Honourable (Barr.) Dr. Osagie Obayuwana is the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Edo State. A lawyer, notable for his human right activities, Hon. Barr. Obayuwana along with other human rights activists such as the late Gani Fahwehimi, Femi Falana, Late Beko Ransom Kuti, Dr. Festus lyayi, Professor Itse Sagay and many others challenged military tyranny and dictatorship in Nigeria for many years. As the Hon. Commissioner for Justice, he informed Weekend Observer that he now has a platform upon which he could practice what he has always espoused which are in line with Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s transformational and developmental agenda for Edo State. This interview conducted in his office afforded Hon. Dr. Osagie Obayuwana the opportunity of deploying his oratical prowess while providing answers to questions.
Excerpt:
Sir, in all the places where the Comrade Governor has gone to campaign in Edo State, how has the reception been?
One thing that is very clear since this campaign started is the fact that Governor Adams Oshiomhole is an enigma. He is a gift from God to Edo State. His enigmatic status or nature first came out when he started his labour agitations.
The Governor has an excellent attitude to work. If he gives you a job, he follows you up to ensure that the job is completed. You can see that he follows up all the road construction work and other projects across the state and this explains why there is nothing like abandoned project in Edo State as far as this administration is concerned.
Every where the Governor has gone to campaign, people always abandon their jobs in the farm and leave the market to receive the Governor. The Governor’s lifestyle of simplicity and bringing democratic dividends to the doorsteps of the people has elicited a great deal of enthusiasm from the people. The reception that the Governor and we as members of his cabinet have been receiving has been very electrifying and overwhelming. Every Edo person knows that the Comrade Governor has performed far above expectation in his first tenure. He has provided employment for our youths, massive road construction work is on-going, the health sector is receiving tremendous attention, agriculture is receiving a boost, urban renewal is on-going and Edo State is working. Edo People want this revolution that is transformational and developmental to continue.
Prominent people from other parties have been decamping to the Action L Congress of Nigeria. What does this portend for democracy in Edo State?
I give the credit for this positive development where prominent persons have been decamping to the Action Congress of Nigeria to Governor Adams Oshiomhole. These decampees have seen something meaningful and significant in Governor Adams Oshiomhole and in his administration. It’s a welcomed development because these decampees want to identify
with a performing administration that has put smiles on the faces of the people. Prominent Edo People are not the only ones identifying with this administration. Men, women, children, traditional rulers, students, market women, farmers are all identifying with this administration.
As the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in this state, how would you describe your experience?
I will describe my experience as the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in this state as challenging and rewarding. I am happy because I now have the opportunity of practicing the ideas that I have always espoused and preached. If I have any good idea, I have a duty of passing it unto the Chief Executive of the State, Governor Adams Oshiomhole. I have also been learning about the operations of the Civil Service since I came on board as the Commissioner and Attorney-General, Ministry of Justice.
What are your comments about the Action Congress of Nigeria (A.C.N.)?
The Action Congress of Nigeria takes us back to the 50’s and 60’s during the days of the Action Group and the symbol of the Action Group was palm tree. Today, the symbol of A.C.N. is the broom and broom came from the palm tree. We are proud and happy to be associated with the philosophy of the Action Group and of course you know that the Action Group as managed by persons like Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Ernest Ikoli and others was a party to beat because of it’s welfarist package for workers and Nigerians generally. The A.C.N. has a striking similarity with the Action Group of yester years in terms of welfare package. A.C.N. Edo State is very unique compared to A.C.N. in other states because of the khaki that we wear in Edo State.
What is your message to Edo People?
My message to Edo people is that the Almighty God has given Edo people a unique gift in the person of Governor Adams Oshiomhole. The people have been showing that they appreciate his administration. They should continue to pray for him. The greatest compliment that you can pay to somebody is to emulate him by identifying with his vision. During the election, Edo people should come massively to return Governor Adams Oshiomhole to Government House to enable him complete the good work that he has started. Those who are trying to intimidate people and defeat the one man, one vote mantra will be put to shame. I am very happy that I am part of this history making administration. I am proud to be identified with the Comrade Governor and I know that every Edo man and woman is proud of the Governor Oshiomhole. Let us all join hands together to vote for Governor Adams Oshiomhole because he represents light in Edo State.
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