The dictionary definition of a sepulchre is a small room or monument, cut in rock or built of stone, in which a dead person is laid or buried.
A lot of us first came across the word in the Bible. The context upon which it will be used here will be likened to a state of a sepulchre (grave) that is very beautiful outside but with an offensive stench inside.
In relating same with Governor Obaseki’s administration, a lot has been invested into the bureaucratic governance of the state. The civil service had received massive investment both in human capital and infrastructural development.
Memoranda of Understanding, numerous partnership deals signed, Alaghodaro summits held over the years, international best practices introduced and much more have only dotted our media space. However, not much is being invested in micro governance that touches on the grassroots.
Few hours ago, it occured to the state government that it has failed in the area of roads construction due to feedbacks from citizens which necessitated the commissioner of roads and bridges to be shown the way out.
The thrust of this post is to bring to the fore the current state of the city centre environment which can be likened to a developing forest reserve. A walk through ring road and environs revealed just one thing, a believe that there is no effective government currently in Edo state. Filth and grasses alongside trees have taken over the city center and the capital of the state. Hunting of wildlife is near possibility with the current state.
The government is building magnificent buildings and remodeling old ones to the admiration of locals and visitors, meanwhile the environment upon which they are located is dirty, smelling and overtaken by weeds.
Is this not the exact replica of a sepulchre? To make matter worse, the state waste management board shamelessly placed a warning sign in the mini forest for the purpose of revenue generation instead of cleaning up the places first.
Which environment is the ministry overseeing or sustaining? People are receiving salaries from the ministry monthly yet our city centre is looking embarrassing to us. It will cost nothing more than N100, 000 to put our city centre in good shape.
Perhaps, the ministry is preoccupied with revenue drive for the government and ignoring the purpose of its establishment as it seems the only way to show performance is how much money you are able to pull to government coffers.
This is most shameful to say the least. There can’t be said to be government in place when the little things expected of a government are not visible.
Comrade Osazee Edigin AICMC writes from Use community in Egor Local Government Area of Edo state.
