Senator Monday Okpebholo: The Promise Keeper and Restorer of Hope in Edo State
The long years of neglect, deceit, and administrative arrogance that defined the previous administration in Edo State have finally given way to a new dawn of purposeful leadership under His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
For several years, the EDOSTAR teachers, who formed the backbone of basic education in Edo State, were used, manipulated, and abandoned by the administration of Mr. Godwin Obaseki. These were men and women who labored tirelessly to sustain the state’s educational system, often working under deplorable conditions — without job security, proper remuneration, or basic welfare provisions.
Governor Obaseki, in his usual style of political hypocrisy, engaged over 5,000 teachers on a contract basis and used their services for about three years without giving them employment letters. Throughout this period, they endured uncertainty, ridicule, and poor pay, yet remained dedicated to their duty of nurturing young minds across the state.
In a last-minute political maneuver, a few weeks before the expiration of his tenure, Obaseki selectively issued employment letters to a few individuals — most of whom were allegedly his political loyalists and party cronies. This disgraceful act was not only unjust but also a mockery of due process, professionalism, and the principles of fairness in public service.
The question many Edo people have asked is: How could a governor who boasted of reform and transparency turn around to politicize the destiny of hardworking teachers?
Obaseki’s tenure, rather than building the educational sector, was marked by vindictiveness, propaganda, and misplaced priorities. He destroyed the foundation of trust between the government and its workforce. Many teachers were left hopeless, demoralized, and frustrated — not because of lack of competence, but because they refused to bow to political manipulation.
When Senator Monday Okpebholo assumed office, he inherited a system weakened by deceit and injustice. But unlike his predecessor, he came with a heart of compassion and a clear vision for rebuilding Edo State.
Through the Ministry of Education, Governor Okpebholo initiated a comprehensive verification exercise to ascertain the true status of the EDOSTAR teachers. He personally listened to their stories, acknowledged their sacrifices, and vowed to restore their dignity and job security.
Today, that promise has been fulfilled. Over 5,000 EDOSTAR teachers have been officially absorbed into the Edo State civil service — a bold and humane action that has rekindled faith in governance. This singular decision reflects Senator Monday Okpebholo’s integrity, empathy, and commitment to justice.
It is also noteworthy that earlier this year, the governor employed 500 additional teachers to strengthen manpower in public schools across the state — a move that further demonstrates his understanding of education as the bedrock of societal development.
Governor Okpebholo’s approach stands in stark contrast to the deceptive and politically motivated policies of Obaseki, who was more interested in playing politics with people’s livelihoods than in building institutions of progress.
Edo people can now heave a sigh of relief, knowing that they finally have a leader who values human capital, rewards hard work, and believes in merit, not party loyalty.
Under Senator Monday Okpebholo, Edo State is rising again — with transparency, compassion, and genuine governance replacing years of deceit and propaganda.
Indeed, Edo is Shining once more.
God bless His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
God bless Edo State.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Eloebhose Michael
Advocate for Good Governance
Author and Political Commentator
Comments
Post a Comment