By Douglas Jones
Former Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has ridiculed the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Monday Okpebholo, describing him as someone who has reduced governance to a “huge joke.” Mayaki’s biting remarks followed Okpebholo’s recent interview with BBC Pidgin, where he confidently promised uninterrupted power supply for Edo State residents through the provision of transformers and electric poles.
Okpebholo’s response during the interview seemed to expose his lack of understanding regarding the complexities of the power sector. When asked how he planned to ensure 24-hour electricity for the state, his solution was startlingly simple. “What is the problem with interrupted power supply?” Okpebholo posed, before answering himself, “They told me transformers and poles. So, if I can give them transformers and poles, they will have uninterrupted power supply. Who is going to stop the light from the people?”
In a swift reaction, Mayaki warned Edo voters to be wary of Okpebholo’s oversimplified approach to serious governance matters. “Edo people should be careful about electing Okpebholo as governor—the man whose grand plan to solve all electricity woes is by installing a few transformers and poles. According to him, no need for energy experts or policymakers; Okpebholo is here to show us the way,” Mayaki quipped sarcastically.
Mayaki went on to mock the APC candidate’s “visionary” approach. “While engineers and energy experts dedicate years to understanding the intricacies of power generation, transmission, and distribution, Okpebholo seems to believe all we need are a few transformers and poles. Why bother with technicalities like power plants, grid management, and energy policies? Okpebholo has it all figured out,” he continued.
Drawing attention to the broader implications of such simplistic governance, Mayaki added, “If this is Okpebholo’s approach to the electricity crisis, imagine how he’ll tackle other critical sectors. Healthcare woes? Just build more hospitals and hand out bandages—who needs doctors or medicine? Education challenges? Simply erect more schools and distribute books—no need for teachers or curricula. And for security, why not throw up a few police stations and hand out uniforms? Problem solved.”
Mayaki concluded by accusing Okpebholo of turning governance into a joke. “Instead of discussing serious issues like generating capacity, distribution networks, and energy policies, Okpebholo is treating governance like a comedy routine. Edo people deserve better than someone who reduces their problems to punchlines,” he warned.
As the race for the Edo governorship heats up, it remains to be seen how voters will react to Okpebholo’s unconventional promises and Mayaki’s sharp criticism of his governance strategy.
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