Obaseki’s Reforms, Oshiomhole, APC And Warnings Ahead Of 2020

By TONY ALILEBBY

The freaky duel between the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and his predecessor and National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, is heating up the polity in ways that many didn’t envisage. It is getting messier as each day brings the state closer to the 2020 gubernatorial elections.

The battle has not only been a cause of distraction to the visionary governor, but has gotten more Edo people interested in politics than governance. The people of Edo state, especially the youths, have now been forced to take sides for or against two of the most popular and powerful faces in the State.

The romance between the former lovers, which went sour some years back as a result of conflicting interests, more worrisomely, seems to be glossing over the developmental and transformational reforms, policies and achievements of the Obaseki-led government, keeping Edo State in the news for the wrong reasons.

This shouldn’t be the case for a governor who is determined to lift Edo State from penury to Eldorado. It is commendable that despite the unpredictable and disruptive political environment, Obaseki has repositioned the state as reference point for good governance and record-breaking public policy reforms.

How then do we sit and watch the bad antics of an aggrieved godfather attempting to shadow the progressive works of this achiever? Through the EdoBEST initiative, Obaseki has re-enacted the basic education sector, ensuring improved learning outcomes by training over 11,300 teachers in 918 public primary schools across the state on digital teaching methods, to build a new army of citizens that are prepared for the future of work.

Unshaken is his administration’s massive improvements in social welfare, economic growth, governance and infrastructure projects, which are spread across primary health care reforms, health insurance, sporting infrastructure, urban renewal, security and industrialisation, civil service and judicial reforms, job creation, among others.

It is painful that in the face of all these transformational achievements, the glaring reward is more troubles from those who should be the voice of the good works of the governor, as a result of his inability to rob the masses to fill their already lined pockets. Oshiomhole, who is said to have contributed to the emergence of Obaseki, apparently, is aggrieved because his successor is no longer dancing to his music. Obaseki is said to have not only gone off the control of the party leader but also destroyed his ‘remote control’. The result is what is happening in Edo State, where a disgruntled few are striving unsuccessfully to make the state ungovernable and chaotic. It is more troubling because these are rebels of the same party, the ruling APC.

Like a child in expectation of Christmas gift, we had all thought that, like other godfather-godson tussle, the fisticuff would end with war of words on the pages of newspapers, screens of television or sounds of radio. Rather, it has degenerated into purported physical attacks with Oshiomhole alleging that his person and residence were attacked in his Benin City home by thugs allegedly hired by the governor. However, the State Commissioner of Police immediately dismissed the allegation, describing it as false alarm to create tension and heat up the polity.

The war-wave again blew at the convocation ceremony of the Edo University, Iyamho. This time, it was the Edo State Governor, Obaseki, the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, Chancellor, Edo University, Dr. Aderemi Makanjuola, Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu and other dignitaries, who were victims of attack by thugs loyal to the National Chairman of the APC at his country home.

The attack came as a surprise because the entire state was still agog to the news of the praise of Obaseki by Oshiomhole, who, in the early hours of the convocation, applauded the governor for building on his legacies. While we were thinking of a possible end to the rift, Oshiomhole’s ‘infantry division’, attacked the governor and his guests, damaging vehicles and other property belonging to the state government and the visitors. Luckily there were no casualties. Oshiomhole could not deny that this happened as there were video footages but he instead chose to point accusing fingers. However, till date, no one has been punished or invited by the Police for the terrible incident.

Most recently, the crisis, which has become an embarrassment to the entire state, is now in the bandwagon of suspension and counter suspension. While the alien Edo Peoples Movement (EPM), and rogue group in the APC, claimed to have suspended Governor Obaseki and the State Party Chairman, Anselm Ojezua, the 18 APC LGA chairmen subsequently passed a vote of no confidence on Oshiomhole and the state secretary, Lawrence Okah, suspending them forthwith. And the contest has continued unabated.

