Okpebholo: “If it is wrong, it is wrong” – By John Mayaki
I recently watched a video of former Edo State Governor and current Senator representing Edo North, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, passionately addressing the National Assembly. In the video, he firmly opposed any attempt by governors to suspend or dissolve democratically elected local government councils.
Oshiomhole recounted how, during his tenure as governor, he resisted pressure to dissolve councils, even though they belonged to an opposing political party. Instead, he allowed them to serve out their terms before conducting his own local government elections. This is a commendable stand, rooted in respect for democracy and the rule of law.
In his words, “If it is wrong, it is wrong. I have immunity on this floor, particularly when I’m saying the truth. The Supreme Court of the land, besides the express provisions of the Constitution, has repeatedly pronounced that governors do not have the power to dissolve elected councils or appropriate local government funds. When we ignore this, we inflict damage on the fabric of our democracy.”
Continuing, Oshiomhole stressed that democracy transcends political affiliations. Hear him, “I thought I should stand up to speak because I am not in the PDP. If it is wrong, it is wrong. Governors have their executive roles, but elected council chairmen also have their executive powers under the Nigerian Constitution. We all share a responsibility to defend the principles and values of democracy.”
He also went further to urged the Senate to persuade the Minister of Finance to withhold funds from councils where no elected chairmen exist, as a safeguard against governors’ dictatorial tendencies.
I think this is a profound and principled stance by our Distinguished Senator, and it deserves applause. However, I must point out that a similar issue is currently unfolding in Edo State, where Governor Monday Okpebholo’s actions appear to contradict the very principles Senator Oshiomhole so eloquently defended sometimes ago and when it was convenient.
As we speak, council chairmen in Edo State have been suspended, with Speakers of the legislative arms ordered to assume their roles. Worse still, reports abound of thugs armed with horsewhips being deployed to intimidate and chase these elected officials out of office, all in contravention of court rulings and constitutional provisions. And the police are no where to be found, regretfully.
And so, Distinguished Senator Oshiomhole, your voice is needed now more than ever. You have spoken against such actions on the national stage, but your silence on the situation in your home state is deafening. Elders, as our people say, cannot sit idly by while the child’s head dangles dangerously in the market square. You must speak up and persuade Governor Okpebholo to resist any pressure to tamper with elected local government councils.
The real question is: who will dare show Senator Oshiomhole’s video to Governor Okpebholo? Certainly, the video speaks louder than any counsel. But perhaps the right messenger; a neutral elder statesman, a respected cleric, or even a courageous aide, could present it tactfully, reminding the governor of the timeless principle Oshiomhole preached: “If it is wrong, it is wrong.”
The flipside here is that both men belong to the same political party. So, would it be too much to ask Oshiomhole himself to hand-deliver his sermon to Governor Okpebholo? After all, he said, “We all share the responsibility to defend democracy.”
But if neither elder statesmen nor political allies will step forward, maybe it’s time for the people of Edo State to show the governor this video collectively: maybe on every platform, at every opportunity, with one united question: “Will you practice what Senator Oshiomhole preached, Mr. Governor?”
Governor Okpebholo, I appeal to you as well. Leadership requires wisdom, tact and restraint. Do not let yourself become a tool in the hands of desperate politicians. As the chief executive of the state, the buck stops with you. The precedent set by Senator Oshiomhole during his governorship is one of tolerance and respect for democratic principles, simply follow it. Remember, history will hold you accountable for your actions.
May God guide and direct you, Mr. Governor, to make decisions that strengthen democracy and uphold justice. Happy Christmas and New Year in advance!
