The directive by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, to his cabinet members to wear President Bola Tinubu’s signature cap to the State Executive Council meeting has generated reactions from the public.
Reacting to the comment, State Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dan Osa-Ogbegie, said the governor’s directive shows he was installed by a man, adding: “Our people have insisted, loudly and consistently, that they voted for Asue Ighodalo. Monday Okpebholo himself has now given public weight to that sentiment. He owes his seat not to Edo, but to the man whose cap he compels others to wear.
“When a governor makes the political emblem of his benefactor the dress code for his own cabinet, he is not hiding anything. He is proudly declaring who owns the mandate. If the only passport to Edo’s executive council is the cap of another man, then Edo’s sovereignty has already been discounted.”
The PDP Publicity Secretary stressed that “the executive council of Edo State should not be a franchise of any alien. Edo is not a political vassal state. To act otherwise is to turn symbolism into servitude.”
Also reacting, President, Talakawa’s Parliament, Kola Edokpayi, described the governor’s directive as a misplaced priority, adding that the State Executive Council meeting should not be a campaign ground but a place where how to deliver dividends of democracy to Edo people should be discussed.
However, State Assistant Publicity Secretary of the APC, Ofure Osehobo, has said that nothing is wrong with the governor’s directive, adding that over the months, the governor has been showing his love and support for the President.
Osehobo said the governor’s cabinet members are all in APC, hence he believes they would be comfortable wearing the cap.
Meanwhile, Okpebholo has announced the reintroduction of Edo languages into the school curriculum across the state.
The governor disclosed this during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Esan Okpa Initiative to Government House in Benin City.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, yesterday, the governor said the move aims to preserve the state’s rich cultural heritage and promote indigenous knowledge.
Also, Okpebholo has reiterated his determination to revive Ambrose Alli University (AAU), describing its restoration as “a victory for the people,” with substantial progress already underway to return the institution to its former glory.
Egbadon, in his reaction, applauded the governor’s achievements, underscoring the urgent need to protect and advance the Esan languages and culture.
