I can’t help but raise an eyebrow whenever I come across the phrase “finishing well,” the parting slogan of the outgoing PDP administration in Ẹdo state, led by Governor Godwin Obaseki. The slogan is a lie and a blatant one at that. I say this because since assuming office in 2016, Mr Obaseki’s tenure has been a series of questionable decisions that paint a controversial picture of his leadership, for want of a better term.
One example of Obaseki’s controversial choices was the exchange of a state-of-the-art Public Library, which he only needed to equip with relevant books- a testament to intellectual progress, for a mere supermarket. It begs the question of the priorities set by a man who claimed he read Classic in a prestigious University like Ibadan. Posterity will tell whether such a swap aligned with the development needs of our state.
Equally puzzling was Mr Obaseki’s visit to markets, and at the time accused the opposition of sponsoring the sabotage. He shamelessly promised the hapless traders billions in compensation, only to later trade the intended location for a shopping mall at Osa Market.
I am still looking for Mr Emwanta who justified the demolition at the time to explain why Obaseki demolished the century-old Central hospital- so named because of its accessibility -a legacy that stood as a symbol of the state capital community’s healthcare history, in exchange for a pictorial museum. The man simply erased a significant part of the Edo history and heritage.
Obaseki’s role in turning the National museum premises into a den of thugs at the Benin City Kings Square is equally unsettling. A place meant to preserve and showcase cultural artifacts now tainted with the stains of violence and disorder raises serious doubts about the governor’s perception of law and order.
Move to the rift between Obaseki and his deputy, which resulted in the latter being driven faraway out of the Government House, illegally and unilaterally. The action of the governor reflects very poorly on his leadership dynamics. Such internal discord which went out of control confirmed concerns that the governor lacks the ability to foster a cohesive and collaborative government, essential for effective governance.
Perhaps one of the most glaring issues during Obaseki’s poor tenure was the deliberate deprivation of 14 out of 24 Edo state constituencies of representation in the State Assembly for four years. The blatant disregard for democratic principles raised serious questions about the governor’s commitment to inclusive governance and representation.
The icing on the cake was the move that directly impacted the future of education in the state. Obaseki chose to close down all tertiary academic institutions that he inherited. The closure of these institutions raises questions about the governor’s approach to addressing challenges within the education sector and the potential long-term consequences on the state’s intellectual development.
As we reflect on these decisions and actions, it becomes increasingly evident that Obaseki’s legacy is controversies and questionable choices. The “finishing well” mantra, when juxtaposed with these instances, appears to be a paradoxical statement. A leader’s legacy is shaped not only by the promises made but by the tangible and positive impact on the lives of the people.
– Osehobo is Assistant State Publicity Secretary of the APC, Ẹdo State.