In the midst of the internal wangling, it is necessary to call the attention of the party chairman to what happened in Zamfara and Rivers State in the 2019 governorship elections, as a warning to what may befall the state party in 2020 if he doesn’t not do the right thing and let the sleeping dog lie. Oshiomhole must remember how the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) stopped the APC from fielding candidates in Zamfara because the party, as a result of internal wrangling, did not hold primaries within the stipulated time.

Although the APC faction loyal to Governor Abdulaziz Yari claims it held congresses and has candidates, the faction loyal to a senator, Kabiru Marafa, insisted no primaries held. The party headquarters also said no primaries held but said it adopted consensus candidates within the stipulated time. The result is an all PDP Zamfara when the party had a chance to claim the mandate.

In Rivers, a federal high court also ruled that the APC disobeyed a high court order on its congresses and so its primaries that produced its candidates were null and void. Like Edo, the APC in Rivers was split into two, with a faction loyal to the transport minister, Rotimi Amaechi, and another loyal to a senator, Magnus Abe.

He whose palm-kernels were cracked by a benevolent spirit should not forget to be humble. Oshiomhole as APC chairman for the progress of the party should channel his energy to making sure that the APC emerges victorious in future elections rather than haunting persons who he perceives as disloyal for no just cause. He must leave Obaseki alone to work. The dangers of losing APC in Edo are too enormous to think of. Having Bayelsa as the only South-South APC State will do the party more harm than good.

Alilebby wrote in from Benin City.

https://www.independent.ng/obasekis-reforms-oshiomhole-apc…/

What happened in Zamfara and Rivers then was to confuse the masses because it was before election......right now such can't take place.....and Osho is sure of his rigging machine.....is tested and trusted.....So Edo pple should brace up to what is coming.....next level.....

The present issues of concern in Edo are clearly avoidable and unnecessary.
Oshiomhole should face his job as the APC chair and Obaseki should be allowed to face his job as the Gov.
Oshiomhole has been Gov for 8yrs and he allegedly defeated godfatherism. So, why is he resurrecting god fatherism in Edo? If cabals give him heat in Abuja, will he survive?

I hate what I don't like...

What's really wrong with this two ugly boys?

Edo peeps and worworness though.

Oshiomhole go and sit down abeg

People keep saying obaseki has done alot but Benin remains one of the worst cities(not even a city to me) in Nigeria. To me, Oshiomole did very well compared to obaseki. Name the things obaseki has done since coming to power. They told us he created jobs, but na audio jobs. They told us he is maintaining the roads, but any time rain falls you will hate being in Benin. Power issue is worse, no jobs in Benin...i can go on and on. I think Benin people are being sentimental... they only want their son in power for 2 tenures. Who knew obaseki if not for oshiomole that brought him to limelight. I remember vividly how ize-iyamu would have won if not for oshiomole. You cannot take away who oshiomole is, he has always been like that since labour union days.

Ok

Una go wail tire!!!!

Politics is not played in a vacuum. You will always have godfathers and you will be godfather to others.

Ambode get online and physical warriors pass una, the end result is still "go home".

Better the gentleman governor find a way to extinguish this fire or it may consume him.

For naija, politics is separate and distinct from governance

New wailers

You can't bite the finger that fed you..

When two elephant fight, na ground dey suffer am

Oshiomole seems hell bent on disgracing himself and not this humble governor

ursullalinda:
What happened in Zamfara and Rivers then was to confuse the masses because it was before election......right now such can't take place.....and Osho is sure of his rigging machine.....is tested and trusted.....So Edo pple should brace up to what is coming.....next level.....

Osho Baba is blatantly presiding over election rigging and y'all are comfortable with it.

Wow...this is a new low coz Osho is toxic to a credible democracy.

Joeehiz:
Obaseki’s Reforms, Oshiomhole, APC And Warnings Ahead Of 2020

By TONY ALILEBBY

The freaky duel between the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and his predecessor and National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, is heating up the polity in ways that many didn’t envisage. It is getting messier as each day brings the state closer to the 2020 gubernatorial elections.

