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17/04/2024

A Phenomenal Gentleman - Asue Ighodalo

NEWS: I See Edo As Best Sub-National State In 10 Years —  Ighodalo.. Challenges youths to get involved in political proc...
16/04/2024

NEWS: I See Edo As Best Sub-National State In 10 Years — Ighodalo
.. Challenges youths to get involved in political process to elect quality leadership



The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the September governorship election in Edo State, Dr Asue Ighodalo, has said he sees the state competing as the best sub-national state in the country and Africa in the next 10 Years.

He said as a state, hugely blessed with highly talented and creative individuals, such enormous talent if well harnessed, can turn the state around completely for the good of all.


Ighodalo stated this on Tuesday at a programme, THINKERS NEST, with the theme ‘The Future of Edo State’ which was organized by the Benson Idahosa University (BIU) in collaboration with International Leadership Ideas Exchange (ILIEX) and held at the BIU Legacy Campus, Okha, Benin-Sapele Road, Benin City.


The discussion ostensibly designed to feature all the three front runners in the election, was to make the candidates talk to the staff and students of the institution on the chosen theme of the day. Tuesday saw Ighodalo taking the first shot. The candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Olumide Akpata will feature on Wednesday while the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sen Monday Okpebholo, will take his turn on Thursday.


During the question and answer session from students of the institution which was moderated by the President of BUI, Rt Rev Dr F.E.B. Idahosa, who also doubled as the Chief Host, Ighodalo stressed the need for leaders to be compassionate, saying that if leaders exhibit considerable compassion for the people and really love the people, they will find it easier to serve them well by engaging in things that will meet the yearnings and aspirations of the masses. He argued that unless leaders love the people, they can’t serve them well.


“I see Edo State that will be the best sub-national government in Nigeria and indeed Africa. I see a future that will inspire, empower and uplift all its citizens from lack, want and poverty to prosperity in Edo State. And that is why I want to challenge all of us to get involved so as to elect leaders that will serve with love and compassion. Except leaders genuinely love the people, there is no way they can serve them well.

“As for you guys, be determined to work hard and be able to differentiate between right and wrong. Let your word be your bond. Be accountable and respectful. Integrity is key. These are values that you need to get going because they will take you to very high places. Let people know you to be straight forward, a person who will not cut corners and cheat others just to make it.”

Ighodalo emphasized that there is a lot that the state can do to get to a first world sub-national state. He challenged everyone to put on their thinking caps, stressing that Edo is no more a civil service state. He said Edo has since moved beyond that tag and challenge people to go and see what is going on at Ikpoba Okha and other giant steps that have been taken by government.

Ighodalo promised to continue with whatever programme of government that is good and tweak anyone that is not being well implemented so that the people can get value from their government. He made reference to the privatization of refineries by former President Olusegun Obasanjo which his successor, late President Umaru Yar’Adua revised and how today Nigeria is paying heavily for that decision.

He called on the students not to be passive when it comes governance and administration. “Get involved. You own this country. You have to determine the direction of the country by getting in there, and ensuring that you participate fully”, he admonished.

Before he left the stage, he promised a Law student that he would get her to work in his Law firm.


Naira Appreciating Faster Than Expected —  BDC Operators Cry out One of them, Aminu Gwadabe, said it’s the first time in...
16/04/2024

Naira Appreciating Faster Than Expected — BDC Operators Cry out

One of them, Aminu Gwadabe, said it’s the first time in the last 15 years that dollar will exchange in the parallel market lesser than that of the official rate.

He added that as of Tuesday afternoon, the BDC operators buy the dollar at N980/$1 and sell at N1,020/$1, as against the official rate of N1161/$1 by the CBN.

The naira has appreciated against the dollar in recent weeks, gaining over 40%, from about N1,900/$ early January to about N1,100/$1 now.

HAPPENING NOW!Candidate of the People's Democratic Party for the 2024 Edo State Governorship election, Dr Asue Ighodalo ...
16/04/2024

HAPPENING NOW!

Candidate of the People's Democratic Party for the 2024 Edo State Governorship election, Dr Asue Ighodalo arrives at Benson Idahosa University for an interactive session with the President, Staff and Students of the School.



Follow Asue Ighodalo to Stream Live!


"The Future of Edo State"; an interactive session between Dr Asue Ighodalo and the President, Staff and Students of Bens...
16/04/2024

"The Future of Edo State"; an interactive session between Dr Asue Ighodalo and the President, Staff and Students of Benson Idahosa University takes place today.





