“Edo Okpamakhin notes that you now represent a beacon of hope for Edo State citizens that have endured untoward hardship at the hands of the political class for far too long. We also note that you represent a symbol of true democracy and the rule of law, not only in the eyes of indigenes of Edo State, but also in the eyes of all Nigerians in general. In consideration of the enormity of the tasks ahead, we identify with your exuding style of governance which recognizes that real success in state is an inclusive function of the commitment and partners between all sectors: the government, private sector, and the general citizenry of Edo State. As Edo State can no longer afford any failed leadership, we urge you to lead well, even as we are mindful of the every high expectations and apparent impatience from a people that have been so heartlessly subjugated. “— Extract from a Letter addressed to Governor Adams Oshiomhole February 27, 2009 by the Leadership of E Okpamakhin in the Diaspora.
We the people” of Edo State cannot afford this ongoing war of attrition between Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, National Chairman of All Progressives Congress, APC and His Excellency, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, the Governor of Edo State also of the APC.

The Edo has a saying that “when two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers”. In Edo mythology, men as highly placed and great as Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and Governor Godwin Obaseki are fondly referred to as elephant-an animal so great you cannot hug or curdle it. “Eni ooo, eni; noi gia dede, eni ooo eni” the Edo sings in praise of the elephant.

These two respected sons Edo State — elephants in their own rights — Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the immediate past Governor of Edo State and Governor Godwin Obaseki, the current the state are at loggerhead with each other and their party All Progressives Congress, APC in is divided between them, each faction claiming authenticity – the bureaucracy is shaking, the good work for, which the government of Godwin Obaseki has come to be associated with all over the state is put under constraints and political jobbers whose stock in trade is sycophancy are at work massaging over bloated egos of politicians, spreading bad blood among the people, using lies, half truths, innuendoes and misinformation to fan the embers of hate and destruction and in the process they earn their thirty pieces of silver”, – their price for selling short and betraying the people of Edo State — filthy lucre that will surely one day destroy them when the Edo people will demand accountability in judgment.

But as the people of Edo State — the grass upon, which the elephants fight – suffer from this costly war of attrition between Oshiomhole and Obaseki, we declare that enough is enough. Edo State cannot afford this massive drawback to the progressive developmental moves of Governor Obaseki and the APC any longer.

Comrade Oshiomhole the former Governor and current national chairman of APC served the Edo people well during his tenure when the people of the State celebrated “No Godfatherism”, “let the people lead”, “no man is God”, etc. and now that this progressive trait has been imbibed as a political culture in Edo State, it should be nurtured and supported to grow by all well-meaning political and traditional leaders there without let. The APC and in fact all the political leaders of all persuasions in Edo State must learn how to underplay political differences to rally around a sitting current Governor, who happens to be Obaseki at the moment to be able to govern the State without any godfather breathing down his neck and let the longsuffering people of Edo State enjoy the unimpeded run of democracy and the dividend therefrom. Edo State must not be allowed to fail or fall upon the altar of political expediencies because certain leaders could not subject their egos under the will and wishes of ‘we the people” of Edo State but allow their own interests to override their sense of service and duty to the people.

Mr Godwin Obaseki came upon the political scene in Edo State and then he rose rapidly to the pinnacle to become the Governor of the State with the active support and sponsorship of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole the Edo State Governor at the time under the banner of the APC just as some persons brought Comrade Adams Oshiomhole to Edo State political limelight and the seat of the Governor of the State from trade union retirement. But that is a universal practice in the professions and politics where there will continually be mentors and mentees, leaders and followers. The duty of a genuine mentor is to help his protégée, the mentee to grow in knowledge and wisdom to succeed at what he has been assigned to do not to subject them to public ridicule, servitude or failure. A mentor takes the back seat and gives full reins to his protégée to do his job unfettered and excellently especially when they have the huge responsibility of governing a state, a political entity in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It should be the mentor’s joy when the mentee succeeds and the better when it is to the glory of the same political party and for the betterment of the people of Edo State — the heartbeat of Nigeria.

Words on the streets are that Governor Obaseki is doing well for the Edo people in terms of development strides and real administrative excellence. Over politicking has been removed from governance and government is touching lives in all parts of the state irrespective of political suasion. The APC should ordinarily put its national machinery behind such a winning Governor but the Edo State situation is becoming more curious by the day. This is unhealthy and unacceptable because it has the potential of tearing the State apart in unnecessary bloodletting. We are been watching some thugs — little “Hitlers” and thin soldiers — from both sides of the political ‘divide, boasting of their high capacity for violence, promising brimstone and fire, hell and high waters if they don’t have their way to get their supposed entitlement to party patronage. To these miscreants and vermin in the Edo body politic, we say a resounding

NO WAY! WE WILL NEVER ALLOW YOU TO WREAK HAVOC UPON EDO STATE – NOT NOW, NOT EVER. PLEASE LET OUR PEOPLE BE AND LET EDO STATE, ENJOY PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT.

Edo Okpamakhin is committed to, amongst others; foster awareness, unity and development among the People of Edoland; further the political, social and economic advancement of the Edo people; and work to regain the lost heritage and glory of the Edo people. It is because of these aims that we are growing increasingly concerned about the ongoing war of attrition in the ruling party in Edo State.

Governor Godwin Obaseki and Comrade Adams Oshiomhole are both highly valued Edo sons and political leaders. We in Edo Okpamakhin call on them to explore every room and resources to sit together as brothers and resolve to work and fight for the interest of Edo state.

__________________________
Mr. Philip Ilenbarenemen
Edo Okpamakhin,
Europe