Work towards enhancing living standards of Edo people

Nigerian President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sent his heartfelt congratulations to the newly elected governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, as he took an oath to become an executive governor of the state.

The president, in a statement by his spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, urged the governor to diligently work to enhance the living standards of the people of Edo State and make a significant impact during his tenure.

The statement reads: “President Bola Tinubu has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Senator Monday Okpebholo on his inauguration today as the Governor of Edo State.

“In his message, President Tinubu urged Governor Okpebholo to diligently work to enhance the living standards of the people of Edo State and make a significant impact during his tenure.

“Following his triumph in the state governorship election held on September 21, 2024, Okpebholo officially took over from former governor Godwin Obaseki.

“Reflecting on the transition, President Tinubu noted that after eight years under Obaseki’s administration, Edo State is rejoining the ranks of the All Progressives Congress.

“He emphasised the importance of Governor Okpebholo justifying the confidence placed in him and the APC while fostering true democracy and effective governance in the state.

“The President encouraged Okpebholo to empower the Legislature and other vital government institutions throughout his administration, underscoring that a robust and independent legislature is essential for achieving democratic good governance.

“Expressing concerns, President Tinubu lamented the previous administration’s attempts to undermine the legislative branch, which hindered its effectiveness for much of its tenure.

“Additionally, President Tinubu commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for the successful conduct of the Edo Governorship Election and encouraged the Commission to strive for even greater excellence in the upcoming Ondo Governorship Election, scheduled for November 16, 2024.

“The President celebrated this milestone as a new chapter in Edo State’s democratic journey and rejoiced with the people of Edo for this momentous occasion.”

Background of the story

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday, September 22, 2024, declared Monday Okpebholo winner of the Edo state 2024 governorship election.

Okpebholo was declared the winner after scoring 291,667 votes to beat his closest rival of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Asue Ighodalo, who garnered 247,274 votes. In comparison, Labour Party candidate Olumide Akpata came third with 22,763 votes.

The State returning officer, Prof Faruk Adamu Kuta, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, declared Okpebholo the election winner.

Who is Okpebholo?

Born on August 1970, Monday Okpebholo hailed from the Udomi-Uwessan community of Irrua Esan Central Local Government Area.

He is a businessman and politician who previously served as a senator, representing Edo Central senatorial district until 2023.

Okpebholo attended Udomi Community Primary School and Ujabhole Community Secondary School, both in Uwesan Irrua, Esan Central local government area of the state.

He completed his secondary education and collected a senior school certificate in Jos, Plateau State.

He had his degree in Business Administration from the University of Abuja and holds a Master’s in Policy and Leadership Studies from the same institution.

Monday Okpebholo contested and won the Edo Central senatorial district seat under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the February 25, 2023 election, where he was inaugurated for the 10th National Assembly of Nigeria as Senator in June 2023.

However, in February 2024, he won the Edo State APC gubernatorial primary election.

Earlier this year, a magistrate court summoned Okpebholo for allegations of falsifying his date of birth certificate.

Okpebholo married with two children.