By Rt. Hon. Samson Osagie
It is often said those who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. I was alarmed to hear Governor Obaseki say he won’t get justice after the Committee of the APC concluded his screening on Wednesday, 10th June, 2020.
I asked the question: who did he give Justice to as Governor of Edo State in almost four years of his rule?
Did he serve Chief Osamede Adun (aka Bob Izua) justice when he took over his property and demolished it overnight without the proper procedure of government’s acquisition of private property for overriding public purpose? Has he, up till now, paid him compensation? Was Obaseki fair to him?
Did he serve Justice to Comrade Tony Kabaka when he demolished his hotel in Ugbor, thereby rendering the poor upcoming young man economically incapacitated and making tens of people lose their jobs even when the matter was pending in court? Was Governor Obaseki fair to Tony Kabaka Adun and the workers in that hotel?
Was Governor Obaseki fair and just when his thugs attacked the Law office of former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Henry Idahagbon, with guns, matchetes, clubs leaving in its wake almost a hundred wasted bullets. God saved his life. Why? Was it not because he was/is not supporting Obaseki’s second term bid? Is that how to rule? Was that Justice?
Was Governor Obaseki fair and just to fourteen elected members of the Edo State House of Assembly whom he denied inauguration and swearing-in in June, 2019? Is he fair and just to Edo people when, for the first time, in the history of the Srate, he (a sitting governor) prevented the Legislature from functioning properly in accordance with the Constitution?
Was he fair to Edo people when he denied them patronages and encouraged capital flight by using non-Edo citizens in carrying out mouth-watering contracts to the detriment of the Edo State economy?
Did Governor Obaseki serve justice to APC members and leaders in Edo State when he embarked on using thugs and security forces to attack them for holding opposing views?
Has Governor Obaseki been fair to Edo people when he sponsored Adaze Emwanta and others to Institute litigation against Edo indigenes who get appointed to federal government agencies in order to stop them from getting into the position they are appointed?
Has Governor Obaseki served justice to APC when he could not mobilise the party to receive new members but instead prevent people from joining the party?
Has Governor Obaseki been fair to Comrade Adams Oshiomhole when he mobilised Edo resources to remove him as National Chairman and mobilize thugs to stop him from entering Edo State?
Has Governor Obaseki been fair Edo people to whom he makes promises but fails to fulfill such promises?
Has Governor Obaseki served justice to those who supported him and whom he later sent to prison when he became Governor?
Has Governor Obaseki served justice to Edo people whom he refused to provide good health care services and instead embarked on the blackmail of his predecessor over the five-star hospital that was built, which he locked down for years and was recently privatized?
Has Governor Obaseki served justice to Edo people when he lied that he worked with Governor Adams Oshiomhole for free when, in fact, he earned Commission on the several loans he sourced for Edo state government?
Has Governor Obaseki been fair and just to the APC when he has sponsored many suits/litigation against the party without recourse to the Constitution of the party in exhausting internal mechanisms for conflict resolution?
Has Governor Obaseki served justice to party leaders whom he listed to retire from politics in Edo State?
Has Governor Obaseki served justice to Edo market women whom he has decided to cluster on primary school premises in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic?
Has Governor Obaseki served justice to APC when he allowed PDP to hold ward congresses in the 192 wards in Edo State and made a regulation to stop APC from holding direct primary election in the 192 wards in the same Edo State?
Has Governor Godwin Obaseki served justice to anyone?
In Leadership, every action taken has consequences- positive or negative.
As Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has been most unfair and unjust to members of his party- APC and, arguably, the generality of Edo people.
When he cries for justice, I wonder if he expects his unjust actions against his party will serve him justice.
Weep not, my governor: the measure you give is the measure you will receive.
Justice is for all, not only for the privileged!
*Hon Samson Osagie, MHR, is former Minority Whip,
House of Representatives.
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