BY DAN OWEGIE
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has set many examples for anyone who will become Governor in the state in future. He proceeded on an annual leave and transmitted power to his Deputy, Rt Hon. Phillip Shaibu for one month that he was away on vacation. This is in line with international best practice. Obaseki is the very first Governor to so transmit power in the annals of Edo State. By so doing, he demonstrated the fact that power is transient and that someone else can occupy the position any day, any time. He also demonstrated that there is no need for clinging on to power as though, it is a birth right.We have had many civilian governors since the third republic, no one has actually transmitted power the way Obaseki did and proceeded on one month vacation.
Obaseki is obviously adding value to governance in the state. During his absence, the Acting Governor, Philip Shaibu had the opportunity of running the state without any let or hindrance. He actually put in his best by ensuring that ongoing projects continued uninterrupted and new ones commenced. At the State Executive Council meeting held last Thursday, the governor expressed appreciation to his deputy for gallantly holding fort while he was away, noting that his performance has shown Edo people the smooth working relationship they both share as well as their uniform vision for the development of the state.
It also goes a long way to proving to Edo people that rumours that the duo are not working together or having any rift is fake news. Detractors of the government are now ashamed of themselves as the state machine is working well for the common good of all Edo people.
But of more interest is the fact that the Governor resumed and immediately assured that he will set up a joint Government-Labour committee to work out modalities for the commencement of the implementation of the new N30,000 minimum wage in the state, a development that happened while he was away on leave. It is hoped that when the committee finishes its task, workers in the state public service would have every reason to smile. This is what a responsible government should do. There are many states where the state governors have not uttered a word concerning the new wage. But Obaseki has been frontal and has consistently assured of his administration’s preparedness to implement whatever is the outcome of negotiations.
Now that Governor Obaseki is back, he also needs to look into issues of insecurity. There is an unprecedented influx of Nigerians from crises-ridden states of North-East and North West to the state. Not-too-long ago, some Boko Haram suspects were apprehended in Edo North raising the fears of many residents of possible infiltration of the state by some criminally-minded elements from the Northern part of the country, perhaps as a way of hiding from states where they have masterminded unnecessary bloodletting. It is good that Governor Obaseki launched the security outfit codenamed “wabaizigan.” This outfit should be strengthened, particularly equipped for intelligence gathering.
As the Chief Security Officer of the State, Governor Obaseki should in like manner mobilize the Nigeria Police Force, the National Security and Civil Defense Corp, NSCDC; the Nigerian Army as well as the Air Force to ensure that major security challenges are not allowed to occur in the state. Emphasis must be in the area of intelligence gathering and nipping any potential crime in the bud. The issue of cultism and cult-related killings, particularly among the unemployed youths in the state needs to be frontally addressed. Our educational institutions needed to be targeted with special security operations to address the issue.
Also, young entrepreneurs in the state are in for some exciting opportunities as the Obaseki Startup Fund which has just been flagged off will help enhance access to funding for small businesses to scale their operations. The Governor’s aide on Social Investment Programme (SIP), Ms Aladeshelu Abieyuwa recently said Obaseki wants to empower young people with ideas to start business. This, in my view will help boost SMEs as it remains the right step to boost the nation’s economy and help to combat unemployment. The programme, according to government is to help startups and help existing businesses to grow. Edo young people are known for excellence all over the world. In medicine, Law, business, engineering, education, name it. They are good. The good news here is that the young folks are dear to the heart. Any youth with a very brilliant idea should take advantage of the opportunity the state government is offering.
It must be made clear that everybody cannot work as a civil servant in Edo State. So, the entrepreneurial programme is the best option of making our youths not just self-employed but also, employers of labour. This initiative would help boost the local economy and fight unemployment and poverty hand-in-hand with government. Government should therefore, fund this programme maximally as a way of living up to the promise of 200,000 jobs which the government is already superseding.
Next is politics. Now that the Governor is back from his annual vacation and with the clear point that Edo State will be heading to the polls to elect a governor for the state next year, it is important that the governor assuage the feelings of politicians of the All Progressives Congress extraction in the state. This is very important given the massive achievements of the Godwin Obaseki-led administration in the state. There is the need to go to polls next year united and Obaseki being the leader of the party in the state has a big role to play in uniting all forces within the party. Obaseki deserves a second term by all standards, but the issues being raised by some of our colleagues in the APC needs to be addressed. The broom which is the insignia of the APC has a lot to do in this regard. When tied as a bunch, the broom sweeps neatly and sweeps all dirt, including the PDP. But when it is single as a broom stick, it becomes impossible to go solo on a sweeping mission.
The Governor has delivered on his promises to Edo people in many respects. He has done well in roads and provision of other infrastructural facilities in the state even though there is room for improvement, he has created the environment for investments in the state as Edo is fast becoming a model for other states in the country.
He is stepping up electricity supply facilities with Azura Power plant but for the sabotage being currently suffered from some authorities- DEDC and others. It is obvious that with constant supply of electricity more businesses would come on stream and ultimately lead to job creation and employment.
As we prepare for governorship election next year, Edo people should ensure that they vote massively for the candidate the APC will be fielding. The PDP wreaked havoc in Edo State and should not be allowed to smell government house, let alone enter there. Governor Obaseki has done well and deserves the support of the APC and Edo people.
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Mr. Dan Owegie is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Edo State
