Obaseki vs. FG: Obaseki’s Macabre Dance Of Deception Amidst Edo’s Lament

Obaseki vs. FG: Obaseki’s Macabre Dance Of Deception Amidst Edo’s Lament

By Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah

In the realm of political orchestration, a macabre dance is an unlikely vehicle for progress. Typically reserved for introspective explorations of mortality, death, and the human condition, it engages emotions and challenges norms. Yet, it falls short of embodying positive advancement, unlike its more optimistic counterparts.

Hypocrisy, the art of masquerading virtues one lacks, has found an ardent performer in Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo state. His recent tirades against the Federal Government (FG) have permeated the media landscape. Whether decrying the aftermath of subsidy removal or castigating FG for perceived negligence, Obaseki’s fervor is unmistakable.

Peculiarly, Obaseki, the leader of a state grappling with its own governance woes, levies accusations at the central government. His fingers pointed at FG’s supposed shortcomings in amenity provision and meeting citizen expectations reveal a staggering irony. Such a stance reeks of hypocrisy and has stirred the nation’s citizens to question his audacious posturing.

How does the FG work? It collaborates with states to distribute national funds according to a predetermined formula. When revenue increases, both the FG and the states profit. So, when FG swears in revenue, so does Edo.

Yet Obaseki, rather than addressing his own state’s failures, conveniently diverts attention. His hollow claims of heroism are particularly galling given his past. During a previous administration, palliatives meant for the people of Edo were hidden away, raising serious doubts about his moral high ground.

Steering away from the FG’s shadow, let’s envision a family inheritance scenario. Imagine a father leaves behind wealth to his three children, distributed according to birth order. The eldest son shoulders greater responsibility, including caring for the entire households and family estate.

Consider the following scenario: the second son is given responsibility for the finances intended for the youngest and now denies him his proper part, all while blaming the eldest of incompetence. This reflects our government’s three levels of government: federal, state, and local.

In Edo, Obaseki’s refusal to hold local government elections and his hoarding of LGA benefits mirror this tale. Is this not hypocrisy incarnate? Blaming FG while depriving LGAs under his care exposes a glaring double standard.

Edo, having reaped substantial gains from subsidy removal, remains in a state of inertia under Obaseki’s lackluster leadership. His failure to articulate plans for the newfound wealth while casting aspersions on FG’s economic management reveals a deeply unsettling truth: he’s a contributor to the problem he vehemently critiques.

Seven years ago, Obaseki promised Edo’s populace two hundred thousand jobs—a vow that remains unfulfilled. Meanwhile, Edo’s reputation for emigration continues unabated, reflecting his administration’s abysmal record.

Interestingly, his army of social media advisors, now seeking greener pastures abroad, exposes the hollowness of his rhetoric. While his confidantes abandon the ship, Obaseki adamantly blames the FG.

Imagine if every state performed even at a level of the worst FG. Nigeria’s progress would be remarkable. A macabre dance, exploring the darkness within, bears resemblance to the consequences of inept governance. The “hallmark of hypocrisy” in governance lies in leaders who betray promises through their actions, sowing disillusionment among the populace—a fate Edo sadly knows all too well.

“An empty barrel makes the loudest noise.”

Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah is the Chairman and CEO of Bush Radio Academy

Source iReporteronline.