Ahamioje Hails Gov Okpebholo’s Bold Intervention at Benin Electricity Protest

Dr. Ernest Ahamioje Movement Desk Reporting-

Dr Ernest Iyere Ahamioje, Edo State House of Assembly hopeful for Esan South East Constituency, has strongly commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for personally identifying with protesters during Monday’s electricity demonstration at Ring Road in Benin City.

Governor Okpebholo had made an unscheduled stop at the protest venue where youths and residents gathered to express frustration over persistent power outages, estimated billing, and concerns surrounding the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC). Addressing the crowd, the governor assured demonstrators of swift stakeholder engagement and pledged efforts to open up the electricity distribution space to more investors in order to break monopoly structures and improve service delivery.

Reacting in a statement, Dr Ahamioje described the governor’s action as “a defining moment of responsive and participatory leadership,” noting that physically joining citizens in protest sends a powerful message about accountability and empathy in governance.

“Leadership is not exercised from a distance. It is demonstrated in moments like this — when a governor steps into the crowd, listens firsthand, and commits to solutions. Governor Okpebholo has shown that the voices of Edo people matter,” Ahamioje stated.

He said the governor’s proposal to convene a stakeholders’ meeting and invite representatives of the protesters reflects a practical and solution-driven approach rather than mere rhetoric. According to him, opening the electricity distribution sector to more investors would introduce healthy competition, improve efficiency, and ultimately protect consumers from exploitative practices.

Dr Ahamioje further emphasized that electricity remains central to economic growth, small business survival, youth entrepreneurship, and overall development across Edo State. He noted that the governor’s swift engagement demonstrates an understanding of the broader socio-economic implications of unstable power supply.

“This intervention is not just about electricity; it is about economic justice and the dignity of our people. By taking immediate steps to address the grievances raised, the governor has reinforced public confidence in government’s readiness to act,” he added.

Ahamioje also called on residents to remain peaceful and actively participate in the proposed dialogue process, stressing that sustainable reforms require collaboration between government, private operators, and consumers.

Dr Ernest Ahamioje Movement say the governor’s presence at the protest and the strong endorsement from stakeholders like Dr Ahamioje signal a growing momentum toward structural reforms in the state’s electricity distribution framework.