By: Sebastine Ebhuomhan
Wednesday, 4th December, 2024. Benin City. At a time People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leaders, foot soldiers and aides of the immediate past governor of Edo State are expected to gather on their knees at Ring Road to ask for forgiveness for the impunity, abuse and mismanagement they committed against the people, they are doing more harm to the future of their exiled leader and themselves, instead, by resorting to test the patience of the new government with deliberately concocted lies, distractions, incitements and insults carefully aimed at dividing, weakening, derailing and setting Edo State people against the newly inaugurated, increasingly popular All Progressives Congress (APC)-elected administration.
Investigation has revealed that the calculated and pre-determined offensive acts of these opposition chieftains, foot soldiers and aides are carefully planned to antagonize every move, action, programme and policy the newly inaugurated administration intended to deliver the people’s democratic mandates and needs as the direct fall-outs of a secret meeting leaders of the past government and party faction held with selected editors of newspapers and online bloggers.
Just as Edo State’s newly inaugurated Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, announced his intention to correct another case of the several acts of impunity, abuse of power, misuse of privilege and mismanagement of resources committed by the PDP-elected government of ex-governor Godwin Obaseki all through his eight wasted years of two terms, the godly and forgiving people of the state were rudely reminded of the bitter past they want to quickly forget in order to embrace a new egalitarian state that Okpebholo is building.
A letter signed on the 2nd of December by the Secretary to Edo State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, announced the governor’s approval of the immediate swearing-in of the three outstanding State High Court Judges-designate for the same day at the State Executive Council Chambers of the Edo State Government House in Benin City.
“It would be recalled that the three judges-designate, Ojo Maureen Osa, Godwin Jeff Okundamiya and Edoghogho Eboigbe, were amongst the eight candidates cleared and recommended for appointment as Judges in the State Judiciary by the National Judicial Council in June 2023 but were however left out during the swearing-in process in May, 2024 by the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki,” the letter underlined.
Speaking during the ceremony, Governor Okpebholo reiterated his government’s determination to ensure that no citizen is hated, marginalized and, or discriminated against on any account. These ethos align with the new Edo State.
Senator Okpebholo said, “During my swearing-in ceremony as Governor of Edo State on 12th November 2024, I acknowledged the critical role of the judiciary under the doctrine of Separation of Powers. Today, we are gathered here to strengthen that role for the Judiciary.
“The National Judicial Council in June 2023 had recommended eight persons for appointment as Judges of the Edo State High Court.
“Eleven months after that recommendation, only five of them were sworn in by the immediate-past administration, leaving out three, even when they had all been cleared and recommended by the same NJC.
“In my inaugural speech, I made a promise to look into the case. Today, we have the privilege to right the wrong. The three judges will now have the opportunity to sit with their colleagues on the bench of the Edo State High Court, to discharge their duties as beacons of hope.
“For me, no one should be discriminated against, marginalized nor hated for personal reasons, or on account of not having a godfather.
“As Judges of the State High Court, we expect you to uphold high standards of conduct, ensure fair dispute resolution, uphold the rights of citizens, and bring culprits to justice,” Okpebholo concluded.
Thereafter, the judges were sworn-in with pomp, pageantry and razzmatazz that the law permits to the joy and gratitude of their family members, friends, colleagues, observers and the good people of Edo State. In her remark on behalf of others, Justice Ojo Maureen Osa thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve in Edo State. She prayed that his tenure achieves success and advancement of justice for all.
“We assure you that we will dispense justice without fear or favour,” she stated.
Apart from Governor Okpebholo, Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, Chief Judge Daniel Iyobosa Okungbowa, Secretary to the State Government Barrister Ikhilor, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Samson Osagie, Commissioner for Health Cyril Oshiomhole, Chief of Staff to the Governor Gani Audu and Edo APC Chairman, Emperor Jarret Tenebe among other top government officials, witnessed the ceremony. For the three humble judges, who Obaseki wilfully and wickedly extended their wait for no justification other than abuse of power, it was a long road to freedom, according to the late Nelson Mandela.
For example, the presence of a critical stakeholder like the Chief Judge prompted some judges and lawyers to anonymously question the legal advice and suggestions Obaseki received in office as state governor.
Commending Okpebholo and his attorney-general for taking prompt action to correct his predecessor’s abuse of power, a civil society organization, the Vanguard for the Independence of the Judiciary, declared that Okpebholo did in just three weeks what Obaseki could not do in 70 weeks.