15/04/2024

VIDEO: Edo State Youths unite to secure their future through electing Dr Asue Ighodalo as their Governor.

Hear them! Stay Motivated!





15/04/2024

VIDEO: Dr. Asue Ighodalo Inspires thousands of Netizens with his Monday Motivational speech.




NOTICE: Join in as Benson Idahosa University plays host to Dr Asue Ighodalo on the 16th April 2024 in an event with the ...
15/04/2024

NOTICE: Join in as Benson Idahosa University plays host to Dr Asue Ighodalo on the 16th April 2024 in an event with the theme "The Future of Edo State"

Find other details on the flier.


WHAT ASUE IGHODALO REPRESENTS1. EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP - Asue Ighodalo embodies effective leadership – steering with clari...
15/04/2024

WHAT ASUE IGHODALO REPRESENTS

1. EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP - Asue Ighodalo embodies effective leadership – steering with clarity, purpose, and action, inspiring those around him to excel.

2. VISIONARY LEADERSHIP - Visionary is an understatement when it comes to Asue Ighodalo. His forward-thinking approach shapes not just today, but tomorrow's landscape too.

3. TRANSPARENT LEADERSHIP - Transparency is key in leadership, and Asue Ighodalo sets the gold standard. With openness and honesty, he fosters trust and accountability at every turn.

4. GOOD GOVERNANCE - Good governance isn't just a buzzword – it's the cornerstone of progress. Asue Ighodalo's commitment to sound governance practices paves the way for sustainable growth and development which is his ultimate desire for Edo State.

5. EMPATHETIC LEADERSHIP - Asue Ighodalo's leadership style is not just about numbers – it's about people. With empathy at the helm, he listens, understands, and leads with compassion, making a positive impact on countless lives.

6. INNOVATIVE LEADERSHIP - Innovation is the heartbeat of progress, and Asue Ighodalo knows it well. Constantly pushing boundaries, he embraces change, fosters creativity, and drives impactful innovation forward. is indeed a change agent.

7. PEOPLE-CENTRIC GOVERNANCE - Governance with a human face – that's the ethos Asue Ighodalo lives by. Balancing policy with compassion, he ensures that every decision made considers the human element, making for governance that truly serves the people.

CONCLUSION - Asue Ighodalo ticks all the boxes in the parameters of quality leadership.

Bringing these qualities on board will in no small measure turn around Edo State when (not if) he is elected as the Governor.

Congratulations to Edolites in Advance.




Credit: EbubeDike of the Source | X


BREAKING: GOV ENO VISITS FAMILY OF LATE NOLLYWOOD MAKE-UP ARTIST…offers automatic employment to elder sister…directs ren...
13/04/2024

BREAKING: GOV ENO VISITS FAMILY OF LATE NOLLYWOOD MAKE-UP ARTIST

…offers automatic employment to elder sister
…directs renovation of family house
…promises assistance to the undergraduate sisters

Living to his billing as the epitome of compassion, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, on arrival from an official engagement in Abuja, this afternoon drove straight to the family compound of the late Nollywood make- up artist. Abigail Edith Frederick, in Ikot Udoma, Eket Local Government Area, where he consoled the bereaved family.

Showing deep emotions, Governor Eno, sat with the grieving family members and told them he feels their pain.

“This is deeply unfortunate, a young girl, 24 years old, who, finished her Youth Service just last year, and decided to pursue her passion.

“This is a reflection of our Arise spirit. It shows that our young people are willing to go out there, not begging, not waiting for handouts, but to pursue their passions.

“It is sad and unfortunate that her life ended the way it did.

“Once I was fully briefed, I decided to come here personally with the full complement of Government to console and encourage the family.

“You are not just the Governor when people are celebrating. In times and moments like this, you become the Mourner- in-Chief and give them hope.

“I trust the Holy Spirit will perfect the hope in their lives.

“Coming here means we care. You know Akwa Ibomites are like Americans. We don’t leave each other behind. Government will be with the family and support them.”

The Governor thereafter gave an automatic employment in the State Civil Service to the surviving elder sister of the deceased, and directed the SSA on Humanitarian Services, Umo Ekpo to renovate the family house and bring it to modern standards.

The Governor also assured of Government’s assistance to the two sisters of the bereaved who are undergraduates at the University of Uyo, said to be sponsored by the late Nollywood make- up artist.

