Obaseki In The Political Mud-Bath: Can He Pull Through The Hurdles?

 

Governor Godwin Obaseki

Godfatherism play a huge role in Nigeria‘s Political adventures since time timelessness. From the lessons drawn from the former governor of Lagos deposed by the Lagos godfather Tinubu over issues of disloyalty to the codes and cabal. This is a bitter example of how man Political correctness plays out in Africa.

Another case is that of Governor Udom of Akwa-Ibom state, he was opposed by his godfather Senator Godswil Akpabio. But he Akpabio left the PDP structures in the state for Udom and moved to the APC. Udom got sympathy and took absolute charge of the party in the state, at the long run, he didn’t only defeat his godfather but disgraced him out of Political landscape of the state. Akpabio even lost to his godson’s candidate, his most desired senatorial reelection in 2019. 

In Lagos, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC national leader was in charge with his structures and cabal. No sign of defection from either of the parties in the face-off. They forced Ambode out of the governorship race. Ambode bowed to the pressure and respect the powers that be and the institution that brought him, but Udom Emmanuel of Akwa-Ibom fought head-on and was victorious. This may be credited to his magnanimous achievement and the position of the state disgrace the ex-governor who once boasted that he will win an election even if he stands on a piece of paper as a party.

In Kogi state, the accidental governor Yahaya Bello is battling with internal setbacks and opposition in the party APC. Some of the party men and women don’t want him back because of his perceived failure. But he seems to be having presidential nodes.  Bello’s case is different from those of Ambode and Udom. The Lagos former governor and Akwa-Ibom governor did outstandingly well. That is what gave victory to Udom and possible party sympathy and commendations to Ambode for a proposed ministerial seat.

In Edo state, there is a power tussle between the APC national chairman and his Political godson Godwin Obaseki. Their fuse ranging from disobedience to disloyalty. The APC apex man is not talking much but fighting assiduously hard to see that Obaseki lost the APC ticket in the state. They have succeeded in sharing loyalty in the state assembly on the ratio of 9/15.

Obaseki in his Political calculation sown in his 9 diehard members at night, while the national chairman is using Abuja might fight back.

On Thursday 11th July, there was a show of loyalty rally in the state. Where all and Sundry loyalists of the governor gathered to appraise him for work and job well done. The gathering was made up of opinion leaders, thought leaders, stakeholders and big and the mighty in the Edo state politics.

The people send a strong signal to the APC hub, that if the governor failed to clinch the party’s ticket for the second term, that they will form a new party or move Obaseki to another platform. The Edo state governor was described as a man of peace, humility, respectful and kind to all. 

Those who defiled the rain to come out en masse to shower praises to the governor include but not limited to: Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Muslim community in the state, representative of the over 1.9 million youths in Edo state, market women and traders association, Libya returnees, pensioners, Paramount rulers and Edo best teachers of SUBEB also known as digital teachers, who don’t use lecture notes but computer to teach courtesy of the governor initiative. The Edo youths have set aside August 12 to crown the governor grand patron of the youth because of his passion and uncommon love to empower the youths in the state.

STRENGTHS OF OBASEKI

1. Electronic method of tax collection.

2. Massive road construction and building of the Secretariat

3. Prompt payment of workers and retirees.

4. Empowerment of diaspora returnees.

5. Creating of over 100,000 jobs out of the 200,000 jobs he promised. This is real manpower development.

6. Good, quality and accessible education. Edo state has set the pace for public school education revolution as other states are learning from them now. The governor also promised to build a technical school in addition.

7. Power of incumbency as the governor.

8. The people and resources etc 

WEAKNESSES OF EDO GOVERNOR

1. Fallout with his godfather.

2. Opposition PDP and other parties.

3. Secret loyalists in his cabinet to the APC national chairman.

4. Federal might or Abuja weight towards his good father.

If Obaseki position himself well, he will take over the control of the state parliament and other structures in the state through diplomatic moves and consultations. He must seek for sympathy, if succeed in palling with people extensively, he will win the reelection.

If he secures the party ticket despite his Political mentor’s resistance, he will win with more ease because that will show that the APC is with him and against his boss.

If he must move to any party, let the party be a strong one. He must be sure that all members loyal to him move with him together with all their structures. This will give the new party absolute control of the state.

If he finally reconciles with his godfather, he must work hard also to beat his opponent in the PDP.

At the end, the case of Obaseki will be described or linked to the experience of Udom Emmanuel of Akwa-Ibom state who fought and won gallantly or to Ambode who bowed to Political pressure to step down.

The puzzle is, what will be the fate of Obaseki if the party choose to suspend him or take visible side with his godfather? Is he strong enough to stand the storms ahead? Time shall tell.

But for the sake of good governance as aforementioned, he should be given a second and last chance.

Rwang P.S

A Political scientist

Federal University of kashere.