Politics
Humpty Dumpty: Godwin Obaseki’s Loud Fall and Adams Oshiomhole’s Unyielding Flame in Edo Polity
Humpty Dumpty: Godwin Obaseki’s Loud Fall and Adams Oshiomhole’s Unyielding Flame in Edo Polity
By Bolaji Israel
The phrase “Humpty Dumpty” brings to mind fond memories from early school years, referencing a beloved nursery rhyme about a tragi-comic character who fell and shattered beyond repair.
The tale dates back to the late 18th century, featuring an egg-shaped figure who fell off a wall, broke apart, and could never be pieced back together. In contemporary terms, it symbolises a person or entity that, once overthrown, cannot be restored.
The political landscape of Edo State has recently been rocked by the dramatic downfall of outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki, a situation that has unfolded like a meticulously crafted drama. The decisive triumph of Monday Okpebholo over PDP’s Asue Ighodalo marks not the beginning, but the climax of the unfolding drama.
This saga, marked by betrayal, ambition, and fierce rivalry, saw Obaseki face off against his former political godfather, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who has emerged victorious in this bitter contest.
Once celebrated as a protégé, Obaseki’s trajectory was propelled by Oshiomhole, who played a pivotal role in his ascent to the governorship.
However, the relationship soured, leading to a public fallout that captivated the attention of political observers. What began as a partnership soon devolved into a fierce rivalry, with accusations of overreach and betrayal flying between the two men.
So intense was the battle that Governor Obaseki had to seek shelter far away from his party, APC, which gave him the platform for his first term in office, to a rival political party, the PDP, to realise his second term ambition.
Though the move afforded the embattled governor who was then in the intensive care unit politically the golden opportunity to complete his eight years administration but the battle never stopped between the gladiators.
Obaseki himself has said one key issue his administration had with the former governor of the state, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, was that he (Obaseki) organised a state burial for the Peoples Democratic Party leader, Chief Tony Anenih due to Anenih’s overwhelming contributions to the state.
He explained: “When Chief Tony Anenih died, I gave him a state burial as an APC member and this is one of the thing that caused problem between Oshiomhole and I. He (Oshiomhole) said since he (Anenih) was not an elected official, why would I give him a state burial? I said the man had done more than many governors. So, he deserved it.”
Those sympathetic to Obaseki also insisted that Oshiomhole was one political figure who had consistently condemned political godfatherism and whittled down the political influence of leaders before him including Lucky Igbinedion who had ruled the state between 1999 and 2007. For them, Oshiomhole was wrong to have exerted much influence and pressure on Obaseki as his godfather.
Those who disagreed however didn’t make things easy for Obaseki. They labelled him a betrayal. They hold the view that during the re-election saga, Obaseki cornered and used his then fellow governors even from APC, including Kayode Fayemi etal and also Wike to achieve his aims but later insulted him.
They insist that Obaseki has proven to be a serial betrayal and an ungrateful person who doesn’t respect even the highly reverred Oba of Benin.
As the battle rages, news filtered that Obaseki also initiated several projects but abandoned them midway. The episode of the 18 lawmakers that he refused the state legislators to swear in has also remained a reference.
So, going into the recent gubernatorial elections, the stakes were high. Oshiomhole threw his weight behind Senator Monday Okpebholo, the candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC), while Obaseki aligned himself with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo. The election became not just a contest of candidates, but a battle of wills between the two former allies, and ultimately, a test of their political mettle.
As the dust settled, the results were a resounding affirmation of Oshiomhole’s enduring influence in Edo State politics. Okpebholo emerged victorious, securing 291,667 votes against Ighodalo’s 247,274, while Obaseki’s failure was underscored by the fact that he lost in his own local government area, Oredo.
The defeat has been described as nothing short of humiliating for a sitting governor, raising questions about his political acumen and strategic prowess.
Oshiomhole takes no prisoners. So his verdict after the PDP’s loss was swift and brutal – Obaseki is politically dead!
He went further. “They now understand if a man can speak like the King of England, but can’t build classrooms and their children are sitting on the floor, where is the value of the English?
“If you have signed millions of MoUs, brought all manner of consultants, even though you are one of the consultants anyways. The hospital that was built by Governor Oshiomhole you converted it to a private hospital. You ran it by consultants and only the rich can go there. The poor have been forbidden from going there. You demolished the other side of the hospital and replaced it with a museum. You think the poor are stupid?” Oshiomhole queried.
