Governance in Edo State: Between Oshiomhole’s Transparency and Obaseki’s Opacity
By John Mayaki
Edo State’s citizens have begun drawing comparisons between Governor Lucky Igbinedion’s administration and that of Godwin Obaseki, specifically in terms of public infrastructure, industrial development, and citizen empowerment.
Many are disappointed with the Obaseki-led administration, which, after seven years, has made numerous promises without substantial results to show for them.
However, the primary purpose of this article is to draw a parallel between the transparent governance of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and the opaque approach of Governor Obaseki.
During Oshiomhole’s tenure, he was known for actively inspecting his ongoing projects across the state. In contrast, Governor Obaseki tends to remain in his office, showcasing prototype pictures of his envisioned projects that are rarely realized on the ground.
Furthermore, Oshiomhole consistently engaged with journalists, readily offering interviews and fostering meaningful discussions. Conversely, Governor Obaseki prefers to hide behind computer screens, relying on carefully crafted computer simulations shared by his social media team. Instead of engaging with local journalists in Edo State, he often reaches out to editors and news editors in Lagos, who are distant from the ground realities, to publish their concocted stories without proper verification.
Lastly, during Oshiomhole’s tenure, citizens actively participated in holding the government accountable through protests and a free media. Sadly, under Governor Obaseki’s administration, civil society activists have faced arrests for daring to protest in Benin city.
In today’s Edo State, free press is stifled, budgets are shrouded in secrecy, and loans are approved by the State House of Assembly without active citizen engagement, due process, or the transparency it demands.
The contrast between Oshiomhole’s transparency and Obaseki’s opaqueness is disheartening, as it showcases how Edo state has regressed in terms of governance practices.
Between Oshiomhole’s transparency and Obaseki’s opacity – quite sad how we’ve regressed in Edo State.
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