The process of power transition is attaining a crescendo in Edo State. The recent inauguration of transition teams by the Edo State Government and the Governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) reaffirms the fact that governance is a continuum. Yet change of administrations is inevitably constant. It also underpins the fact that governance is not mechanical. People make decisions, and smart decisions require robust information.
It is anticipated that as the team of the outgoing administration interfaces with that of the Governor-elect, it will foster a smooth and orderly transition. One of the hallmarks of democratic resilience is irenic power transition, particularly from one political party to another. It signifies political stability, increases public confidence in mechanisms of governance, and could engender a greater inflow of investors’ capital.
Every era needs a paradigm of development that is sensitive to the peculiarities of its time, people’s aspirations, and future well-being. So, as Senator Okpebholo, heads to Osadebe House, the people of Edo State anticipate a new paradigm of excellent governance. The common expectation is that he will immediately deploy an actionable framework of socio-economic transformation.
People are yearning for a nonpartisan framework of governance that encapsulates values and strategies for inclusive growth, a culture of harmony, and sustainable outcomes. An end should come to a lack of sustainable development practices. Prestige-driven projects are hardly people-centric and are often antidevelopment. Edo people do not need such.
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Peace is a prerequisite for development. Governance is not a game of war. So, as Senator Okpebholo, heads to Osadebe House, he should endeavour to wear the toga of a unifier. A divided Edo is a weak Edo. The highly cerebral Oba of Benin has said much about the need to unite. One cannot but wonder if “the Heartbeat of the Nation” is weak, what will happen to the nation? It will take a united Edo to fight and win the battle against entrepreneurs of violence. The Governor-elect should be the points man in this battle.
Different forms of violence have led to the erosion of social cohesion. Edo cannot move forward as long as violence keeps disrupting local economies. It is common knowledge that violence stalls economic growth and increases poverty rates. It causes the destruction of businesses, loss of jobs, and reduced investment. To end violence and deepen peace, Senator Okpebholo may need to institute an enlightened league of peace ambassadors.
Good governance entails efferent service delivery. So, as Senator Okpebholo, heads to Osadebe House, Edo people seek an immediate implementation of his service delivery agenda. Healthcare services in Edo State need revamping. To start with, concerted efforts should be made to elevate the status of primary healthcare delivery systems to ensure top-notch quality, efficiency, accessibility, and affordability, particularly in hard-to-access communities.
The people of Edo State, do not expect a politicisation of the shortcomings of the immediate past administration. Politics is over. It is development O’clock. A caveat is needed here: This does not imply that if the people of Edo State were criminally underserved, the incoming administration should condone it.
Good governance consists of connecting and collaborating. Hence, as Senator Okpebholo, heads to Osadebe House, he should not forget that relationships matter. Trust and collaboration are essential pillars of effective governance. Power should enhance his relationship with residents in Edo State, not deteriorate it. It should enhance his relationship with his political supporters and non-supporters.
Edo cannot afford to replicate the mistake of Rivers State. This might be challenging. Recent history has shown that godfathers are inclined to turn leaders —who should be architects of progress—into pawns in a grim game of power and political survival.
I suspect that one of the greatest tests of the political acumen of the incoming Governor will be how he manages his relationship with his political benefactor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole. Senator Oshiomhole is a versatile political actor with a vast wealth of experience. His strategic support will enable the Governor-elect to do well in Osadebe House. In other words, the Oshiomhole-Okpebholo dyad will work for the greater good of Edo people, if Senator Oshiomhole does not seek to become a micro-controlling kingmaker. He must rise above the temptation to conduct himself as “the power behind the throne.” His influence will balloon if he does not seek to turn the Governor-elect into a titular leader.
Similarly, the Oshiomhole-Okpebholo dyad will work for the greater good of Edo people, if Senator Okpebholo, eschews the arrogance of power that instigates the tyranny of small-mindedness.
Again, good governance requires dialogic communication. Words shape the world; silence stirs chaos. Two-way communication is the lifeblood of high-impact leadership. Leaders fail when they miscommunicate or seldom communicate. So, as Senator Okpebholo, heads to Osadebe House, he should institute a multi-competent team of communication experts to foster robust people engagement.
Engaged people are empowered people. Edo people need empowerment., not “stomach infrastructure.” Empowerment is about harnessing dialogic communication as an instrument for development. Weak leaders speak to the people; good leaders speak with the people, and great leaders listen to the people. So effective communication in governance is about people first.
Good governance is grounded in ethics. Ethics guide actions. So, as Senator Okpebholo, heads to Osadebe House, he should allow moral considerations to shape his decisions. The sustainable transformation of Edo State cannot occur as long as there is a lack of transparency and accountability in public service delivery and resource utilisation. In other words, poor road networks, inadequate public transportation, insufficient access to electricity and water supply, and deteriorating health and educational facilities will outlast Senator Okpebholo, if he does not strengthen the ethical foundation of good governance. Stated pointedly, without an ethical renaissance in governance, sustainable development will be a mirage in Edo State.
Stephen Covey says, highly effective people begin with the end in mind. So, as Senator Okpebholo, heads to Osadebe House, he should be legacy conscious. Four years is not forever. It is short. To make the most of it, the Governor-elect should resist the allure of short-termism, which is associated with the politics of patronage. Cronies will come with their demands. However, history will not consider him an excellent leader if he meets the needs of cronies at the expense of the people.
Osamwonyi, PhD wrote from Zamfara
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