Ekerete Udoh
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
April 13, 2024

TC Okafor (Tc Virus) was standing on the boat and ringing bell (which is forbidden) while it was Moving, TC Okafor vowed...
13/04/2024

TC Okafor (Tc Virus) was standing on the boat and ringing bell (which is forbidden) while it was Moving, TC Okafor vowed to come and scatter my set because I hadn’t paid him his salary, Life Jacket was Given out for Free, Junior Pope was given a life Jacket but he refused to wear it because he said it was Dirty, Everyone wearing A Life Jacket on that Boat Survived, after the Boat Capsized a Gallon was thrown to Jnr Pope and he was even Checking on everyone while they were inside the water but all of a sudden he drowned” - Movie Producer Adanma Luke reveals

Just In: Nigerian activist, Fawaz Alabi, found dead after drowning at Ibeshe Beach, Lagos
13/04/2024

Just In: Nigerian activist, Fawaz Alabi, found dead after drowning at Ibeshe Beach, Lagos

BREAKING: Akwa Ibom Governor Pastor Umo Eno Orders Exhumation of Late Abigail Body from River Niger. - PUOExecutive Gove...
13/04/2024

BREAKING: Akwa Ibom Governor Pastor Umo Eno Orders Exhumation of Late Abigail Body from River Niger. - PUO

Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State Pastor Umo Eno has ordered the exhumation of the late Make Up Artist Body Abigail Federick who was buried at the Bank of River Niger over inability of her family to pay 150,000 demanded for R!tual to the River goddess.

“His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno has directed that her body be brought back to her family for a proper and decent burial as government was not informed of the circumstances that led to her quick burial” Mr. Akaniyene Tommey the
Chairman Eket Local Government Transition Committee told the Family during his Condolence Visit.

JNR POPE: Movie Producer, Adanma Luke, Surrenders to Police After Boat Mishap; Boat Riders in Police Custody.Adanma Luke...
13/04/2024

JNR POPE: Movie Producer, Adanma Luke, Surrenders to Police After Boat Mishap; Boat Riders in Police Custody.

Adanma Luke, the producer of the upcoming movie in which the late actor Junior Pope Odonwodo was supposed to be featured, has surrendered to the police, TheCable is reporting.

Pope, the actor, passed away on Wednesday after he fell into the River Niger in Asaba, Delta state on his way to a movie location. The film star was in the company of some other actors and crew members when the incident occurred.

On Friday, Tochukwu Ikenga, the Anambra police spokesperson, told TheCable Lifestyle, that Luke was not arrested but submitted herself to the law enforcement agency. Ikenga added that the two boat drivers were also in custody amid an investigation into Pope’s d£ath.

“She was not arrested, she came by herself, and her statement was obtained. We also have in custody the two boat drivers and interrogation is still ongoing,” he said. Early this morning, we have recovered the other three missing bodies. Further details shall be communicated please.”

The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) earlier suspended all movies involving riverine locations, following the d£ath of Pope. Emeka Rollas, the president of the AGN, also warned filmmakers not to work with Luke “until further notice”.

Tochukwu Okafor, the actor fondly called TC Virus who is a survivor of the boat accident, recently opened up about how he escaped the mishap that claimed the life of Jnr Pope.

Close one of your eyes and squint the other one to view this picture. Tell me wetin you see ☺️
13/04/2024

Close one of your eyes and squint the other one to view this picture.

Tell me wetin you see ☺️

Program Promotion: Join Dr. Asue Ighodalo for a Facebook Live Interaction today, Saturday, April 13th, 2024, at 7 pm.Fin...
13/04/2024

Program Promotion: Join Dr. Asue Ighodalo for a Facebook Live Interaction today, Saturday, April 13th, 2024, at 7 pm.

Find more details about the program on the attached flyer.



EFCC trolls Bobrisky after getting him jailed over Naira abuse.
13/04/2024

EFCC trolls Bobrisky after getting him jailed over Naira abuse.

Meet Uzoma Odimara aka Area Scatter, Nigeria's first publicly known crossdresserHe was a civil servant-turned-musician b...
13/04/2024

Meet Uzoma Odimara aka Area Scatter, Nigeria's first publicly known crossdresser

He was a civil servant-turned-musician born in Imo State. He was popular in the 1970s.

