Buhari should call Edo to order

Four years ago, Edo people witnessed the political activities that led to the emergence of Godwin Obaseki as Governor of Edo State. It is now necessary to remind Governor Obaseki about this saying in our place, that a man who knows where he is coming will easily know and get where he is going. It […]

Four years ago, Edo people witnessed the political activities that led to the emergence of Godwin Obaseki as Governor of Edo State. It is now necessary to remind Governor Obaseki about this saying in our place, that a man who knows where he is coming will easily know and get where he is going. It is also imperative to learn from history as we see the governor threading the path of former Governor Oserhiemen Osunbor in 2008.

Ordinarily, Governor Obaseki and the people of Edo State should be proud of having their son as the national chairman of the ruling party, the APC. For him to soon be championing the removal of his benefactor will definitely portray him as someone having the blood of betrayal running in him and posterity will add him on the wrong side of history.

The handwriting we are seeing on the wall from our sitting position portends grievous danger for our youths ahead of the election. The drums of war by the governor, his deputy and their co-travellers are too loud, scary and terrifying. As governor and chief security officer of the state, we hold Governor Obaseki responsible for any infraction that threatens the peace of the land or that will befall our children. We therefore urge the governor to thread with caution and retrace his steps before the crisis degenerates to anarchy. The utterances coming from the camp of the governor have become too immature for someone occupying such exalted position.

As chief economic adviser, Governor Obaseki was a key component of the administration of former Governor Oshiomhole and that was what earned him the exalted position he occupies today. Setting up a commission of enquiry four years after to probe the administration of his predecessor in which he served is childish, cheap and a political blackmail that will definitely not add value to his achievements and the state. It only tells how low the governor had condescended to distract himself from governance and how he is frantically searching for ways to escalate the crisis in a state where tension is already very high. Nigerians with discerning minds are laughing. Comrade Oshiomhole as governor has done his bid, including delivering projects. We urge the governor to do his bit as today’s actions can be tomorrow’s nightmares.

President Muhammadu Buhari should call Governor Obaseki to order so he can face governance.

The developing scenario in Edo State polity is needless, avoidable and unnecessary no matter the provocation. We are concerned because of the direction of governance in recent times. Our common wealth and our destiny are at stake. The mandate freely given to Obaseki is sacrosanct. A word is enough for the wise.

 

Chief Matthew N. Asemota, and Col (Rtd.) Johnbull Omo-Ojo, Secretary, Edo Elders Consultative Forum.