Governor Monday Okpebholo, has officially transitioned from his role as a senator to the governorship of Edo State. This major political shift was marked by an emotional farewell speech delivered by Okpebholo, who expressed gratitude towards his colleagues and reflected on his journey in the Senate.
Born on August 29, 1970, Monday Okpebholo is a seasoned businessman and politician affiliated with the All Progressives Congress (APC). His political career took a notable turn when he was elected as the senator representing the Edo Central Senatorial District in 2023.
During his tenure in the Senate, Okpebholo served as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Procurement, where he played a crucial role in legislative processes and governance.
Okpebholo's departure from the Senate was necessitated by his election as the governor of Edo State. The gubernatorial election, held on September 21, 2024, saw Okpebholo emerge victorious as the APC candidate.
He was subsequently inaugurated as governor on November 12, 2024. This transition left the Edo Central Senatorial District unrepresented in the Senate, prompting the need for a by-election to fill the vacant seat.
In his farewell address, Okpebholo acknowledged the support and camaraderie he experienced during his time in the Senate. He specifically thanked several of his colleagues, including Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, Senator Babangida Husseini Uba, and Senator Abdulaziz Yari, for their friendship and collaboration.
Okpebholo also expressed his appreciation for the guidance and encouragement provided by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, highlighting their roles in his political journey.
Reflecting on his legislative experience, Okpebholo stated, "We saw ourselves as forerunners of democracy, and we wanted the best for the nation. Barely one year in the Senate, I left to pursue the dream of becoming governor. Today I am Governor of Edo State." He emphasized the impact of his legislative work on his passion for good governance, particularly in areas such as infrastructure development, security, education, and health.
The declaration of Okpebholo's Senate seat as vacant was formalized by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, following a request from Abba Moro, the minority leader representing Benue South Senatorial District.
Citing Paragraph D of Section 68 of the Nigerian Constitution, Moro's letter highlighted the constitutional requirement to declare the seat vacant due to Okpebholo's new role as governor. Consequently, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was called upon to conduct a by-election to fill the vacancy.
As Okpebholo embarks on his governorship, he carries with him the experiences and lessons learned from his time in the Senate. His dedication to governance and development will undoubtedly shape his approach to leading Edo State, as he continues to serve as a "good ambassador of the 10th Senate," as he pledged in his farewell speech.
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