There should be a long period of silence in Edo State by now. Attorneys, particularly those with loans or mortgages, will be celebrating, while candidates will be tallying their losses in billions. All candidates except the winner and runner-up must have been deserted.
The runner-up will be besieged by attorneys, emergency judges, and unsatisfied fans. Some people who enter situations for profit will not leave. Lawyers like my buddy Afikuyomi, who had just venerated Olokun and Aje, and still looking for millions to pay for school fees of their kids would key in.
The winner will also be surrounded by those vying for a seat at the power table. For the runner-up and others, their prophets of doom, armies of termites and parasites they call followers, including their political girlfriends who promised miracle votes, would be nowhere.
Soothsayers and prophets of doom are also on the run after achieving success – an apology to skit-maker, ‘Ogb recent’. The prophets and seers you see in garages have gathered money and foretold victory in vain. They do not want to be stripped naked. They also fear the wrath of the losers and their troops, over which they have no influence. Looters disguised as grassroots mobilizers and still in possession of funds intended to buy votes would join their fellow seers and prophets of doom in escaping the enemy (nemesis).
The nemesis that others are fleeing is looking at Obaseki directly. If you examine the Edo election, you will notice that Obaseki lost more than polls. He also lost some people. Most importantly, he’s losing himself. As sweet as power. As important as authority. If you’ve ever held authority, you wouldn’t want to go on vacation. You would be power-sick. Consult Wike and Fayose. Bello continues to enjoy his honeymoon in Kogi.
The noise isn’t new. Obaseki did not kill anyone. He only lost one election to install his favored. If you ask me, I wish he had lost the poll. Edo people should not have to suffer in the same way as Kogi people do. I don’t believe any state deserves a lap dog in power. Truly, Monday Okpebholo will be a lap dog in power, but he is not linked to a governor who has only served eight years and must be held accountable.
I vehemently oppose governors installing their successors. I see it as a third-term agenda. But Yahaya Bello accomplished it. Even President Tinubu accomplished it. That is why Ododo can be found wherever Yahaya Bello is. Even in the gutter or dirt. Kogi residents have no idea whether Usman Ododo is the governor or Yahaya Bello’s head of security.
Tension is not a friend of the body, particularly the political one. What kind of spirit overtook Obaseki when he visited the REC on election day? It should be disturbing. When I read about it, I just agreed with him. People cannot spend billions on an election whose results might be postponed at any time. Nigerians, particularly the Edo people, deserve to be informed. But I am concerned by comments attributed to Governor Obaseki following the Edo poll. He referred to democracy and the rule of law. Obaseki claimed that the Edo gubernatorial election was plagued by a disdain for the rule of law.
I am not here to debate his position on the poll. Elections in Nigeria, or anywhere in the world, are imperfect. Obaseki was elected Governor twice using the exact process he condemns. Logically, it is understandable that some aspects of the election were tarnished by a disdain for the rule of law. What exactly is the rule of law? What is democracy? Merriam Webster defines rule of law as a condition in which all citizens observe a country’s laws. Democracy simply implies rule by the people.
Obaseki does not seem to comprehend that you can not abuse witches in the afternoon and then seek their assistance at night. You cannot abandon or insult God during the day while seeking His favor at night. Obaseki is like someone who is cruising on water in a boat, singing Maami water power is powerless power, and when there is turbulence, he shouts for help from water spirits.
It’s humorous that Obaseki, who dismantled the roofs of the Edo State House of Assembly, refused to swear in 14 validly elected lawmakers, and plotted the removal of his deputy governor, with whom they share a ticket, is now claiming that the Edo gubernatorial election was marred by a disdain for the rule of law. When in a position of power or influence, act appropriately. Do not wear the garment of pride. Do not use power to molest others. Do not support actions that you would oppose as a private citizen. Nemesis is what comes to mind when you think of Obaseki.
Overall, I pity Obaseki. He is the biggest loser. He lost his party, caucus, deputy governor, king, and finally the election. True, his name was not on the ballot, but he was the one wielding power, politics, and relevance. If the PDP had won the Edo poll, people would still be praising Obaseki. In fact, press, radio, and television stations would interview Obaseki more than the PDP gubernatorial candidate.
For analysts, the game remains a draw. Obaseki and Oshiomole, Monday Okpebholo’s godfathers, are the ones throwing the cards. For Obaseki, the loss is personal. As he steps down from power, he may leave behind his legacies. Politicians are like witches. They don’t forgive. Political vengeance and nemesis may be harsh. If Obaseki is not careful, his name as a former governor may be his only legacy. He needs to contact Rauf Aregbesola, former governor of Osun. They need to exchange notes. I wish him well as he prepares for life outside of power. He will miss his aides, a swarm of followers who are buddies with power. I also wish him a Happy Missing in advance.
Sodiq Lawal Chocomilo
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