In what many described as a powerful moment of recognition, FCT Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday praised Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, for staying focused on governance despite intense political distractions and court battles.
Speaking during the unveiling of a new fleet of mass transit buses in Benin City, Wike likened Okpebholo’s leadership style to that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu — action-driven, fearless, and deliberate. “This is not politics. This is real impact,” Wike said as he admired the freshly revived Edo Line Transport Service.
“This man went from tribunal to appeal to Supreme Court, but he never allowed any of that to slow him down. In just eight months, look at what we’re seeing in Edo,” Wike remarked. “He took the bull by the horns.”
The revived Edo Line, once a defunct state-owned transport service, has now been reborn with new buses and better structure. Wike noted that this move will not only improve commuting for residents, students, and traders but also enhance security across the state.
“You now know the driver, the vehicle, and the route. You’ve reduced risk and the cost of transport — this is leadership,” Wike added.
Wike also addressed the recent controversy surrounding Governor Okpebholo’s comments directed at Labour Party’s Peter Obi, who was advised to notify the state before visiting. Wike defended the governor’s statement, calling it standard security protocol, not intimidation.
“As a former governor, I know that if something happens to a high-profile visitor in your state, you’ll be held responsible,” Wike explained. “Okpebholo was simply being proactive. He said, ‘Tell me you’re coming so I can protect you.’ That’s not a threat — that’s duty.”
Governor Okpebholo, while responding, made it clear that his advice to Obi stemmed from a personal experience where one of his security men was shot and killed during a previous incident at the Benin Airport. “I know what it means to be caught off guard,” the governor said.
In a rare moment of reflection, Wike also offered an unreserved apology to Senator Adams Oshiomhole and the people of Edo State for supporting former Governor Godwin Obaseki’s reelection in 2020, accusing Obaseki of failing to deliver on his mandate.
Governor Okpebholo thanked President Tinubu for his continued support and promised that Edo State would deliver 2.5 million votes for his re-election in 2027.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by dignitaries from across Nigeria, including Senator Oshiomhole, who joined in celebrating what many say is the return of purposeful leadership to Edo.
