‘Edo Can’t Return to Fayose’s Definition of Governance’

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

Former Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, has declared that the state cannot return to ‘Fayose definition of governance’ by providing stomach infrastructure to party members.
This is just as members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of the state openly expressed resentment for the administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki.

The APC members are angry that Obaseki has not been providing what they termed ‘stomach infrastructure’.
They displayed their anger at the thanksgiving service held at the Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia stadium to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the governor.

When former Governor Adams Oshiomhole walked into the arena at the commencement of the open prayer, the APC members disrupted the prayers by shouting praises of Oshiomhole.
Each time Oshiomhole name was mentioned throughout the event, the APC member would give a resounding applause but kept silent when Obaseki name was mentioned.

Commenting on the event, APC Secretary in Ovia North East Local Government Area, Mr. Samson Idehen, said they were not happy even though everybody is happy with Obaseki by way of performance.

Idehen noted that no matter what the governor achieved, if politicians were not carried along, people would see him as a non-performer.

According to him, “When you are embarking on projects, you should carry political leaders along because they have followers if a contract is given to a leader in the party, the followers will be carried along and not by giving them money.”

Another leader of the party, who pleaded anonymity said they are hungry and annoyed that after one year, there was nothing to show for supporting the party and Obaseki to power.
However, Frank Guobadia, an APC supporter, said the party under Obaseki has not disappointed the people by performing beyond expectations.

He said low revenue was the cause of money not getting to the party leaders.
“They call him wake and see governor because they saw what he is doing. We just left the era of surpluses everywhere. It is not going to be as usual but things will be better.

When Governor Obaseki was giving his speech, the applause was resounded by the people when he recognised the presence of his predecessor, Oshiomhole.

Obaseki disclosed that contrary to some persons’ speculations, Oshiomhole has not interfered in the administration of the state.

He stated that Oshiomhole has given his administration free hand to run government.
The government acknowledged that he has taken difficult decision in the past one year and has not been able to say ‘thank you’ to all who supported him to power.

In a chat with journalists, Oshiomhole stated that the business of Obaseki is not to listen to some voice but to focus on the primary purpose of governance which is to grow the economy, ensure that quality education remain available and other things.

“It is outcome of these efforts that will deliver food to the stomach of the people. It cannot be about keeping money to share. We cannot return to Fayose definition of governance.

“There are couples of things government must do which he is doing. The ultimate beneficiaries of these investors being attracted is for the people to create wealth for themselves. That is sustainable and not giving handout in terms of money.”

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