Show me, anyone, in the media campaign for the enthronement of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration in Edo State and I will give you a catalogue of politicians who survived the edge of his sword and still wreathing in their pains – courtesy of the Godwin’s art of contemporary politics.
Godwin is the mafia bestriding our political landscape – needless warning those currently decamping to be careful because in the words of John F. Kennedy, “Those who foolishly sought power by riding the back of the tiger ended up inside”.
Leave Adams Oshiomhole out of this – yes, he aided him to power at the outset but where’s Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State? Where’s Chief Dan Orbih, Senator Matthew Urhoghide, Barrister Anselm Ojesua, alias “Under the Mango Tree Chairman”, among others? Have you heard from Hon. Charles Idahosa recently? Men who once laid down their lives for Godwin have been relegated to the background politically – be careful.
Let me observe that no serious politician takes Godwin as his political leader, none. Ask his Deputy, Philip Shaibu, he would bear me witness or, if he’s not available, ask the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Osarodion Ogie, who’s alleged to have been financing the Labour Party in the State for his Governorship ambition – what do you expect when trust has become the issue?
But, if these top government officials are not reachable as it’s always the case, reach out to Dr. Don Pedro Obaseki – he has since deserted Godwin just like Demas who deserted Paul the Apostle because he loved the things of this world (2 Timothy 4:10). But in the case of Godwin Obaseki and Pedro Obaseki, there’s a huge trust deficit.
Better as a political watcher – if you watch his body language closely and more importantly his speech, you wouldn’t need a Soothsayer or a Necromancer to tell if Godwin is a reliable fellow that can be trusted. For instance, it took me only month months as his Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to unravel him and without delay, used my tongue to count my teeth.
For instance, yesterday, Godwin said he’s not seeking re-election and as such, he was ready to “do and undo” anything in Edo Edo State – am sure you all know the meaning of that, especially in an electioneering season like this.
The Governor spoke while giving a six-month ultimatum to officials of the Edo State Ministry of Physical Planning, Housing, Urban, and Regional Development to commence demolition in the state. Hear the unpopular Governor, “I am not seeking another election, nor am I seeking to be popular”.
Continuing and to be certain that demolition is in the offing, he said, “People invade our roads, trade on it, and extend their homes to the road. There is a crisis in the building space. Don’t we have people again in the State who are supposed to regulate the built environment? Have they given up? Should we admit that the system has collapsed and just behave the way we like? We have an unregulated market; there are fuel stations everywhere and it strikes me”.
From the above, I can only advise Edo people to put on their loins gird for the adversity to come – but, this also shall pass away! Comrade Tony Kabaka’s house and the hotel were demolished but we thank God for his life – according to Ebenezer Obey, “Irinse lo jona Obey o jona, e bami s’poe f’oluwa ogo”. Godwin can decide to demolish all the properties of those who voted for him but he can’t take their lives.
That’s by the way. We all know his political casualties and many more to come. What about those in the media who escaped the edge of Godwin’s sword? Where’s Madam Gloria Adagbon or Dr. Henry Nzekwu? What about Ayowie Osa Ayobahan? Where’s Friday Freeman Aghedo, Comrade Stanley Atafoh and the other guy who kept defending him even when being led to ITV studio by his walking stick before going into political oblivion – Prince Greg Ogiogwa? What a thankless job, Ekperi Prince!
In a nutshell, are there lessons to be learnt from the Godwin’s art of contemporary politics? Certainly! Is he a politician or a businessman? Is he a Leader or a Boss? Does he build or scatter? Any political structure or just a mere scavenger for hungry persons as Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)? But again, we must all agree that Godwin has a way around what he wants – however, the end justifies the means.