Everything that has a Beginning, like they say, must have an end. This saying was what the Edo state governor, Godwin Obaseki had in mind, when he began the Asue Ighodalo movement for the governorship race, months ago, with aggressive intensity. The fear of someone else occupying Osadebey’s house had created a shadow of fear, so much, that it became a personal project for Governor Obaseki; that must not fail.
He picked a fight with his deputy, Comrade Philip Shuaib, who had expressed his interest in the governor’s seat but the Obaseki had none of it. He knew how deeply rooted Philip Shuaib is and tactically schemed him off and positioned a greenhorn; Asue Ighodalo.
In Gov. Obaseki’s smartness, he believed he had run the state and had pocketed the assembly that could challenge his welding influence, believing that, coasting to victory of his candidate, Asue Ighodalo of PDP would be seamless. The State House of Assembly agreed with Obaseki’s bid to remove Comrade Shuaib as deputy governor. Having succeeded in this aim, he installed a stooge; Mr. Omobayo Godwins, as deputy governor. This became a legal battle which stretched for a long after, but positive judgment came for Com. Shuaib; reinstating him to his Deputy governor position. We shouldn’t forget that by this time, Com Shuaib had crossed to the All Progressives Congress, after tendering an apology to the party, his elder and former leader; Comrade Adams Oshiomole. Obaseki treated Comrade Shuaib with so much disdain. Rather than being depressed, the court verdict , coupled with APC’s acceptance of reabsorption, encouraged Comrade Philip Shuaib, to give everything needed to APC’s governorship candidate; Senator Okpebholo as support during campaigns.
The Outgoing Governor, Obaseki went also, into war with the most popular Edo paramount ruler. This insult on Omo N’oba is what the Edo people detest. They revere the Oba of Benin so much that, a fight against the Oba, is a fight against all. Obaseki took the fight to a ridiculous level, by encouraging the enorgies, who were earlier suspended by the palace to take the Oba of Benin to court while the state gave them recognition. Many unspeakable actions were said to have been taken against the palace by the PDP outgoing administration of Gov. Obaseki. Adding more insult, on the day of final party campaigns in Edo state, APC leaders led by the Vice-President, Mr Shettima paid a courtesy visit the palace of Oba of Benin while the Obaseki-led PDP train moved far to Okada town where they all paid homage to Chief Gabriel Igbinedion. All of these Obaseki’s antics were the reasons Benin people were more determined to end Obaseki history. City people saw a video clip of some chiefs, who went around Benin City, campaigning for the Oba’s preferred candidate in the Benin dialect.
Another factor that caused PDP and Obaseki to hit the canvas was the pushing aside of the original owners of Edo PDP. If we could refresh you, When Obaseki was preparing to contest for a second term under the APC flag, the party rejected him. With the support of Wike and some top PDP members, the former state Party chairman helped push aside Mr. Dan Orbih group’s. Then, the Edo PDP structure was handed to Obaseki. This action had since then, caused division, now coupled with Obaseki’s betrayal of Wike’s Presidential ambition last year, the division in PDP became more evident.
With the swearing-in of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Edo state like other states of the federation, began to receive humongous monthly allocations. Edo, through Obaseki’s government, has been receiving an average of N17B but nothing has changed for good in Edo state. Rather, it’s been harassment, intimidation and others from the outgoing government of Obaseki. The governor established the Edo State Security Network, with the intent to perpetrate wickedness, against the Edo residents.
Days before the election, all parties came under same roof to sign a peace accord but the PDP, under the leadership of Gov. Obaseki refused peace but rather tagged the election a “Do or Die affair”. This made Nigerians lampoon his Excellency for fanning the crisis.
Governor Obaseki’s violent position created tension prior to the election but as God would have it, the security agencies were alerted and the Police deployed an advance troupe of 35,000 personnel. The same was for the military, the DSS and other personnel, sent to coordinate the security of Edo residents ahead of the election. This action caused confusion and counter press releases between the Edo state government and other security agencies but security threats were truncated by the security agencies. One of which, was an attempt on the life of a serving Federal lawmaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Okojie of the APC.
Though the early downpour caused a bit delay of voting on Saturday 21st of September in some Wards and Local Governments, the election still went well and each of the 3 gladiators protected their constituencies.
However, on the night of vote counting at the collation centre, information came that the incumbent governor, Mr Obaseki suddenly stormed the INEC office. It took the intervention of DIG Mbah to order Governor Obaseki out of INEC office. While the counting of votes was ongoing, some PDP state leaders, went to the press to reject the yet-to-be-declared winner, because they realized the release results of the 17 local governments were not in their favour.
However, packets of hired protesters were seen on the streets, while majority of residents were jubilating about the possibility of APC’s success. An unconfirmed video shows His Royal Majesty, Omo N’oba dancing in his palace, a true attestation to the fact that people felt relieved.
Report by Lekan Odunowo
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