As a godfather, Governor Obaseki will fail By Victor Ofure Osehobo

By Victor Ofure Osehobo 

Not a few governors have successfully impeached their deputies in Nigerian political history. Governors who resort to impeaching their deputies usually have reasons. Here are a few examples:

1. Political differences: 

The governor and deputy may belong to different  factions within the same party, leading to conflicts and differences in their ideologies and goals. The governor may view his deputy as a hindrance to implementing his policies or as a potential rival, resulting in an attempt to impeach the deputy. Without any iota of sympathy for Mr Philip Shaibu, the ordinary deputy governor of Edo who is afraid of being impeached, his several meetings with the leader of the Edo PDP legacy group, Chief Dan Orbih no doubt irritated his boss.

2. Power struggle: 

Power struggles within the ruling party or government can also lead to the impeachment of a deputy governor. If the deputy is perceived as becoming too influential or is seen as a threat to the governor's authority, the governor may plot to remove the deputy from his position to consolidate his power. A case in point is having the deputy governor overseeing Local governments. His boss had to cut him to size recently.

3. Corruption or misconduct: 

If the deputy governor is involved in corruption or engaged in unethical practices, it can lead to a loss of trust and confidence from the governor and other government officials. In such cases, the governor may initiate impeachment proceedings to uphold accountability and maintain the reputation of the government.

4. Breach of loyalty: 

If the governor believes that the deputy is disloyal or engaged in activities that undermine the governor's position, he may consider impeachment. This could include instances where the deputy forms alliances or makes political moves that the governor perceives as a threat to their position or authority. Did Shaibu go to the inauguration party of National assembly members including that of Edo Senators like our leader, Senator Adams Oshiomhole without authority of his boss? This seems to be an issue! 

5. Policy disagreements: 

In some cases, the deputy governor may have significant policy differences with the governor. If these disagreements are irreconcilable and are negatively affecting governance or public welfare, the governor may resort to impeachment to remove the obstacle and bring in a deputy who aligns better with his vision, though in Edo, the governor has no vision!

A case which readily comes to mind is that of Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, the former governor of Sokoto State, who attempted to impeach his deputy, Alhaji Garba Muhammad, in 2004. Bafarawa accused Muhammad of *disloyalty and involvement in a conspiracy to remove him from office*. Despite facing legal challenges, the attempted impeachment created a political crisis in the state. Will Edo's case be different? Let's look at other cases.

Governor Ayo Fayose - Ekiti State in 2006, successfully impeached his deputy, Mrs. Abiodun Olujimi, on the grounds of *alleged misconduct and dictatorial tendencies*. The impeachment process was initiated by the State House of Assembly, which accused Olujimi of *abuse of office and insubordination*.

Governor Rotimi Amaechi - Rivers State in 2013, successfully impeached his deputy, Engr. Tele Ikuru, following a political fallout between them. Ikuru had defected from the ruling party, the People's Democratic Party (PDP), to the opposition party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), without the consent of the governor. Amaechi, backed by the State House of Assembly, impeached Ikuru on *grounds of gross misconduct, abandonment of office, and working against the interests of the state*.

In 2014, Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State successfully impeached his deputy, Bala James Ngilari. The impeachment followed a political crisis within the state and allegations of financial misappropriation by the Nyako administration. Ngilari was accused of *financial misconduct and abuse of office*, leading to his removal from office by the State House of Assembly.

Lately in 2019, Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, successfully impeached his deputy, Eze Madumere. The impeachment process occurred following a series of *political disagreements* between the governor and Madumere. The State House of Assembly accused Madumere of *gross misconduct and dereliction of duty*, leading to his removal from office.

Like I said before, I have no iota of sympathy for the outgoing deputy governor of Edo, who is scared and wailing that he will be impeached. Be that as it may, I am concerned that it is all part of a plan, doomed to fail for Obaseki who to be godfather, in Edo state. He cannot be seeking to *chose his successor, posing as a godfather whereas he has opposed godfatherism over time*. There are several reasons for my conclusion.

1. Lack of guidance: 

As a godson Obaseki did not wait to get sufficient guidance from his godfather, to understand the responsibilities and expectations associated with the role. 

2. Inadequate preparation: Becoming a godfather requires a certain level of preparation, including learning, understanding the importance of the role, and being committed to being a positive influence. Obaseki invested time and effort into destroying his own godather, so how can he hope to fit into his shoes?

3. Lack of a relationship:

Soon after he took office, Obaseki became a bad godson. He destroyed the  bond and connection with his godfather. He could not share a close relationship, so no he got no meaningful impact  enough for his political life.

4. Lack of commitment: 

Being a godfather is a lifelong commitment, and requires regular involvement in the godchild's life. Obaseki literally killed his godfather, so he has no role model!

5. Changes in circumstances: After killing his godfather it became inevitable for Obaseki to have his godfather's presence in his political life, leading to failure in every area of his functioning as a godson.

And so in this circumstance, Obaseki aspiring to become a godfather is bound to fail. The man should serve his tenure and leave. QED.

*Osehobo is Assistant State Publicity Secretary of the APC in Edo state*.