IGHODALO RALLIES EDO YOUTHS, TASKS ON NATION-BUILDINGThe candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Septemb...
13/04/2024

IGHODALO RALLIES EDO YOUTHS, TASKS ON NATION-BUILDING

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the September 21, 2024 Edo State Governorship election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, has urged youths to maximize their potential, channeling their skills, talents and energy towards making Nigeria a first-world nation.

Ighodalo made the call during the Egor Youth Summit with the theme, “Building Leadership Skills, Confidence and Opportunities for Young People,” held at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin City, Edo State Capital.

He said, “The youths are not to see themselves as just leaders in the future but are leaders of the nation now. The youths are in a position to help, build, rehabilitate, and change Nigeria for the better.

“A true leader is a person that loves the people and if you don't love your people you can't be a great leader. You need to love the people before you can lead them rightly.”

Ighodalo continued, “Nigeria attained Independence in 1960 and produced great leaders but the love of the people which was absent created the gap that has pushed us to where we are today with various challenges facing the nation.

“Not loving the people made it very difficult to gather and transfer that leadership skills into transformational momentum to change the narratives of Nigeria for the better, developing it into a first-world country.

“We are blessed with more resources than any Country in the world and are free from many natural disasters and yet still remain as a third-world Country. We have made so much money from oil and yet still in the part we find ourselves with numerous challenges facing us as a nation.

“Nigeria can become a first world Country in 8 years if only the youths can focus on doing things differently and take over from our present leadership that has put us in the challenges we face as a nation.

“I call on the youths to change their mindset to have a country where the citizens are not molested and the people are loved. We have to start the transformation of Nigeria from Edo State and need to do enough to make this goal achievable.”

He added, “The Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub was built by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led government for the youth, to enhance creativity and transform the State and Nation.”

Ighodalo further noted, “A true leader is a person that used his leadership skills to transform the lives of those she is leading. I urged the youths to be determined to create a better Edo State using their power of the ballot to ensure that qualified and competent people are in leadership positions in Nigeria.

“I call on the youths to go back to the value system we cherish as a people as it helps to bring out the best in the youth. Edo State is going to save Nigeria and the youths of Edo State will lead the front as they lead the Country away from where it is now to where it ought to be paving the way to becoming a first world nation.”

Earlier, the Edo State Commissioner for Digital Economy, Science and Technology, Ogbeide Ifaluyi-Isibor said the youth have the energy and capacity to re-engineer the society as the future lies in their hands, noting, “This programme is the very first of its kind in Egor Local Government Area. I hold a very strong view that the youth have the energy to re-engineer and develop the society, State, nation and world at large.

“The future of any economy is embedded in the youth population and that is why the mind of the young people needs to be energized for a productive society. The essence of this Summit is to gather young people across the State to have an honest conversation, brainstorming sessions and interaction that will change the way the youths think.

“The future of the youths is based on the thoughts in their heart today and what they expose their heart and thoughts towards. I welcome the youths to the Summit and assure you that you will certainly get a change of thinking towards becoming better leaders that will change the narrative of Nigeria.”

PHOTO CAPTION

Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the September 21, 2024 Edo State Governorship election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo (right); Edo State Commissioner for Digital Economy, Science and Technology, Ogbeide Ifaluyi-Isibor (2nd right), during the Egor Youth Summit in Benin City, Edo State Capital, on Friday, April 12, 2024.

The Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara has set up the committee to recover all state properties falsely grabbed by the for...
12/04/2024

The Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara has set up the committee to recover all state properties falsely grabbed by the former state Governor, Nyesom Wike

Below are a list of some of the properties identified for immediate recovery:

1. The old NDDC building on Aba road
2. The mall on GRA junction (under demolition)
3. ⁠West African Glass Industry
4. ⁠Rivers State University Hostel K Campus
5. ⁠Rivers State High Rise aka PHC Towers
6. ⁠Nigeria Engineering Works aka NEW
7. ⁠Civil servants Lodge building @ Old GRA
8. ⁠Shoprite complex
9. ⁠The Hypercity land by NLNG roundabout (Estern Bypass)
10. ⁠The entire Government properties from Tombia junction to Opobo Crescent, spanning over 20 buildings.

Details of other state properties will be published soon.

Breaking: Court grants Emefiele N50m bail.The embattled former Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has been granted ...
12/04/2024

Breaking: Court grants Emefiele N50m bail.