“The Vanguard for the Independence of the Judiciary reckons that what Obaseki could not do for about 70 weeks, the Governor of Edo State and his Attorney-General is doing it in about three weeks.
It is imperative that officials of government should know laws and due process are to be followed, whether we like the people involved or not. This is the only way a society can grow.
A scenario where you inaugurated a House of Assembly at night, refused to swear-in 14 members of the House for 4 years, refused to swear-in Judges for about a year and when you agreed to swear them in after one year, you swear-in 5 of 8 approved for appointment and you leave 3, it is obviously not a democratic setting, but a charade of autocrats,” the statement signed by the group’s convener, Douglas Ogbankwa Esq, concluded.
In another commentary, a respected social commentator, Osazua Ivbaze, lauded Okpebholo’s “courage and conviction” for reinstating Ambrose Alli University staff that the Obaseki administration sacked and swearing in the three judges.
Looking back at the impunity that characterised his government, even his most ardent supporters would agree that Obaseki and his political party committed grave impeachable offences that Edo people decided to overlook for the sake of peace. Fearful of how unpopular he and his candidate-to-be had become, the former governor had appointed a retired Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) director as Attorney-General, hoping to leverage on the ex-director’s insider knowledge to rig the governorship election for his candidate. It did not work out eventually.
Despite all entreaties, Obaseki refused to swear-in the eight judges. After much criticisms from citizens (including this writer), a visitation by a team led by Olayiwola Afolabi, SAN, acting under the Edo State Forum of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Obaseki picked five out of the eight NJC-approved judges eleven months later still, adducing no reason for rejecting the remaining three.
With a chain of unforgivable ‘sins’ against the PDP godfather and his godson, attempts they made to illegally re-write the election result crumbled like a pack of cards. Today, they are at the mercy of the same judiciary with a petition at the tribunal. They would rather deploy the instruments of unstable leaders and critics like the ex-Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, to make mischievous, wild and unsubstantiated rigging allegations on national television stations instead of proving the same at the tribunal. Expectedly, Mr Chidoka renounced his PDP membership immediately after using his Athena Centre to attack the election’s integrity and credibility.
In a speech at the Esan Central Local Government Area Secretariat, venue of his home coming reception held in celebration of his electoral victory and successful swearing-in, Governor Okpebholo replied. He advised PDP leaders to stop crying of rigging after writing, announcing and posting fake results on the election.
“I thank Edo people for the overwhelming support given to our party during the September 21 governorship election in Edo State. I am happy for the resounding victory God gave us.
“I thank President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of our party for not playing anti-party but standing firm for justice and equity to prevail, which led to the success and victory recorded by our party.
“The people who wrote results and were announcing fake results on the internet, are the same people crying today that somebody rigged the election. It is sad to say that the criminals are crying today that they have lost and will continue to lose. They are spending money day and night and wasting their money and will wait in vail.
“Edo people have spoken. They have chosen the path of development, peace and unity. This is what Edo people have chosen and that is how it will remain,” Governor Okpebholo added.
Adding to the layers of revelations at a press conference, Mr. Tenebe, the newly installed Atanakpa 1 of Esan Land by the Okaijesan, further carpeted Chidoka for his spurious and cowardly claim on the election’s BVAS and results.
“We state unequivocally that there are two sets of BIVAS machines in INEC office. The one legitimately used by INEC for the election and the manipulated machines that were smuggled into the office of INEC by the PDP.
“We therefore now more than ever before, call on the security agencies to investigate where the PDP got the manipulated BVAS machines from which they are circulating fake results since same have been acknowledged in the public space.”
After the swearing-in of the judges, almost two years after NJC approval, if you are still doubting Obaseki and PDP’s impunity, abuse and mismanagement of resources, two different but related cases should clear your doubt.
Last week, the Court of Appeal ruled against the Edo State government concerning the wilful destruction of Tony Kabaka’s hotel. In a show of impunity and abuse of power, Obaseki ordered the demolition of Mr. Kabaka’s hotel because the latter refused to support him politically. He acted against the hotelier’s obtained legal injunction by demolishing the building with a Certificate of Occupancy deliberately before the High Court entered its judgement. Now, the Edo government has lost Obaseki’s appeal.
