.

The distractions must end. Let Monday Okpebholo work.