The embattled former Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has been granted bail in the sum of N50m after being charged with a 26-count bordering on alleged abuse of office and irregular allocation of $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion respectively.

BREAKING NEWS: IDRIS OKUNEYE (BOBRISKY) BAGS SIX MONTHS IN PRISONMENT WITHOUT OPTION OF FINE.Justice Abimbola Awogboro o...
12/04/2024

BREAKING NEWS: IDRIS OKUNEYE (BOBRISKY) BAGS SIX MONTHS IN PRISONMENT WITHOUT OPTION OF FINE.

Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Lagos has sentenced cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, to six months in jail with no option of fine.

The judgement was handed this morning, April 12.

Recall that on April 5th, EFCC arraigned Bobrisky in court on a six-count charge ranging from Abuse of the Naira and Money laundering.

The court, however, dismissed the money laundering charges but convicted him for Naira Abuse after he confessed to the crime. The court also ordered that he has been remanded in EFCC detention in Lagos.

The judge also adjourned hearing for judgement into the case to April 9.

However, the court couldn't sit due to the April 9 to April 11 Eid-Fitri public holiday.

*Philip Shaibu: Lessons in power, By Reuben Abati*  April 9, 2024Philip Shaibu, the Edo State politician who was deputy ...
12/04/2024

*Philip Shaibu: Lessons in power, By Reuben Abati* April 9, 2024

Philip Shaibu, the Edo State politician who was deputy governor in that state until yesterday afternoon, would seem to have failed woefully to learn certain basic lessons of power. He has said that he is a victim of an act of injustice and that he would fight to the very end. He may have been led by his counsel to believe that he can fight this to the finish and get back his seat. He would be mistaken to be so misled. He had it coming. He has just been taught a few lessons in the dynamics of power play. The 48 Laws of Power is the title of a book written by Robert Greene, an American author, in 1998. It was a massive bestseller, with over 1.2 million copies sold in the United States and even more world-wide, offering simple commonsensical advice, illustrated with narratives and historical examples to prove the point that power is a dangerous game, and only persons who understand its dynamics can survive in the palace. Greene recommends humility, obscurity and skilful navigation as the best skills of survival.
One of the reasons that Philip Shaibu, deputy governor of Edo State, got impeached yesterday was due to hubris, defined in the literature as a flaw of character. And to worsen his agony, both the legislature and the executive further conspired to nominate, approve, and swear in a replacement, within hours of his impeachment, in the person of Omobayo Godwins from Ibilo, Akoko Edo, the oldest local government area in Nigeria, specifically in Edo North, where Philip Shaibu himself hails from. In the power play that we have just witnessed in Edo State, it is clear that the intention of Governor Godwin Obaseki is to crush Philip Shaibu completely. He has publicly humiliated Shaibu, and forced him to know who the master of the game is. Less than a week after Easter, days after the betrayal of our Lord Jesus Christ by Judas Iscariot, Shaibu, a Christian, has just been made to remember, forcefully, Acts 1: 20: “For it is written in the book of Psalms, let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein and his place let another take.” Yesterday, someone else took Philip Shaibu’s place in Edo State.

How did he get here? Philip Shaibu emerged in 2016 as the running mate to Godwin Obaseki in the gubernatorial election in that state that year. They both won on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Shaibu was the unanimous choice as Obaseki’s running mate. He had behind him the support of Comrade Governor Adams Oshiomhole, who was his political godfather and who left no one any choice in the matter. Shaibu and Oshiomhole are from the same homestead and Senatorial district. The APC won the election and assumed office in November 2016. To be fair, Shaibu and Obaseki cut the perfect picture of a team. Many were surprised because it was unusual to have a Governor and a Deputy Governor working together so peacefully like brothers. Shaibu was not just powerful, he was visible and influential. Whenever the Governor went on vacation, he handed over the reins of power to his Deputy. In 2020, when ahead of the struggle for a second term, Obaseki fell out with his former mentor, Adams Oshiomhole, and had to leave the APC to find a new political abode in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Shaibu stayed with his principal, the Governor. The big men in the rival PDP did not want him as running mate. They didn’t want him as part of the deal. But Obaseki and Shaibu were so much together that Obaseki insisted that Shaibu was part of the deal. He would not ditch him. He had his way. In 2020, Obaseki and Shaibu began a second term in office.

