By EMAMEH GABRIEL
Governor Godwin Obaseki’s reckless pursuit of power and control is driving him down a dangerous path of self-destruction. His brazen attempt to impose a successor on the people of Edo State has alienated key allies and created a plethora of political enemies. This shortsighted strategy will ultimately prove to be his undoing.
Yesterday, in a brazen display of authoritarianism, the Speaker of the Edo House of Assembly, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, summarily suspended three lawmakers – Mr. Donald Okogbe, Bright Iyamu, and Adeh Isibor – all members of the PDP, the same party as the Governor, Obaseki.
This draconian move, allegedly prompted by an attempted impeachment plot against the Speaker and other principal officers, raises grave concerns about Obaseki’s current state of mind. Coming on the heels of the recent impeachment of Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu on dubious grounds of official misconduct, this development exposes the Governor’s stranglehold on the state legislature.
Courting hostility on the cusp of an election is a catastrophic blunder that can unleash a political maelstrom with devastating repercussions. If anyone should be aware of this political dynamic, it is Obaseki, who has firsthand experience of profiting from Oshiomhole’s miscalculations in 2019, when his attempted purge of Obaseki ultimately rebounded to his own detriment.
As the ancient proverb goes, when the gods want to exact punishment on you, they first of all drive you mad. In this context, ‘madness’ refers to a stubborn refusal to heed wise counsel or consider alternative approaches. Perhaps Obaseki has unwittingly become a tool of fate, instrumental in scripting a triumphant narrative for the opposing APC forces in the state.
The governor must recognize that his return to power for a second term was not a make of his political cunning or personal popularity, but rather a direct result of the Edo people’s goodwill and their determination to reject the toxic influence of godfatherism – the very same path Obaseki has embraced and perpetuating.
By suspending three lawmakers from his own party, the governor has demonstrated a stunning disregard for democratic norms and a blatant abuse of power. This authoritarian move, coupled with the dubious impeachment of Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, exposes his stranglehold on the state legislature and betrays a desperate attempt to cling to power.
Make no mistake, Obaseki’s actions are a calculated risk that will ultimately sabotage his party’s chances of success. By pushing away potential backers and deepening political divisions, he is imperiling his own political future and undermining the stability of the state.
In a tight election race, every vote counts, and Obaseki’s tactical blunders are hemorrhaging vital support. His refusal to heed wise counsel and engage in constructive political negotiations will only perpetuate divisive politics and create a toxic political climate for his party.
The governor must shift his approach from persecution to persuasion, seeking common ground and fostering unity to build a lasting political legacy. If he persists in his divisive and belligerent ways, his political ambitions will be reduced to rubble. This is my little advice!
