Eight months after his inauguration as Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo has drawn criticism from residents and political stakeholders for his slow pace in constituting a full State Executive Council.
The governor, who was sworn in on November 12, 2024, following his victory in the September 21 governorship election, has so far appointed only nine commissioners, leaving key ministries without leadership.
Political analysts and civil society groups have expressed disappointment that Governor Okpebholo appears to be following the footsteps of his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, and former President Muhammadu Buhari, both of whom faced criticism for prolonged delays in cabinet formation.
During Obaseki’s second term, the All Progressives Congress (APC) – now Governor Okpebholo’s party had vehemently criticised such delays, making the current situation particularly ironic.
Residents who spoke to newsmen noted that other newly elected governors, including Kogi’s Ahmed Usman Ododo and Ondo’s Lucky Aiyedatiwa, swiftly appointed their cabinets within days or months of taking office.
Ododo inaugurated 19 commissioners just four days after his January 27, 2025, swearing-in, while Aiyedatiwa named a 16-member cabinet less than five months after assuming office in February 2025.
The delay has raised concerns about governance efficiency, particularly in critical sectors like agriculture, road infrastructure, commerce, and the environment, which currently lack dedicated commissioners.
Leftist Omobude, Coordinator General of Edo Civil Society Organisations, described the situation as “surprising and shocking,” emphasising that the absence of a complete executive council hampers effective policy implementation.
While Governor Okpebholo has made some key appointments, including commissioners for education, health, justice, and finance, stakeholders urge him to expedite the remaining selections to ensure comprehensive governance.
The prolonged delay, they argue, contradicts the APC’s previous stance on prompt cabinet formation and raises questions about administrative priorities in Edo State.
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cc: Daily Post Ng