The Deputy Governor’s high moment came in 2021, when he led the National Sports Festival 2020, hosted by Edo State, as the Chairman of the Organising Committee. Governor Obaseki was full of accolades for his Deputy. The Federal Government did not provide the necessary funding, yet Edo State pulled it off, delivering one of the most memorable sports festivals that many Nigerians had seen. Shaibu’s reputation as a go-to, can-do person soared. His political scorecard looked even brighter. At the University of Jos where he obtained a B.Sc degree in Accounting, he was President of the Students’ Union from 2000 to 2001. In 2003, he was elected into the Edo State House of Assembly. He spent two terms representing Etsako West Constituency. In 2015, he won election into the Federal House of Representatives on the platform of the APC, representing Etsako Federal Constituency. Having served subsequently as Deputy Governor, and having been such a star in that position, Shaibu decided in 2023 that it was his turn to become Governor and succeed his boss. The Edo governorship election is slated for 21 September.

Shaibu defined his declaration and ambition as a “a call to destiny.” This was the beginning of his problems. He did not have the support of his principal, Obaseki, who thought, along with others, that Edo North, where Shaibu hails from, has had more than enough shot at the Government House position in Edo State. Oshiomhole, an Etsako man, was governor of the state for eight years. Shaibu, believed to be his relative even, was going to serve for eight years as deputy governor. A powerful lobby group in the state believes that the people of Edo Central should be given a chance. Since the return to democracy in 1999, only one person from Edo Central, Professor Oserheimen Osunbor, has shown up as governor but even his tenure was truncated by the courts, paving the way for Adams Oshiomhole from Edo North. Whereas Governor Obaseki had insisted that he had no preferred candidate in the election, it was clear that he did not want his deputy to succeed him. Thus, the impression that Edo State had shown a better example in terms of the tumultuous relationship between governors and their deputies ended up as a mere illusion in the end. The fight between Shaibu and Obaseki turned messy and acrimonious, finally fitting into an established pattern, with the impeachment of Philip Shaibu yesterday. It is unfortunate because it is so familiar.

The office of the Deputy Governor is a creation of the 1999 Constitution, to the extent that Section 187 (1) makes it clear that a candidate for the office of Governor shall not be deemed to have been validly nominated unless he nominates another candidate as his associate in running for the office; that is the Deputy Governor. The joint ticket nature of the gubernatorial process has been proved, beyond a scintilla of doubt in PDP and 2 ors v. Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo and 3 ors in the November 2019 Bayelsa governorship election. David Lyon could not become governor because of discrepancies in his running mate’s qualifications. Despite this twinning of the ticket, this Siamese-twins, umbilical cord connection between Governors and their Deputies, what has happened, since 1999, is that upon the assumption of office, there has been no love lost between the duo. One reason is that the 1999 Constitution does not expressly assign powers to the Deputy Governor. The Governor, like the President at the federal level, is like a monarch. He controls everything. His word is law, and so everyone, from traditional rulers to lawmakers in the State House of Assembly, learn very quickly that the man to fear and worship is the Governor, who claims that he is an “Executive” or that he is a “constituted authority.”

This “Kabiyesi” syndrome is the bane of Nigerian politics. The Deputy Governor gets a generous mention in Section 191 of the 1999 Constitution, which upholds the principle of jus accrescendi inherent in the joint ticket, to wit a Deputy takes over in the event of death, resignation or incapacitation, but which is interpreted to mean that a Deputy Governor is a spare tyre, waiting for the main tyre to develop a fault, so it can be replaced and he, the Deputy can become the main driver. In a superstitious country such as ours, a Deputy Governor is treated with suspicion. Any sign of self-expression or assertiveness on his or her part, is seen as a sign of disloyalty. Political courters capitalise on this and have always tried to cause problems. When the Deputy and the Governor have different godfathers, their crisis is assured. It is rare to find any incumbent Governor who openly encourages his Deputy to succeed him. It happened in Zamfara once upon a time, but Alhaji Sani Yerima and his successor, Aliyu Shinkafi, soon fell apart. Section 193 further reduces the role of a Deputy Governor to the discretion of the Governor. What is the pattern is conflict in Government Houses in the states and even in the Presidential Villa, to varying degrees.

