OPINION
If I Were Asuelimen Ighodalo, I Will...
By: Oriaifoh Godwins
If I were Asuelimen Akintunde Ighodalo, I will be smart enough to read the broad letterings on the walls and heed the advice in this writeup.
Wait a minute, is it true that, after the September 21 2024 Edo gubernatorial election, many have moved on with their lives and businesses? Is it true that Governor Monday Okpebholo, has not only hit the ground running, but has gone beyond that to hit the air flying?
Is it true that, Governor Okpebholo has flagged off the first flyover in Edo state? Is it true that Governor Okpebholo has also flagged off several other people oriented projects, for which the people of Edo state are happy and hailing Akpakomiza for?
Somebody, said; "the most outstanding development, since Okpebholo's inauguration as the governor of Edo state, barely two weeks ago, is the magical fall in the price of some food items in the market, particularly in Benin metropolis, just as a result of a vital pronouncement of a ban of Market Unions. Wow! It is true that you don't judge a book by it cover.
If I were Asuelimen Ighodalo, going by all these developments, for which the people are happy, as a new Edo is rising, I will join hands with Governor Okpebholo in this history making positive turn of events in Edo state, so my name can also be mentioned in the story of: 'The Making Of A new Rising Edo'.
If I were Asuelimen Ighodalo, by now, I would have realized that the past eight years of former Godwin Obaseki that I was identified with, is one of the factors that led to my failure in the last election. I would have realized that, my identification with Obaseki's government, made the people of Edo state to unequivocally decided that: "Never Again", will they sail with anyone that is identified with a Government of Memorandum of Understanding, MoU....
In view of this, if I were Asuelimen Ighodalo, the next best thing for me to do now, is to take a wise decision of joining hands with Governor Okpebholo in making Edo state that has been 'down', to rise again.
If I were Asuelimen Ighodalo, I will strike now, that the iron is red hot, as there is no better time than now, for Asuelimen Ighodalo to join hands with Governor Monday Okpebholo in building Edo state.
If I were Asuelimen Ighodalo, I will not allow myself to again be deceived that, any mandate is stolen, I will not listen to those urging me to continue to fight a battle that Governor Monday Okpebholo has already won. I will not allow myself to be deceived into continually wasting my time and money, just like I mistakenly did, when some person's hailed me on, to contest for the gubernatorial election.
If I were Asuelimen Ighodalo, I will clearly see that the smiles on the faces of Edo people, the serenity that has now overshadowed Edo state, and the optimism with which the people of Edo state has suddenly welcomed Governor Okpebholo, and looking forward to a better tomorrow, speaks volumes to the fact that, the people of Edo state have moved on, and are happy with the practical governance of Governor Monday Okpebholo, who has completely changed the narrative of governance, within just two weeks of his inauguration.
If I were Asuelimen Akintunde Ighodalo, I will listen to, and take this golden advice of wisdom, than take advice from those selfish, self-centered individuals that are only interested in their personal gains, and currently feasting on the so called court tussle.
Oriaifoh Godwins, a Journalist and an Independent Media Consultant, writes from Benin.