The battle has not only been a cause of distraction to the visionary governor, but has gotten more Edo people interested in politics than governance. The people of Edo state, especially the youths, have now been forced to take sides for or against two of the most popular and powerful faces in the State.

The romance between the former lovers, which went sour some years back as a result of conflicting interests, more worrisomely, seems to be glossing over the developmental and transformational reforms, policies and achievements of the Obaseki-led government, keeping Edo State in the news for the wrong reasons.

This shouldn’t be the case for a governor who is determined to lift Edo State from penury to Eldorado. It is commendable that despite the unpredictable and disruptive political environment, Obaseki has repositioned the state as reference point for good governance and record-breaking public policy reforms.

How then do we sit and watch the bad antics of an aggrieved godfather attempting to shadow the progressive works of this achiever? Through the EdoBEST initiative, Obaseki has re-enacted the basic education sector, ensuring improved learning outcomes by training over 11,300 teachers in 918 public primary schools across the state on digital teaching methods, to build a new army of citizens that are prepared for the future of work.

Unshaken is his administration’s massive improvements in social welfare, economic growth, governance and infrastructure projects, which are spread across primary health care reforms, health insurance, sporting infrastructure, urban renewal, security and industrialisation, civil service and judicial reforms, job creation, among others.

It is painful that in the face of all these transformational achievements, the glaring reward is more troubles from those who should be the voice of the good works of the governor, as a result of his inability to rob the masses to fill their already lined pockets. Oshiomhole, who is said to have contributed to the emergence of Obaseki, apparently, is aggrieved because his successor is no longer dancing to his music. Obaseki is said to have not only gone off the control of the party leader but also destroyed his ‘remote control’. The result is what is happening in Edo State, where a disgruntled few are striving unsuccessfully to make the state ungovernable and chaotic. It is more troubling because these are rebels of the same party, the ruling APC.

Like a child in expectation of Christmas gift, we had all thought that, like other godfather-godson tussle, the fisticuff would end with war of words on the pages of newspapers, screens of television or sounds of radio. Rather, it has degenerated into purported physical attacks with Oshiomhole alleging that his person and residence were attacked in his Benin City home by thugs allegedly hired by the governor. However, the State Commissioner of Police immediately dismissed the allegation, describing it as false alarm to create tension and heat up the polity.

The war-wave again blew at the convocation ceremony of the Edo University, Iyamho. This time, it was the Edo State Governor, Obaseki, the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, Chancellor, Edo University, Dr. Aderemi Makanjuola, Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu and other dignitaries, who were victims of attack by thugs loyal to the National Chairman of the APC at his country home.

The attack came as a surprise because the entire state was still agog to the news of the praise of Obaseki by Oshiomhole, who, in the early hours of the convocation, applauded the governor for building on his legacies. While we were thinking of a possible end to the rift, Oshiomhole’s ‘infantry division’, attacked the governor and his guests, damaging vehicles and other property belonging to the state government and the visitors. Luckily there were no casualties. Oshiomhole could not deny that this happened as there were video footages but he instead chose to point accusing fingers. However, till date, no one has been punished or invited by the Police for the terrible incident.

Most recently, the crisis, which has become an embarrassment to the entire state, is now in the bandwagon of suspension and counter suspension. While the alien Edo Peoples Movement (EPM), and rogue group in the APC, claimed to have suspended Governor Obaseki and the State Party Chairman, Anselm Ojezua, the 18 APC LGA chairmen subsequently passed a vote of no confidence on Oshiomhole and the state secretary, Lawrence Okah, suspending them forthwith. And the contest has continued unabated.

