Okpebholo issued warning about sycophants

By Jethro Ibileke

The Chairman of the Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP), Dr Samson Isibor, has cautioned Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, against allowing flattery and praise-singers to distract him from the pressing challenges facing the state.

Dr Isibor issued the warning on Friday during the Coalition’s 2025 Awards ceremony, where individuals were recognised for excellence, humanitarian service, and public impact.

He criticised the governor’s reported tolerance of sycophants who bestow grandiose titles on him, saying such praise does not reflect the reality experienced by ordinary citizens.

According to him, security conditions in Edo have deteriorated, while unemployment continues to rise, leaving families struggling to survive.

“Some people may be calling you names like ‘Akpako Rescue’ or ‘Akpako Messiah’, but you are none of these,” he said. “One year after taking office, nothing has changed for the masses. People are still battling hunger, food prices are unbearable, and thousands of graduates are moving around daily in search of nonexistent jobs.”

Isibor said residents now live in fear as bandits, armed herdsmen and other criminal groups have become more daring, attacking farms, highways and rural communities.

“Edo people can no longer sleep peacefully,” he lamented. “These criminals have taken over our bushes and farmlands, even storming homes to abduct people like chickens. They burden victims with outrageous levies and ransoms running into tens of millions of naira.”

He warned that the situation was worsening the state’s poverty levels and urged Governor Okpebholo to act decisively and fulfil his campaign promises to secure the state.

Speaking further, Isibor encouraged the governor to adopt strategies similar to those implemented in Ekiti State, where agricultural programmes have reportedly created thousands of jobs for graduates, artisans, and other residents.

He noted that modern farming initiatives in Ekiti had boosted incomes and helped stabilise food prices.

“We were encouraged when we saw Governor Okpebholo visit Ekiti with members of his cabinet to study their model,” he said. “We hope he will apply what he learnt and replicate those successes here in Edo.”