By John Mayaki
In Edo state, a new sheriff is gallivanting around town. Some dubbed him as “Waka-waka” Governor Neville others say he’s a “press releasing governor”. Whichever the case, a new sheriff, armed with a constitution of his own making and redefining democracy with jungle justice as its cornerstone.
And so, like his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki; the self-styled military general in civilian robes, this new sheriff rules with iron fists, quietly reminding us all that power, no matter how transient, often corrupts absolutely.
For good enough years, I was preaching to Obaseki. I warned him to reduce his drunkenness for power and lead a more sober and people oriented governance. However, he preferred tyranny. He would invite the bulldozer to pass through your house, if you’re not careful. Dissents are still nursing their wounds, am not sure they would ever erase from their memory. Under Obaseki, democracy were like an unruly jungle to tame.
And now, rather than thaw, his successor, Okpebholo, continues the act, replacing elected council chairmen and their vice chairmen with persons who ever contested for such positions. He got men, armed them with “kobokos” to carry out his dictatorial orders where they replaced the constitution with “kangaroo” councils. And you know the funniest and the unfortunate thing? Our custodians, those who are supposed to immediately intervene are watching democracy burn to ashes while some even fan the flames. Of course, they are positioning themselves to reap from another persons’s undoing.
This new sheriff, Senator Okpebholo, a man sworn to uphold the constitution has seized the power to sack elected council chairmen and their deputies, and this is not with due process. Who needs due process when you have thugs to carry out an order? Okpebholo is muscle – flexing with the constitution and he’s being backed by a compliant State House of Assembly. Never mind, their time will come too. They sure will reap what they’re sowing now.
Am glad, the constitution and the Supreme Court are clear on the limits of state governors and their compromised houses of assembly on this issue even though clarity and conscience seems to elude this administration just as the one before it.
For instance, and for resistance against the constitution or Supreme Court, Okpebholo has invited the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to weaponise justice to silence opposition. For compliance, he unleashes councilors to impeach their bosses, as seen in Egor and Owan loca government areas. Which council is next on this absurd democracy according to Okpebholo is yet to be seen.
But, here’s my question: assuming, without conceding, they Okpebholo and his new fond Assembly have the legal right to sack these council executives, what crime have their deputies committed? Do we impeach a governor, for instance, with his deputy? Do we purge the innocent alongside the guilty? Yes, in the definition of democracy for our new sheriff, guilt is apparently contagious, and justice is dispensed by the crack of a horsewhip by some overfed and power drunk ragamuffins. It’s not bad. Their own turn will come too. After all, some started it. Obaseki.
Sadly, and pitiably, when did we, as a people become so silent in the face of such tyranny and absurdity? Where are the voices they should rise and say no to this jungle justice? I am told that they have gone mute because of fear that the new sheriff would also come after them and possibly order the bulldozer to pass through someone’s bedroom just like the Tony Kabaka’s experience.
They are muted too because of selfishness. They do not want to loose out and so, they refused to advise the power drunk governor. They are content to watch the new sheriff, so long as their interests remain untouched. Cowards? Did you just called them cowards? The man died in them because of food, appointment and contracts. Shameless and corrupt leaders!
Yes! Nobody dares confront the Okpebholos of our time because the price of speaking truth has become too high in our own very state of Edo. In all of these, there’s time for everything. Time and season theory.
Now, let me be very clear here: I have no single sympathy for these council chairmen and their deputies. None. Why should I? When Obaseki ran roughshod over democracy and stalled them as against those who contested in the All Progressives Congress (APC), they were all silent. None of them denounced that they never won the election and as such, allow the rightful winners take their seats. They enjoyed the labour of others because emperor Obaseki was in charge. Now, a new sheriff is in town with his own definition of democracy.
When Obaseki barred elected Assembly members from inauguration, I shouted myself hoarse while these people clapped for the despot. When he sent thugs to hound 14 members at the hotel where they addressed the press on Etete, GRA, Benin city, I raised alarms, but they looked the other way. Today, the tyranny they once condoned has come for them. Karma, I am told, has no deadline and that our addresses aren’t difficult to locate when the time comes.
Yes, it is true, you benefited from rigged elections, from the PDP’s questionable victories while the APC’s rightful wins were discarded. It is true that you cheered, when the system worked in your favour. Now, a more despotic than Obaseki has arrived, and he plays by his own rules. Why cry foul now? Do you want to pretend that you do not know that, “those who killeth with the swords, shall die by the swords”? If you feel wronged, go to court. Win, and I will congratulate you. Lose, and lick your wounds quietly.
We are no longer new to it. We’ve seen this before. Under Obaseki, judges were denied their oaths, and Assembly members were locked out. The heavens didn’t fall, but democracy did. I screamed from the rooftops, but those in power then were deaf to reason, blinded by the benefits of tyranny. Today, Okpebholo continues the legacy of impunity, exploiting every loophole in the Constitution to undermine democracy. And our people are hailing him.
So, I repeat: I have no sympathy for these chairmen. Carry your cross. When you had the chance to speak against Obaseki’s highhandedness, you chose silence. When democracy was being strangulated, you turned a blind eyes. Now, the noose tightens around your necks, and you cry injustice. Spare me. You are victims of the same jungle justice you once celebrated.
And to the new sheriff, a word of caution: power is fleeting just as transient. Do not fight to the finish. Obey the rule of law, not the rule of might. Public sympathy is a fragile thing, and it is already slipping from your grasp. A good name, Mr. Governor, is worth more than riches or power. Take heed before karma knocks on your door as well.
And, to the silent spectators waiting to profit from Okpebholo’s highhandedness: your turn will come. It may not be today or tomorrow, but it will come. Every action carries a corresponding consequences, and every silence has its price. So, enjoy the show while you can, but don’t forget, you may one day be the star victim.
May Edo survive this battle for its soul.
