Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo has addressed claims from opposition parties regarding the influence of Senator Adams Oshiomhole on his administration. Okpebholo asserted during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today that Oshiomhole, who served as governor of Edo from 2008 to 2016, does not interfere in his governance.
Gatekeepers News reports that he emphasized that contrary to some criticisms labeling Oshiomhole a dictator, the former governor’s involvement in current affairs is minimal.
“Even the man that they say is a dictator is not dictating anything; I am seeing a different Oshiomhole. Oshiomhole is giving me a free hand,” the governor said.
“Whenever I want to talk to him, he will say, ‘My son, I know how you feel; just do it your way.’. But I will say, ‘Sir, I won’t do it in my way, please advise me,’ and he advises me, and most of the advice comes out to be something positive. You cannot be an island; you have to carry everybody along.”
The governor also refuted claims that he was handpicked by political godfathers to serve as a puppet leader in the state.
He added that God used certain individuals as instruments to help him achieve his governorship goal.
“Can you even point out one godfather who was pushing me?” Okpebholo asked.
“God was using people to help me, to support me, to get to where I am today.
“Senate President is the leader from the south-south. Whatever he did is for the progress of the Edo people; he wants Edo to be repositioned.
“God was at work; Edo people spoke. We were hungry for a change. Even in the next 20 years, I will win.
“Do you know when I won my senate (seat), there was a sitting senator? That time everything was working against us, but yet we won.”
