Governor Monday Okpebholo has been urged by the Edo Progressives Alliance (EPA) to eliminate the coordinator position in the First Lady’s Office.
The group said that in order to guarantee true leadership and responsibility, a real first lady office should be established.
At a press conference in Abuja, Convener of EPA, Comrade Gift Okiyi said, “We implore the Governor to swiftly restore the First Lady’s office, as the Coordinator position is ineffective.”
She encouraged the governor to change the office’s responsibilities and financing sources, as well as to replace the coordinator with a First Lady who is traditionally recognized.
Okiyi emphasized that the First Lady’s office has acknowledged power and would improve financing accountability and transparency in accordance with international democratic norms. She also urged traditional leaders, including the Oba of Benin, to step up and address governance issues that jeopardize Edo’s cultural traditions.
According to her, the state’s reputation for inclusivity is at stake when there are people putting their own interests ahead of the good of the group.
The EPA underlined the necessity of having a prominent voice for women’s issues and pointed out that a First Lady could deal with structural issues like high taxes and inadequate infrastructure.
