Common Person: Celebrating The Common Man’s Advocate, Senator Monday Okpebholo

Common Person: Celebrating The Common Man’s Advocate, Senator Monday Okpebholo

Na me wey dey clean una house

Na me wey dey wash una car

Na me wey dey cook ununu

Na me wey dey wash una cloth

Na me wey dey work for your shop

Na me wey dey hawk ununu

I be common person, but my happiness, oh, still be my own

Everybody get role, no mean say your own role passin’ my own- Burna Boy

I know the majority of you must have heard of this hit track from the African Giant himself, Burna Boy. The song depicts the perspective and experiences of a “common person,” someone who performs various everyday jobs like cleaning, cooking, driving, and working in shops.

Despite the humble nature of these roles, the song emphasizes the person’s happiness and sense of worth. It highlights the idea that everyone’s role is important and valuable, regardless of how it might be perceived by others. The repeated line “everybody get role, no mean say your own role passin’ my own” underscores the theme of equality and the dignity of labor.

This is exactly how it relates to the APC gubernatorial candidate in the coming Edo Elections, Senator Monday Okpebholo. He is a common individual, a homeboy, and one who has the streets—otherwise known as the grassroots—at his beck and call. He has earned respect for his multifaceted focus. However, his simplicity should not be taken as a weakness.

Everyone has their roles to play in nation-building. Senator Monday Okpebholo is a man who grew up largely in his community in Esan land. He knows their pains and identifies with their struggles. He may not be as outspoken as the Corporate Board Chairman or the Bank Marketer or Insurance Agent, but his legacies and antecedents are there for all to see. His commitment to progress and nation-building are second to none.

Monday Okpebholo is the man who drives your bus, the main guy who drives your Keke, and the one who runs things. He has provided water, transportation, and even good roads for his people. He is doing the job. Monday Okpebholo is a common person who has the common man in mind.

Let’s all gather and vote for Senator Monday Okpebholo as Governor.

Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah is the Director APC New Media Campaign Council and writes in from Benin City.