In the midst of the internal wangling, it is necessary to call the attention of the party chairman to what happened in Zamfara and Rivers State in the 2019 governorship elections, as a warning to what may befall the state party in 2020 if he doesn’t not do the right thing and let the sleeping dog lie. Oshiomhole must remember how the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) stopped the APC from fielding candidates in Zamfara because the party, as a result of internal wrangling, did not hold primaries within the stipulated time.

Although the APC faction loyal to Governor Abdulaziz Yari claims it held congresses and has candidates, the faction loyal to a senator, Kabiru Marafa, insisted no primaries held. The party headquarters also said no primaries held but said it adopted consensus candidates within the stipulated time. The result is an all PDP Zamfara when the party had a chance to claim the mandate.

In Rivers, a federal high court also ruled that the APC disobeyed a high court order on its congresses and so its primaries that produced its candidates were null and void. Like Edo, the APC in Rivers was split into two, with a faction loyal to the transport minister, Rotimi Amaechi, and another loyal to a senator, Magnus Abe.

He whose palm-kernels were cracked by a benevolent spirit should not forget to be humble. Oshiomhole as APC chairman for the progress of the party should channel his energy to making sure that the APC emerges victorious in future elections rather than haunting persons who he perceives as disloyal for no just cause. He must leave Obaseki alone to work. The dangers of losing APC in Edo are too enormous to think of. Having Bayelsa as the only South-South APC State will do the party more harm than good.

Alilebby wrote in from Benin City.

https://www.independent.ng/obasekis-reforms-oshiomhole-apc…/

this sounds more like a biased write up and it’s so convincing that you’re pro-obaseki.

Joeehiz:
Obaseki’s Reforms, Oshiomhole, APC And Warnings Ahead Of 2020

By TONY ALILEBBY

The freaky duel between the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and his predecessor and National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, is heating up the polity in ways that many didn’t envisage. It is getting messier as each day brings the state closer to the 2020 gubernatorial elections.

The battle has not only been a cause of distraction to the visionary governor, but has gotten more Edo people interested in politics than governance. The people of Edo state, especially the youths, have now been forced to take sides for or against two of the most popular and powerful faces in the State.

The romance between the former lovers, which went sour some years back as a result of conflicting interests, more worrisomely, seems to be glossing over the developmental and transformational reforms, policies and achievements of the Obaseki-led government, keeping Edo State in the news for the wrong reasons.

This shouldn’t be the case for a governor who is determined to lift Edo State from penury to Eldorado. It is commendable that despite the unpredictable and disruptive political environment, Obaseki has repositioned the state as reference point for good governance and record-breaking public policy reforms.

How then do we sit and watch the bad antics of an aggrieved godfather attempting to shadow the progressive works of this achiever? Through the EdoBEST initiative, Obaseki has re-enacted the basic education sector, ensuring improved learning outcomes by training over 11,300 teachers in 918 public primary schools across the state on digital teaching methods, to build a new army of citizens that are prepared for the future of work.

Unshaken is his administration’s massive improvements in social welfare, economic growth, governance and infrastructure projects, which are spread across primary health care reforms, health insurance, sporting infrastructure, urban renewal, security and industrialisation, civil service and judicial reforms, job creation, among others.

It is painful that in the face of all these transformational achievements, the glaring reward is more troubles from those who should be the voice of the good works of the governor, as a result of his inability to rob the masses to fill their already lined pockets. Oshiomhole, who is said to have contributed to the emergence of Obaseki, apparently, is aggrieved because his successor is no longer dancing to his music. Obaseki is said to have not only gone off the control of the party leader but also destroyed his ‘remote control’. The result is what is happening in Edo State, where a disgruntled few are striving unsuccessfully to make the state ungovernable and chaotic. It is more troubling because these are rebels of the same party, the ruling APC.

Like a child in expectation of Christmas gift, we had all thought that, like other godfather-godson tussle, the fisticuff would end with war of words on the pages of newspapers, screens of television or sounds of radio. Rather, it has degenerated into purported physical attacks with Oshiomhole alleging that his person and residence were attacked in his Benin City home by thugs allegedly hired by the governor. However, the State Commissioner of Police immediately dismissed the allegation, describing it as false alarm to create tension and heat up the polity.

