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GOVERNOR OBASEKI’S ASSAULT ON DEMOCRACY

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: *A CALL FOR CAUTION*

The political melodrama going on presently inside Dennis Osadebe House in Edo State has left many students of politics with no doubt as to how endangered democracy is becoming by the day. Political watchers are at a loss as to how the office of the deputy governor is being violated by the governor, to the extent that a governor is locking out his deputy from office over the perceived political ambition of the latter.

It is important to note that the governor’s action is not an isolated case as there are several instances of governors in Nigeria treating their deputies unfairly. This trend is worrisome and goes against the spirit of democracy as deputy governors, like every other citizen, are entitled to their fundamental human rights, including the right to political participation.

Governor Obaseki’s undemocratic attitude towards his deputy is presently heating the polity in Edo State and is already causing further division and disunity in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the state.

Unfortunately, the people elected both the governor and his deputy to work harmoniously for the progress and development of the state, however, the governor’s actions of abandoning governance for personal fights with his deputy are presently creating tension among residents and this is beginning to affect the governance of the state. The reputation of the state is at stake, and the governor’s actions are not setting a good example for future leaders.

The governor’s insistence on preventing his deputy from having political ambition is undeniably, an infringement on his deputy’s fundamental human rights as every individual has the right to aspire for any political office, they deem fit if they meet the requirements stipulated in the constitution. To say it is undemocratic and unlawful for anyone to prevent another from exercising their constitutional rights is to state the obvious. The locked-out was simply an erosion of constitutional order.

Mr Obaseki must be reminded that the office of the deputy governor is a creation of the constitution; it does not exist or function at the discretion of the governor. The governor’s action must be condemned by all believers in constitutional democracy. The governor’s undemocratic attitude towards his deputy has caused division and disunity in the state.

Governor Godwin Obaseki’s actions are tantamount to dictatorship and a complete disregard for constitutional democracy and are an indication that the governor is unfit to hold any public office, as he has shown that he cannot uphold the constitution of Nigeria. This is worrisome because the position of the governor is a vital one, and the governor should be an example of good governance.

The actions of Governor Obaseki could lead to a political crisis in the state and must be avoided. The mandate given to him by the people is to serve them and not to lord over them. The governor must put the interest of the state and the people he governs above his interest.

The governor must realize that he is a public servant, and as such, he is accountable to the people and must respect the oath of office he took and the constitution of Nigeria, which is the supreme law of the land. The governor should realize that democracy thrives on respect for the rule of law, transparency, and accountability.

Some analysts have questioned the governor’s understanding of democracy as democracy is not just about winning elections but also about respecting the rule of law and protecting the rights of all citizens. Trying to prevent his deputy from pursuing his political ambition is an assault on political legitimacy, the governor is acting in an undemocratic manner and eroding the gains of democracy in the state.

The actions of the governor bring to the fore, the need to review the nation’s democratic system, by structuring it in a way that prevents tyrannical leaders from emerging or thriving. The political system should be designed to promote equity, fairness, and justice, and prevent individuals from using their positions to stifle the rights of others.

The undemocratic attitude of the Edo State governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, against his deputy, Rt. Hon. Comrade. Philip Shaibu is a cause for concern. The governor’s actions are a violation of his oath of office and a complete disregard for constitutional democracy. The governor must be reminded that he is a public servant, and he is accountable to the people. The people of Edo State should rise and demand accountability from their leaders. The future of their state and the nation at large depends on it.

*Dr. Denis Osanmuyi*
*Writes from Benin*

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PANDEF Clarifies Visit To Tinubu, Knocks Wike Over Inflammatory Comments

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The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called on President Bola Tinubu to prevail on the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike to retract his publicly disparaging remarks made recently against the socio-political body.

PANDEF described as regrerrable and embarrassing comments by Wike in the aftermath of the group’s visit to Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, even to the extent of insulting the late former Federal Commissioner for Information and South-South Leader, Chief Edwin.

Recall that the FCT minister had, on Thursday, during a media chat, described PANDEF as “the worst organisation anybody can rely on”, while also calling the board of trustee members of the body “political merchants”.

In a statement signed by PANDEF Chairman on Saturday in Abuja, Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, urged President Tinubu as the father of the nation, to prevail upon the Honourable Minister to retract his inflammatory statements and extend due respect to these eminent.

