“It’s mere suspension from office, they would be recalled after the suspended officials clear their hard earned names” I had initially assured myself when the news broke this morning. But, we all can now agree that a “no-nonsense”Sherif is town who would not harbour any sacred cow. He has shown that he is actually in charge of his administration – I mean Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo state.

Since taking the oath of office in November last year, Governor Okpebholo has wasted no time in making his stance on governance very clear – it is no longer business as usual but more of business unusual. In a swift manner for which some say it’s rather too early in the day, the Governor has suspended three ranking officials within his administration – the three happened at night – you simple wake up to hear about it. No time to waste.

While those who argue that it was too early for the Governor to have taken these decisions, others say he has sent a strong message that his government will not be a safe haven for indiscipline or financial misconduct – although the affected officials are presumed innocent until proven otherwise.

The first to face the hammer was the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of Edo State Flood, Erosion and Watershed Management Agency (FEWMA), Mr. Ahmed Musa Momoh. He is a staunched supporter of the Governor from Edo North senatorial district. A die-hard believer in Senator Monday Okpebholo and a man who would go any length to defend the Governor. He is on suspension for alleged insubordination and has also apologized.

Next to be suspended are the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Samson Osagie, and the Chairman of the State Local Government Service Commission, Damian Lawani over allegations of “grave official and financial infractions”. I must confess that this suspensions are a shift in the way governance was being conducted in Edo state.

But there is a school of thought that disagree with the modus operandi of thr Governor – they say it’s too swift to carry out a disciplinary action within months of taking office as Governor – in fact, they say it’s “premature”. And I asked them, when will it be “matured” to take such actions? When is the ‘right time’ to demand accountability? Should a leader wait until corruption festers before taking action? I think Governor Okpebholo’s approach signals the urgency of the matter – an uncommon trait lacking in governance.

For Okpebholo, there is no “massage” for corruption or deodorant to cover any malfeasance. Neither is he willing to ignore because of political convenience. He is wielding the big stick without fear or favour.

Again, for those who say it’s too early, the question is – when, then, should the Governor take action? After a year? After his tenure? After the damage has been done? The truth is this, discipline in the case of insubordination and accountability in the case of financial infractions, both must start from day one. If the Senator Monday Okpebholo’s administration must be taken seriously, it must set the tone early and that is precisely what the Governor is doing.

I think it’s more about establishing a standard and not just necessarily punishment. A leader who understands the weight of his responsibilities and applying the kind of urgency it deserves must be commended. We all know that these principles are often ignored in our governance system but common in the private sector.

The question I normally would ask when it comes to fiscal discipline is this – if it were your farm, would you allow reckless spending, insubordination, or financial mismanagement? This is the question the Governor is asking those entrusted with public funds and responsibilities. Governance for me, is not a free-for-all but a serious business that demands the highest level of discipline and accountability.

The message is undoubtedly loud and clear for every appointee – they are simply walking on eggshells and any deviation from integrity and professionalism will come at a steep cost because for Okpebholo, governance is service to the people and not personal enrichment. Even when those suspended are eventually cleared and reinstated, the warning has been served – it doesn’t matter your status or political connections.

Governor Okpebholo has shown boldness in just a few months in office. He has also shown courage, and readiness to work. Now, there is a clear line in the sand against corruption that you cannot cross as an appointee. It is either you shape in, or you shape out.

Okpebholo is not ready to be blackmailed that because he has a case in court, everyone should misbehave. There must be discipline, transparency and accountability even though for the period he would remain in office – it must reign supreme. We have seen leaders, but Okpebholo’s style is unusual. No sacred cow.