The outgoing governor of Edo State in Nigeria, Godwin Obaseki, has been accused by the governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, of escaping through the land borders a few days before the end of his administration. This has attracted controversy among the populace and has brought forth questions regarding the current state of governance and efficacy of the outgoing leadership.
The incoming governor, Senator Okpebholo, stated that Obaseki sneaked out of Benin City, the state capital, on November 8, 2024, in a disguised bus to avoid being recognized. As stated by Okpebholo, Obaseki’s exit was not only unexpected but was also a pointer to an underlying problem with his leadership. Since Friday, 8th of November, the public has been in suspense as to the whereabouts of Obaseki. He has chased everybody from Edo State Government House.
“He has left governance in the state and is now at large“Okpebholo said in a statement to the media.
The governor-elect went further to state that this was an attempt by Obaseki to flee from coming legal repercussions, especially from the EFCC, which according to the governor-elect has opened a case against the outgoing governor and is set to arrest him after his immunity expires.
“If indeed he is as popular as he claimed, why didn’t he use the airport to flee?” Okpebholo further asked the people of Edo State to disregard Obaseki’s claim of being popular and well supported, as he rather had to hire a bus and disguise himself while fleeing the state.
Senator Monday Okpebholo has reported that Obaseki has been involved in trying to compromise the decisions in these proceedings based on his declarations. Obaseki is seeking to ensure that these narratives are out there for the purpose of diverting the attention of the people. “His antics will not work”. The APC Governor-elect further revealed:
“We understand his strategies, and we shall keep unraveling his tricks to Edo people”
The public response to these allegations has been overwhelming but with mixed feelings. Some citizens then feel worried over what a governor fleeing the state might signify, while others then introduce suspicion over the real motive of Okpebholo. This event has fueled speculation on social media forums and has seen many people accusing both candidates of unethical behavior.
A particular user said, “You don’t have to run away if your hands are clean,” a statement that has some users criticizing Obaseki for being untrustworthy in his administration.
On the other hand, there are people who reason that the allegations leveled against Obaseki are politically motivated while the outgoing governor has contributed immensely to the state.
“Senator Monday Okpebholo should rise to the occasion and desist from playing politics and should rather focus on the job at hand instead of being distracted by Obaseki, who has been exceptional in his contributions towards the development of the people of Edo State,”
one supporter reacted.
The potential consequences for Edo State would be dire if the allegations were to be true. For a governor who is an elected leader of the people to flee the country is a subject of concern as it calls into question accountability and leadership. It is likely to cause the state to lack effective leadership, thereby deepening the political crisis in the state.
Further, the scenario could empower other political leaders in Nigeria to abandon their responsibilities by escaping justice once they feel threatened. Senator Monday Okpebholo has threatened to revoke his immunity clause and laid bare that Obaseki cannot escape the law forever.
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He stated;
”Obaseki will soon lose his immunity, and if he continues with this, he will face the full wrath of the law very soon,”