The fallout from this political debacle has not only affected Obaseki but has also ensnared other key players, notably his deputy, Philip Shaibu. Once a loyal ally,
Shaibu found himself sidelined during Obaseki’s administration, with his office relocated and his aides dismissed. The dynamics of their relationship shifted dramatically, leading to speculation about Shaibu’s future in Edo politics.
In a twist of fate, Shaibu has emerged from the shadows, mocking Obaseki’s electoral defeat. His comments during a recent interview highlighted his belief in his own political strength, contrasting it with Obaseki’s lack of electoral success.
Shaibu stated, “I feel vindicated; even the governor couldn’t win his local government. I won my unit, ward, and local government.” His assertion that he had been instrumental in Obaseki’s previous victories adds another layer to this complex political narrative.
The election results have opened the door for a reevaluation of loyalties and alliances in Edo State. Oshiomhole’s triumphant return to power has not only reinstated him as a significant political force but has also left Obaseki grappling with the reality of his diminished influence.
The political tide has turned, and the former governor is now faced with the task of rebuilding his reputation and reconciling with a constituency that has seemingly rejected him.
As the political landscape shifts, one thing is clear: the battle between godfather and protégé serves as a cautionary tale about loyalty, ambition, and the volatile nature of political alliances.
With Oshiomhole basking in his victory and Shaibu relishing his vindication, Obaseki must now navigate the choppy waters of post-governorship life, where the echoes of his political fall continue to resonate throughout Edo State.
Bolaji is a writer, public affairs analyst, poet and public relations strategist.
Gov. Dauda Lawal commissions projects in Anka LGA, Commits to Sustainable Development
The Executive Governor of Zamfara State, Dr. Dauda Lawal, has reiterated his administration’s steadfast commitment to guiding Zamfara State towards sustainable development by inaugurating and initiating a series of pivotal projects in the Anka Local Government Area.
Among the key undertakings announced are the comprehensive reconstruction and modernization of the Emir of Anka’s palace, signaling a revitalization of traditional leadership; the initiation of work on the crucial Anka–Abbare Road, which is expected to significantly improve connectivity; and the construction of a new Local Government Secretariat.
Additionally, the projects encompass the establishment of dedicated offices for the Hisbah Commission and the Community Protection Guards, alongside the reconstruction of the Safe School in Anka, emphasizing the administration’s focus on enhancing educational infrastructure.
During the commissioning event, Governor Lawal highlighted that these projects are a fulfillment of commitments made during his campaign, aimed at transforming the local landscape by improving infrastructure, stimulating economic growth, bolstering public service efficiency, and enhancing the capacities of security agencies. He called for a collective effort from the community to ensure proper maintenance of these facilities, underscoring the shared responsibility in preserving public assets.
Governor Lawal shared that similar projects have also been inaugurated in Tsafe, with plans for upcoming projects in Kaura Namoda, Moriki, Bungudu, Bukkuyum, and Zurmi, all expected to be completed and inaugurated by the year’s end. This ambitious timeline reflects the administration’s urgency in addressing the development needs of various regions within the state.
In his remarks, the governor urged residents and local traditional institutions to collaborate closely in maintaining the newly commissioned structures and supporting the overarching objectives of his administration. “I stand here in Anka today to honor our commitments to the people of Anka Local Government and all of Zamfara State. The official opening of the new palace for the ‘Sarkin Zamfaran Anka’ and the Zamfara State Council of Chiefs is a significant milestone that wraps up today’s agenda,” he stated.
Governor Lawal emphasized the strategic importance of the Anka–Abbare Road, describing it as a critical artery that will not only enhance access to remote areas but also stimulate economic activities and generate multiplier effects throughout the local economy. He articulated the necessity of providing a conducive work environment for civil servants, affirming that the new local government secretariat and dedicated offices will significantly contribute to strengthening law and order within the state.
“Education is the cornerstone of any thriving society. Our focused initiatives are oriented towards fostering a safe, secure, and supportive environment for our students. I am also proud to announce the completion and commissioning of the reconstructed SAFE School Anka today,” he remarked, reaffirming the administration’s dedication to education.