The war-wave again blew at the convocation ceremony of the Edo University, Iyamho. This time, it was the Edo State Governor, Obaseki, the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, Chancellor, Edo University, Dr. Aderemi Makanjuola, Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu and other dignitaries, who were victims of attack by thugs loyal to the National Chairman of the APC at his country home.

The attack came as a surprise because the entire state was still agog to the news of the praise of Obaseki by Oshiomhole, who, in the early hours of the convocation, applauded the governor for building on his legacies. While we were thinking of a possible end to the rift, Oshiomhole’s ‘infantry division’, attacked the governor and his guests, damaging vehicles and other property belonging to the state government and the visitors. Luckily there were no casualties. Oshiomhole could not deny that this happened as there were video footages but he instead chose to point accusing fingers. However, till date, no one has been punished or invited by the Police for the terrible incident.

Most recently, the crisis, which has become an embarrassment to the entire state, is now in the bandwagon of suspension and counter suspension. While the alien Edo Peoples Movement (EPM), and rogue group in the APC, claimed to have suspended Governor Obaseki and the State Party Chairman, Anselm Ojezua, the 18 APC LGA chairmen subsequently passed a vote of no confidence on Oshiomhole and the state secretary, Lawrence Okah, suspending them forthwith. And the contest has continued unabated.

In the midst of the internal wangling, it is necessary to call the attention of the party chairman to what happened in Zamfara and Rivers State in the 2019 governorship elections, as a warning to what may befall the state party in 2020 if he doesn’t not do the right thing and let the sleeping dog lie. Oshiomhole must remember how the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) stopped the APC from fielding candidates in Zamfara because the party, as a result of internal wrangling, did not hold primaries within the stipulated time.

Although the APC faction loyal to Governor Abdulaziz Yari claims it held congresses and has candidates, the faction loyal to a senator, Kabiru Marafa, insisted no primaries held. The party headquarters also said no primaries held but said it adopted consensus candidates within the stipulated time. The result is an all PDP Zamfara when the party had a chance to claim the mandate.

In Rivers, a federal high court also ruled that the APC disobeyed a high court order on its congresses and so its primaries that produced its candidates were null and void. Like Edo, the APC in Rivers was split into two, with a faction loyal to the transport minister, Rotimi Amaechi, and another loyal to a senator, Magnus Abe.

He whose palm-kernels were cracked by a benevolent spirit should not forget to be humble. Oshiomhole as APC chairman for the progress of the party should channel his energy to making sure that the APC emerges victorious in future elections rather than haunting persons who he perceives as disloyal for no just cause. He must leave Obaseki alone to work. The dangers of losing APC in Edo are too enormous to think of. Having Bayelsa as the only South-South APC State will do the party more harm than good.

Alilebby wrote in from Benin City.

https://www.independent.ng/obasekis-reforms-oshiomhole-apc…/

Oshiomole started well as the peoples' comrade.

He was hailed as the friend of the downtrodden.

But since he got this job as APC chairman at the federal level he has turned himself into a village motor boy tout and a complete nuisance.

He is supposed to be fighting for ministerial appointment but he choose to be creating problems here and there and be causing confusion.

Edo state have never had it so bad except for this OSHIOMOLE months as Apc chairman in Abuja.

He is simply an idiot.

Comrade Oshiomole has so much disdain for the good people of Edo state.

He has used his Abuja appointment to traumatized the state that is well known for its peace and tranquility despite not so rich.

The young Oba of Benin had to take the trouble of travelling to Abuja to meet Mr President to settle the fracas between Oshiomole and the incumbent governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki.

Yet Oshiomole is refusing to back down.

Oshiomole has even hurt so many people across the political divide in Nigeria political landscape.

