News
VENO NEWS:Tribunal Victory: Redefining the Role of Opposition Politics in Edo State*
Date: 03-04-25
*By Fred Itua*
The recent ruling of the Edo State Election Petition Tribunal, which saw the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lose its bid to overturn the election victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo, marks a defining moment in the state’s political landscape. While elections and legal challenges are essential aspects of democracy, what follows is even more crucial—the role of the opposition in ensuring governance is accountable, effective, and people-centered. However, this must be pursued in a manner that prioritizes the development and stability of Edo State rather than fueling acrimony, political tension, and divisive rhetoric.
A vibrant opposition plays a crucial role in strengthening democracy. It is expected to provide constructive criticism, propose alternative policies, and ensure that the ruling government remains accountable to the people. However, for this role to be beneficial, it must be driven by the genuine interest of the people rather than personal vendettas, obstructionist tactics, or an attempt to undermine the legitimacy of the government.
In Edo State, the focus should now shift from post-election bitterness to responsible opposition politics. The people of Edo have made their decision through the ballot, and the legal process has affirmed it. It is now imperative that the opposition, especially the PDP, restrategizes its approach by offering meaningful policy alternatives rather than engaging in actions that could destabilize governance.
One of the most damaging aspects of opposition politics in Nigeria is the tendency for acrimonious engagements that serve only to inflame tensions rather than address pressing governance issues. When opposition leaders resort to inciting the public against the government, spreading misinformation, or engaging in character assassination, they create an environment of hostility that hinders governance rather than improving it.
Edo State cannot afford to be embroiled in unnecessary political squabbles that distract from the task of development. The challenges before the Okpebholo-led administration require cooperation, innovative thinking, and a commitment to service delivery. Any opposition that seeks to continuously heat up the polity for selfish political gains is doing a disservice to the very people it claims to represent.
True opposition is not about opposing for opposition’s sake; it is about providing credible alternatives and engaging constructively with the government of the day. There are many pressing issues in Edo State—economic development, infrastructure, education, security, and healthcare—that require the collective input of all stakeholders, including the opposition.
Rather than staging protests or engaging in campaigns to delegitimize the government, the opposition should leverage democratic institutions such as the State House of Assembly, public discourse forums, and the media to articulate well-thought-out policy alternatives. Political parties that lost at the polls should focus on rebuilding, strengthening their grassroots engagement, and preparing robust policy proposals that can win public support in future elections.
Democracy thrives when all parties respect the electoral process and its outcomes. The people of Edo have chosen their leader, and the court has validated this choice. Any attempt to undermine Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration through disruptive tactics would not only be undemocratic but also counterproductive. The opposition must recognize that its role is not to create instability but to ensure that governance is people-centered and effective.
As Edo State moves forward, it is time for all political actors to set aside differences and focus on governance. The ruling party must be open to constructive criticism, while the opposition must act responsibly, engaging in issues-based politics rather than resorting to acrimony. The interest of Edo people must remain paramount, and every political action should be geared toward their well-being and progress.
Governor Monday Okpebholo has a mandate to govern, and he must be given the space to deliver on his promises. The opposition, rather than being an obstacle, should be a partner in ensuring that democracy works for everyone. Politics should be a contest of ideas, not a battleground of personal or party rivalries. Edo State deserves better, and it is only through responsible and constructive engagement that true progress can be achieved.
*Fred Itua is the Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor.*
Date: 03-04-25
*By Fred Itua*
The recent ruling of the Edo State Election Petition Tribunal, which saw the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lose its bid to overturn the election victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo, marks a defining moment in the state’s political landscape. While elections and legal challenges are essential aspects of democracy, what follows is even more crucial—the role of the opposition in ensuring governance is accountable, effective, and people-centered. However, this must be pursued in a manner that prioritizes the development and stability of Edo State rather than fueling acrimony, political tension, and divisive rhetoric.
A vibrant opposition plays a crucial role in strengthening democracy. It is expected to provide constructive criticism, propose alternative policies, and ensure that the ruling government remains accountable to the people. However, for this role to be beneficial, it must be driven by the genuine interest of the people rather than personal vendettas, obstructionist tactics, or an attempt to undermine the legitimacy of the government.
In Edo State, the focus should now shift from post-election bitterness to responsible opposition politics. The people of Edo have made their decision through the ballot, and the legal process has affirmed it. It is now imperative that the opposition, especially the PDP, restrategizes its approach by offering meaningful policy alternatives rather than engaging in actions that could destabilize governance.