Igali clarified that the meeting with the president provided a valuable platform to discuss pressing issues of national and regional importance. Adding that “PANDEF remains unwavering in its commitment to peace, stability, and equitable development in the Niger Delta. We will continue to engage with great vigour, all relevant stakeholders in pursuit of lasting harmony in Rivers State and the broader South-South region.”

His words: ^To set the record straight, PANDEF the foremost socio-political body representing the South-South regions, composed of some of Nigeria’s most distinguished personalities. The delegation to Mr. President included chairpersons of at least four of the six SouthSouth states’ traditional councils, senior traditional rulers of major ethnic groups, former governors, past presiding officers of the Senate, prominent entrepreneurs, academics, and high-ranking retired military officers.

“It is, therefore, highly regrettable and totally unacceptable that a serving minister in the Federal Government would exhibit such brazen disrespect towards individuals of this standing. This attitude perhaps explains his continued refusal of the Minister to engage with the Peace and Reconciliation Committee, which PANDEF constituted as far back as October 2024, despite repeated attempts to reach.

“The Honourable Minister (Wike) characterized PANDEF as the worst organization ever” and accused its members of visiting the Presidential Villa merely to solicit financial favors. These statements are not only false but also unbecoming of a public official of his stature.

“PANDEF hereby calls upon Mr. President, as the father of the nation, to prevail upon the Honourable Minister to retract his inflammatory statements and extend due respect to these eminent Nigerians and traditional rulers who were, after all, esteemed guests of the Commander-in-Chief. It is apt to remind that the Minister does not own the Niger-Delta and his errant conduct should not be condoned.

“Notwithstanding this regrettable development, PANDEF remains unwavering in its commitment to peace, stability, and equitable development in the Niger Delta. We will continue to engage with great vigour, all relevant stakeholders in pursuit of lasting harmony in Rivers State and the broader South-South region,” Igali stated.

On efforts to restore peace in River State, Igali restated PANDEF’s commitment for peace in the oil-rich State.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Peace and Reconciliation Committee, which remains committed to resolving the Rivers State crisis,” Igali stated.

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IPOB’s lawyer accuses Anambra govt of violating citizens’ rights, wants all arrested charged to court

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The counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has called on the Anambra State Government to either charge to court or release individuals allegedly detained for the past five weeks without trial.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Ejiofor criticized what he described as “violations of citizens’ rights,” emphasizing that the detainees have not been presented before any court or formally charged with a crime.

“Today, March 15, 2025, marks five full weeks since several citizens of Anambra State were arbitrarily arrested and detained in a private facility controlled by the state government. Shockingly, they have not been charged with any offense or brought before any court of law. This is a flagrant violation of their fundamental rights,” Ejiofor stated.

He expressed concern that the detainees were not held by the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), or the military, but instead in an undisclosed facility, without any official explanation from the government.

Ejiofor, who has previously supported the government’s security efforts, urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo to ensure the rule of law is upheld.

“I have always championed active citizen participation in combating insecurity and have publicly urged the government to act against criminal elements. However, this must be done legally and transparently,” he said.

While commending the efforts of the state’s Agụnechemba security outfit, Ejiofor insisted that professionalism and adherence to due process are crucial.

He reaffirmed his support for lawful measures to combat crime but warned that arbitrary detentions could erode public trust in the government’s security strategy.

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Osun Amotekun recruits accuse Adeleke’s govt of nepotism

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The Osun State Amotekun Corps has denied allegations of nepotism in its ongoing recruitment of 1,000 cadets, following claims by some dismissed recruits that they were removed in favor of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members.

Some affected candidates, seen outside the NYSC camp venue in Osogbo, alleged they were removed due to their affiliation with the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking on behalf of the group, a dismissed cadet, Usman, claimed that they had been in camp since Sunday before being replaced by PDP members, some of whom, he alleged, were unfit for training.

However, Amotekun’s Board Chairman, retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Wale Abass, dismissed the allegations as baseless. He explained that those removed from the training camp either failed to meet the required standards or did not follow the proper recruitment process.

“The 1,000 cadets invited for training went through a rigorous selection process. They submitted applications online, underwent document verification, and passed physical fitness tests before being invited to camp,” Abass stated.

He further revealed that some unqualified individuals managed to gain access to the camp, while some selected candidates failed to meet the reporting deadline. Those with health issues were also disqualified.

Abass reaffirmed that the Amotekun Corps remains committed to fairness and impartiality in its recruitment process. He described the allegations as an attempt to create confusion and undermine the security outfit’s credibility.

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