In yet another case, in which third parties were allegedly enabled to litigate, Justice Mary Asemota of Edo State High Court on Monday adjourned hearing continuation in the suit between the suspended Enigie (Benin Dukes) and Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba of Benin to 20th February 2025. The claimants, who are challenging their removal from office by Oba Ewuare following allegation of leading rebellion against the monarchy, are suspended Enogie of Evbuobanosa Dukedom, Prof. Gregory Akenzua and his counterpart at Egbaen Siluko Dukedom, Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen. The judge adjourned the case to allow the new Edo State Attorney-General, the 2nd defendant, to study and reply to the court processes.
As Okpebholo steps up efforts to rectify Obaseki’s costly mistakes, the acts of officials of the past administration continue to shock observers. Particularly, a letter, Restoration of Benin Monarch’s Rights, Financial Entitlement: A Joke Taken Too Far, signed by Monday Osaigbovo, Obaseki’s Chief of Staff and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, is disrespectful and obnoxious. While Obaseki’s letter accused the Okpebholo administration of lying that it “restored the statutory rights and financial entitlements of His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II; rights and entitlements which were never revoked in the first place,” the monarch’s gratitude affirmed the contrary.
A Benin Traditional Council letter dated 27th November, 2024, signed by 10 senior chiefs on the Oba’s behalf conveyed Oba Ewuare’s “warm greetings and prayers” to Governor Okpebholo.
The letter stated (without editing), “On behalf of His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, CFR, Oba of Benin, the Benin Royal family and the entire people of Benin Kingdom, we deeply thank Your Excellency for deeming it fit and necessary to restore the full Statutory Rights of the OBA OF BENIN.
“We respectfully wish to join His Royal Majesty to appreciate Your Excellency for respecting the rights and privileges of the Omo N’Oba as the only Traditional Ruler of Benin Kingdom in Edo South Senatorial District and the custodian of the rich-cultural heritage. We further express our immense gratitude for supporting the Federal Government of Nigeria’s decision through a Gazette recognizing the Oba of Benin as the exclusive owner of all returned Benin artifacts looted by the British Colonial forces during the 1897 Benin massacre and, abolishing the so-called new traditional councils in Edo South Senatorial District created by the last administration, as well as withdrawal of the letter revoking the concession of Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre etc.
“This action of Your Excellency which is coming barely two weeks into your administration is very well applauded. It is devastating on our detractors. Joyous to our friends. And marvellous in the eyes of the Almighty God.
“His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin, deeply thank Your Excellency for the respect that has been shown through your action to the traditional institutions and the Omo N’Oba and the restoration of all the Statutory Rights of His Royal Majesty. His Royal Majesty is thoroughly overwhelmed by this unprecedented wonderful gesture. The Omo N’Oba prays for God Almighty to continue to strengthen and guide Your Excellency as you continue to bring about meaningful and robust transformation of Edo State,” the letter concluded.
The Osuma of Benin, Chief Norense Ozigbo-Esere; the Obasegie of Benin, Chief George Ekhator Obasogie; the Oliha of Benin, Chief Edionwe Oliha; the Ero of Benin, Chief Imafidon Ero; and the Esere of Benin, Chief Stanley Obamwonyi all signed the letter.
Others are: the Obazelu of Benin, Chief Osaro Idah; the Eribo of Benin, Chief Ada Igbinovia; the Ovienrioba of Benin, Chief (Dr.) Osamwonyi Osagiede; the Ine of Benin, Chief Okunoghae Edomwandagbon; and the Uso of Benin, Chief Nosakhare Egharevba.
Going by the content and signatories to the authoritative letter, no sane person can fault the palace or argue that they do not know what they wrote about. It is clear as sunlight that even if the rights and entitlements of the monarch were never revoked in the first place, as Mr. Osaigbovo stated, they were either withheld or partially released for whatever reason unstated. Whatever might have created the anomaly Okpebholo corrected only points to a deducible fact: that Obaseki’s aide was just being economical with the truth or simply playing a mind game with his letter. Except he wants to declare the palace letter a lie!
As Governor Okpebholo continues to correct acts of impunity, abuse, and large scale mismanagement by the immediate past government, the need for ex-governor Obaseki, his aides, factional leaders, and diehard supporters to gather at Kings’ Square for forgiveness becomes undeniable.
Sebastine EBHUOMHAN is an award-winning journalist and media consultant from Edo State. He can be reached on: usie007@yahoo.com and 08037204620.