Oshiomole do not see eye ball to eye ball with the first lady Mrs Aisha Buhari.

Oshiomole should learn this pidgin english of "E DON DO" and strive to apply it in his life.

If Obaseki refuse to be loyal to you. Is it by fire and by force you must get the man to do that?

The idea of YOU EITHER BEND OR YOU BREAK culture being skimmed around by Oshiomole is unacceptable.

KanuSE:


Osho Baba is blatantly presiding over election rigging and y'all are comfortable with it.

Wow...this is a new low coz Osho is toxic to a credible democracy.

My dear wetin u want make we do.....since Nigerians are ok with them....I can't kill myself till they suffer enough and borrow sense.....then we will do the needful and start stoning them

One sided article. Propaganda probably from the state governor

livebyday:
Oshiomole seems hell bent on disgracing himself and not this humble governor

You're ignorant about politics.

Mention a single political fight Oshiomole has lost in his career, just one.

You're calling Obaseki humble? Shows you don't know anything about politics. There's no place for sentiments in politics. He isn't humble and he would be whipped like a stray dog.

gsegun43:
One sided article. Propaganda probably from the state governor

That's why I say Obaseki is stupid.

Obaseki is being supported by noise makers without PVCs. By the time those with PVCs make their choice, online miscreants who have never voted in their lives would start shouting rigging.

ursullalinda:



My dear wetin u want make we do.....since Nigerians are ok with them....I can't kill myself till they suffer enough and borrow sense.....then we will do the needful and start stoning them

Lol , majority of Nigerians are ignorant of their disease as they don't know any better.

SMH

chuksanambra:


That's why I say Obaseki is stupid.

Obaseki is being supported by noise makers without PVCs. By the time those with PVCs make their choice, online miscreants who have never voted in their lives would start shouting rigging.

Learn to speak the truth, at least often.

[s]

wink2015:


Oshiomole started well as the peoples' comrade.

He was hailed as the friend of the downtrodden.

But since he got this job as APC chairman at the federal level he has turned himself into a village motor boy tout and a complete nuisance.

He is supposed to be fighting for ministerial appointment but he choose to be creating problems here and there and be causing confusion.

Edo state have never had it so bad except for this OSHIOMOLE months as Apc chairman in Abuja.

He is simply and idiot.

Comrade Oshiomole has so much disdain for the good people of Edo state.

He has used his Abuja appointment to traumatized the state that is well known for its peace and tranquility despite not so rich.

The young Oba of Benin had to take the trouble of travelling to Abuja to meet Mr President to settle the fracas between Oshiomole and the incumbent governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki.

Yet Oshiomole is refusing to back down.

Oshiomole has even hurt so many people across the political divide in Nigeria political landscape.

Oshiomole do not see eye ball to eye ball with the first lady Mrs Aisha Buhari.

Oshiomole should learn this pidgin english of "E DON DO" and strive to apply it in his life.

If Obaseki refuse to be loyal to you. Is it by fire and by force you must get the man to do that?

The idea of YOU EITHER BEND OR YOU BREAK culture being skimmed around by Oshiomole is unacceptable.

[/s]

Forget long useless stories. I hope you have PVC?

Cos your pen is useless in elections, PVCs are the important things.

This is a pro obasike writeup. One sided. Wailers una no dey tire.

Igbos will lead Obasieke to a downfall. Very useless set of people

KanuSE:

Learn to speak the truth, at least often.

Do you have PVC or you just want to make empty noise online?

Cherrybae:
This is a pro obasike writeup. One sided. Wailers una no dey tire.

Igbos will lead Obasieke to a downfall. Very useless set of people

Obaseki is gonna chop beating, that's not in doubt. I just hope Obaseki decamps to PDP so that his beating can be comprehensive.

chuksanambra:


Do you have PVC or you just want to make empty noise online?

So you mean to tell me that PVC solves anything in that shît-hole... really?

Phew!

Audio fight.