The governor further noted that the commissioning of the Emir’s Palace serves to restore the historical prominence of traditional institutions, which he regards as pivotal custodians of the region’s culture and heritage. He underlined the administration’s awareness of the invaluable role that these institutions play in fostering the state’s growth and emphasized the necessity of aligning development projects with cultural values.
In conclusion, the governor mentioned that after the successful commissioning in Anka and Tsafe, future projects in Kaura Namoda and Moriki will follow suit, while those in Bungudu, Bukkuyum, and Zurmi remain on track for completion and official commissioning before the year concludes.
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GEN CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA SUPPORT INITIATIVE HAILS GOVERNOR UBA SANI’S APPOINTMENT AS RENEWED HOPE AMBASSADOR
GEN CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA SUPPORT INITIATIVE HAILS GOVERNOR UBA SANI’S APPOINTMENT AS RENEWED HOPE AMBASSADOR
The Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa Support Initiative (GCGMSI) has extended its warm congratulations to His Excellency, Mallam Uba Sani, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, following his recent appointment as a Renewed Hope Ambassador and Deputy Director-General for Party Outreach, Engagement, and Mobilisation by the All Progressives Congress (APC).
This felicitation was formally conveyed in a statement signed by the Initiative’s Convener, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani, Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, and disseminated to the press.
The statement highlighted that the Grand Patron of the GCGMSI, His Excellency General Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR, Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, received the news of the appointment with great pride but without surprise. According to the statement, General Musa expressed unwavering confidence in Governor Uba Sani’s proven capability and salient leadership qualities, affirming that the Governor is eminently equipped to deliver on every task entrusted to him.
The Grand Patron further extended profound appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for recognising and finding Governor Uba Sani worthy of this critical national assignment. The appointment, which takes effect immediately, was made by the President in his capacity as the leader of the APC, citing the Governor’s exceptional organisational abilities and strategic acumen.
In his new role, Governor Sani is tasked with working in close collaboration with the Director-General of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors and the party hierarchy, including the National Chairman of the APC. His primary mandate is to ensure harmony, inclusiveness, and strategic coordination across all levels of the party’s mobilization and engagement architecture, a vital function for advancing the political agenda.
Demonstrating its commitment to national service and effective governance, the GCGMSI, under the direct directive of its Grand Patron, General Musa, has officially mobilised its formidable structure. The Initiative has pledged the full deployment of its extensive network, seasoned personnel, and robust operational framework to assist and support Governor Uba Sani in the successful execution of his new responsibilities.
The Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa Support Initiative, renowned for its disciplined organisation, widespread grassroots penetration, and capacity for large-scale civic mobilisation, stands ready as a pivotal force. This move underscores the GCGMSI’s pivotal role as a key support system for national development initiatives and its unwavering dedication to fostering unity and progress under the Renewed Hope agenda.
Oyo 2027: Ajadi Says PDP Will Retain Power
…..Tasks PMS To Remain United, Peaceful
A leading People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has urged the people of Oyo State to remain steadfast, saying they will continue to enjoy good governance because the PDP will produce the next governor in the 2027 general elections.
Ajadi, who made this known while addressing transport unions under the Park Management System (PMS) at their headquarters, New Garage, Ibadan, on Tuesday, urged the park managers to remain united and maintain the love and peace currently prevalent among them.
According to him, “My advice to the Park Managers and the commercial drivers in Oyo State is that they should continue the love and peaceful attitudes. They should remain united. They should not ‘scattelegs’.
“Don’t let anybody deceive you, remain steadfast. Let me assure you that our party, the PDP, will produce the next governor come 2027,” Ajadi said.
He said he came to the PMS headquarters to meet with transporters and park managers to inform them of his aspiration to serve the people of Oyo State as governor come 2027.
“Today I joined my people, the park managers in Oyo State, to familiarize myself with them and inform them of my intention to serve the people of Oyo State as the next governor by the Grace of God.”
On the plans for the transporters, Ajadi said he first wants to change the look of the City Cabs, which will be done in collaboration with the Park Management System.
He also plans to increase the number of Mass Transit buses and make them available in all locations of the State.
He said the Mass Transit buses will operate in partnership with the Park Managers.
Ajadi, who commended Governor Makinde on the newly established bus terminals in the State, said his government will ensure adequate usage of the facilities.age of the facilities.
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