Edo Mega-Aides: Okpebholo Approves 4,800 SAs For Wards

​BENIN CITY — In a major move designed to decentralize governance and compensate grassroots loyalty, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the immediate appointment of 4,800 Special Assistants (SAs).

​The sweeping appointments translate to 25 political aides for each of the 192 electoral wards spread across the 18 local government areas of the state.

​Governor Okpebholo announced the package during a high-level strategic meeting with leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from across the state’s councils, held at the Government House in Benin City.

​According to the governor, the initiative is structured to bridge the communication gap between the government and local communities, ensuring that democratic dividends and state policies are felt at the grassroots level.

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​”We are taking governance to the grassroots so that whatever is from the top will also go down to the bottom. Approving 4,800 SAs is not an issue at all because we all worked for this victory. The victory does not belong to Okpebholo alone,” the governor stated, emphasizing the collective efforts of party stalwarts.

​Reaffirming his allegiance to the ruling party, Okpebholo dismissed concerns over the bloated figure, noting that the gesture serves as a reward for the steadfastness and sacrifices demonstrated by party loyalists during past electoral battles.

​Speaking at the interactive session, Edo State APC Chairman, Jarret Tenebe, elaborated on the implementation framework, noting that a dedicated party committee has been constituted to oversee the screening and selection process. This committee will work directly with ward chairmen to compile and submit the names of qualified nominees to the state party headquarters, ensuring strict compliance with established guidelines.

​Tenebe commended the governor for stabilizing the party structure and repositioning it for optimal performance, adding that the new appointments will further cement grassroots mobilization.

​The strategic briefing was attended by prominent political figures, including Edo State Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, the Chief of Staff, members of the APC State Working Committee, and various ward chairmen.