For example, President Bola Tinubu as governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007, had three Deputy Governors. Mrs Kofo Bucknor-Akerele and Mr Femi Pedro both have stories to tell. Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje served as deputy governor to Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso (1999 – 2003, 2011-2015) but his former boss did not consider him good enough to succeed him. He got there by his own means. They have remained tough adversaries in Kano politics since then. The late Christopher Alao-Akala, deputy to Governor Rashidi Ladoja, became governor in 2006, only because his principal was impeached. Ladoja was reinstated by the Supreme Court in December 2006. Bala Ngilari became Governor in Adamawa State in 2014 only because Governor Murtala Nyako was impeached. In Ondo State, to cite a recent example, the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu had issues with his Deputies. In his first term, a certain Agboola Ajayi, who was his deputy, fell out of favour because he was eyeing the governor’s seat. His successor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa would also eventually run into trouble. He is Governor today because his principal died. At the state level, only 10 out of 149 Deputy Governors have taken over from their bosses since 1999, across the 36 states of the federation, and not necessarily because their bosses wanted them there. In Kebbi, Kano, Imo, Niger, Nasarawa, Plateau and Benue states, we have seen incumbent Governors supporting candidates other than their own Deputies, who stubbornly sought to succeed them. Engr. David Umahi, now minister of Works became governor of Ebonyi State in 2015, in spite of his former principal, Governor Martin Elechi, who insisted that Umahi was not his choice. At the federal level, the Obasanjo administration became a “Bolekaja Presidency” because then Vice President Atiku Abubakar wanted to unseat his boss before the 2003 general election. Obasanjo’s second term was a divided presidency because the principal needed to teach his deputy a lesson. In 2010, it took the invocation of a doctrine of necessity to get then Vice President Goodluck Jonathan to succeed President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, first as acting president and later as president. Those who did not want Jonathan as president never gave up.

In sum, there is nothing unusual in the latest development in Edo State. What must be noted is the sheer stubbornness with which Shaibu took on the war against his principal. In the process, he was banished from Government House and restricted to a corner of Benin City. His media crew was withdrawn. He was stripped of all responsibilities. He was told in no uncertain terms that he would not be Governor. He went to court to defend his rights. He later withdrew the case. He apologised. But nothing changed. When the PDP held its party primaries, he organised his own event in his own house and declared himself as the chosen candidate. The next thing that came his way was the commencement of impeachment proceedings against him. On the surface of it, the state House of Assembly tried to follow the motions prescribed in Section 188 of the Constitution on the removal of a Governor or Deputy Governor from office. Shaibu and his lawyers claim that the House acted in violation of an ongoing process at a Federal High Court. Abuja. Without prejudice to Section 188 (10), the only remedy available to Shaibu is to prove in court that his removal was unconstitutional and seek to rely perhaps on Rashidi Ladoja’s case – see Muyiwa Inakoju and Ors. vs. Abraham Adeleke, Rashidi Ladoja and ors. (2007). But the times are different. The circumstances have changed. Shaibu’s political future hangs in the balance.

Whatever tricks his lawyers may still think they have in their bags, when Shaibu is alone let him reflect on how he ignored the laws of power. Law One says: “Never Outshine the Master.” Shaibu got so carried away he began to sound as if he was the master of the Governor. He openly boasted that without him Obaseki could never have been Governor and that he in fact funded his ambition and mobilised support for him. Obaseki has just shown him where power lies. He also violated the fourth law: “Always say less than necessary.” Shaibu believes that he can talk his way to the ticket for Osadebey House. Worse, he disobeyed Law 18: “Do not build fortresses to protect yourself. Isolation is dangerous.” Shaibu isolated himself. He parted ways with Senator Adams Oshiomhole who helped him to build his political career. He quarrelled with party big wigs like Dan Orbih. He abused elders and burnt bridges. He lacks the kind of support that propped up Dave Umahi in Ebonyi and Abdullahi Ganduje in Kano State. Isolation is indeed dangerous. Shaibu’s only saving grace would be how he stands in relation to Robert Greene’s Law 26: “Keep your hands clean.” Let us hope that his hands are clean.

Nonetheless, no man should be subjected to the kind of pain that he has had to endure simply because he wants to exercise his fundamental rights under the law. A system that turns Governors into mini-gods who determine other people’s fate is deplorable. The sycophantic breed of commissioners, special advisers, lawmakers and courtiers who would do anything to please the Governor of a state pose a serious threat to the democratic process. In the long run, Nigeria must make up its mind what it wants to do with the position of Deputies: it is either we protect that office constitutionally by assigning specific powers, or we scrap it.

Reuben Abati, a former presidential spokesperson, writes from Lagos.

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