One of the most damaging aspects of opposition politics in Nigeria is the tendency for acrimonious engagements that serve only to inflame tensions rather than address pressing governance issues. When opposition leaders resort to inciting the public against the government, spreading misinformation, or engaging in character assassination, they create an environment of hostility that hinders governance rather than improving it.
Edo State cannot afford to be embroiled in unnecessary political squabbles that distract from the task of development. The challenges before the Okpebholo-led administration require cooperation, innovative thinking, and a commitment to service delivery. Any opposition that seeks to continuously heat up the polity for selfish political gains is doing a disservice to the very people it claims to represent.
True opposition is not about opposing for opposition’s sake; it is about providing credible alternatives and engaging constructively with the government of the day. There are many pressing issues in Edo State—economic development, infrastructure, education, security, and healthcare—that require the collective input of all stakeholders, including the opposition.
Rather than staging protests or engaging in campaigns to delegitimize the government, the opposition should leverage democratic institutions such as the State House of Assembly, public discourse forums, and the media to articulate well-thought-out policy alternatives. Political parties that lost at the polls should focus on rebuilding, strengthening their grassroots engagement, and preparing robust policy proposals that can win public support in future elections.
Democracy thrives when all parties respect the electoral process and its outcomes. The people of Edo have chosen their leader, and the court has validated this choice. Any attempt to undermine Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration through disruptive tactics would not only be undemocratic but also counterproductive. The opposition must recognize that its role is not to create instability but to ensure that governance is people-centered and effective.
As Edo State moves forward, it is time for all political actors to set aside differences and focus on governance. The ruling party must be open to constructive criticism, while the opposition must act responsibly, engaging in issues-based politics rather than resorting to acrimony. The interest of Edo people must remain paramount, and every political action should be geared toward their well-being and progress.
Governor Monday Okpebholo has a mandate to govern, and he must be given the space to deliver on his promises. The opposition, rather than being an obstacle, should be a partner in ensuring that democracy works for everyone. Politics should be a contest of ideas, not a battleground of personal or party rivalries. Edo State deserves better, and it is only through responsible and constructive engagement that true progress can be achieved.
*Fred Itua is the Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor.*
LINKS
- VENO tv: ACCESS BANK PLC APPOINTS MRS. IFEYINWA OSIME AS BOARD CHAIRMAN- VENO tv: PDP Bigwigs Storm Ibadan for Inauguration of Oyo State PDP Secretariat
- VENO tv REVEALS: Forget 2027 — Prepare for 2031, Bishop Warns Peter Obi By Kayode Adoide
- VENO tv: Nuclear Deal: War Looms As IRAN warns if U.S Attack..
- VENO tv: ADC Administration John Oyegun Takes Charge as Chairman of ADC Party Manifesto Committee — Signals Strategic Repositioning
- VENO tv: Release of 151 Abducted Kaduna Worshippers, A Testament To Power of Unwavering Faith -- Baba Olori
- VENO tv ADELEKE vs APC LG WAR EXPLODES Arrest Warrants on UBA Top Executives Over Osun Council Money! By Kayode Adoide
- VENO tv: Tragedy — Rising Gospel Star, Ifunanya Nwangele, Dies After Snakebite Incident By Kayode Adoide
- VENO tv: CJPAN Visits Onigbongbo LCDA Chairman, Commends Innovation & Development Drive
- VENNO tv Veteran Editor and Media Leader Lewis Obi Dies
- VENO tv: Osun LG Administration Battle: Crisis Looms By Kayode Adoide
- VENO tv: Awujale Throne: I Have Not Taken Any Bribe — Money Is Part of the Selection Process, Says Otunba Lateef Owoyemi By Kayode Adoide
- VENO tv: Bolaji Abdullahi Unveils Memoir “The Loyalist” in Abuja By Kayode Adoide, Lagos
- VENO tv: APC’s Growing Footprint Ahead of 2027 Elections Plateau, Kano Join the Expanding List By Kayode Adoide
- VENO tv Politics Controversy Trails APC E-Registration as Reps Member, Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji, Storms Party Secretariat over Alleged Exclusion By Kayode Adoide
- VENO tv:51 Gbosa for the Queen of the African Talking Drum Aralola Olumuyiwa @ 51
- VENO tv :The Fate of Victor Solomon a.k.a. “Victor Zidane”
- VENO tv: 56 Days In Custody in London: A Nigerian Medical Doctor Regains Freedom
- VENO TV Announces the Return of VENO International Magazine (Weekly Edition)
- VENO tv PATERNITY IMBROGLIO INVOLVING Davido CONTINUES By Kayode Adoide
Page 1 of 54 [Next] [Last Page]