It is unfortunate that John Mayaki, in his usual dramatic flair, has decided to misrepresent the ongoing efforts of Governor Okpebholo as tyranny. While he labels the Governor as a "new sheriff" with "kangaroo councils" and "jungle justice," a closer look reveals a leader focused on restoring sanity, accountability, and genuine democracy to Edo State.
Governor Okpebholo inherited a fractured system riddled with impunity and mismanagement—an unfortunate legacy of the previous administration. These council chairmen that Mayaki rushes to defend were products of the very "jungle justice" he now claims to oppose. They were imposed on the people without any electoral legitimacy, courtesy of Godwin Obaseki’s undemocratic methods. Where was Mayaki’s voice of reason when these injustices occurred?
Let us not forget: Governor Okpebholo was elected to serve the people, not to maintain the corrupt structures of his predecessors. His decisions, while firm, are aimed at correcting years of misrule and setting Edo State on the path of progress. Replacing these council chairmen was not an act of tyranny but a necessary step to ensure that only credible and accountable leaders manage the affairs of local governments.
Mayaki's attempt to paint Governor Okpebholo as a despot is not only disingenuous but also reeks of selective amnesia. He conveniently ignores the gross abuse of power under Obaseki, where dissenters were hounded, houses demolished, and democratic institutions undermined. Where was his moral outrage then?
As for the accusations of using thugs and disregarding due process, it is clear that Mayaki is more interested in sensationalism than facts. Governor Okpebholo has consistently operated within the confines of the law. Any actions taken against council chairmen have been based on documented infractions and gross misconduct, not personal vendettas.
Furthermore, invoking the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate financial mismanagement at the local government level is not tyranny—it is governance. Public funds must be accounted for, and those found wanting must face the consequences. This is not a war against opposition; it is a war against corruption.
Mayaki’s rhetoric about "fear" and "silence" is equally misplaced. The people of Edo State are not silent out of fear; they are watching and supporting a Governor who is finally putting their interests first. They see through the antics of those who benefited from the previous system and are now crying foul because the tables have turned.
To address Mayaki’s claim that Governor Okpebholo is eroding democracy: democracy thrives on accountability, transparency, and the will of the people. It does not thrive on impunity or the perpetuation of illegitimate power structures. Governor Okpebholo’s actions are guided by these democratic principles, and his administration is committed to building a better Edo State for all.
Finally, let it be known that power is indeed transient, as Mayaki rightly pointed out. Governor Okpebholo is fully aware of this and is determined to leave behind a legacy of good governance, not the chaos and misrule that characterized the past. He is focused on delivering results, not pandering to the whims of those who wish to maintain the status quo.
Edo State deserves better than recycled narratives and baseless accusations. It is time to support a leader who is not afraid to make tough decisions for the greater good. Governor Okpebholo is that leader. Let us give him the chance to prove it.
May Edo State rise above the distractions and move forward.
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