Governorship 2016: Who Is Afraid Of Odubu

The events of the past few months have necessitated this question: WHO IS AFRAID OF ODUBU?

Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Pius Egberanmwen Odubu, aptly referred to as the ‘OKAKUO’ is arguably an amiable personality, a fine gentleman, decent character and obviously likeable personae, with a good disposition and undisputable high morals.

Pius Odubu
 

 

When in the midst of his contemporaries, you may need to single him out as he easily mixes with his friends. You will be amazed at his humility, humbleness and unassuming posture despite being the Deputy Governor. Same goes with his relationship with his siblings and family members. He completely demystified the office of the Deputy Governor as he interacts equally with everybody, honouring their invitations and visiting their homes to identify with them.

His kindness and response to the needs of those around him has strengthened the bond of friendship between him, most of his followers and the political class, treating every one as his own without tribal bias or Party consideration. No wonder he is liked by both the young and the elders.

His calm disposition and response to burning issues affecting him in the government has earned him the award of the most ‘Loyal Deputy Governor’ by the Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ), Benin Chapter, and one of the Best Deputy Governors in Nigeria by Guardian Newspaper.

For a man that posses’ robust credentials and Curriculum Vitae to be humble, and completely loyal to his boss, that in Seven (7) tears, there has not been any visible altercation between them, is commendable. Obviously, this has been one great secret to the success of the Comrade Oshiomhole led Administration for the good governance.

Rt. Honourable (Dr.) Pius Odubu is an Alumnus of the great Southern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana and the Southern University School of Law, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U. S. A. He is also an alumnus of the Georgetown University Law Centre, Washington D. C., and Harvard University: Kennedy School of Government, Massachusetts, U.S.A., and Oxford University: Said Business School.

He holds a B.A. Hons in Political Science, B. L. (Barrister and Solicitor at Law), and Master of Law in International and Comparative Law, and Doctor of Jurisprudence (JD). He won several awards in the Schools he attended which earned him a scholarship for the completion of his School Programme in the U.S.A. He was called to the Nigeria Bar in 1986.

RT. Hon. Odubu represented Orhionmwon and Uhunmwode Federal Constituency in the National Assembly from 1999 – 2007, before his nomination as the Deputy Governor candidate to Comrade Adams Oshiomhole in 2007. He excelled in all the committees he served in, and chaired that he was awarded a Certificate of Honour by the Right Honourable Speaker, Federal House of Representative, National Assembly.

In his position as the Deputy Governor, Odubu has been working assiduously complimenting the efforts of the governor, Comrade Oshiomhole in the transformation programme in Edo State. On account of his commitment towards the realization of this feat, one is tempted to say that this great Edo son is like the grease on the wheel of the Vehicle of development in Edo State and the silent co-pilot of the train under the able leadership of Comrade Oshiomhole in Edo State.

This unassuming posture naturally exhibited by Odubu has endeared him to many as a dependable personality. However, the network of events in the last few months has further revealed the character and personality of the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Odubu, thereby soaring his popularity and acceptability by Edo people especially in the wake of the coming Primary election of the APC in Edo State. He is referred to as a LEADER PER EXCELLENCE.

Rt. Hon. Odubu has amongst his official duties; the supervision of the Local Government Councils, the FADAMA – Agric projects and The SEEFOR, a World Bank infrastructure developmental programme. He has at the instance of the Comrade Governor chaired the State EXCO when the Governor is away on official duties. These functions, he has carried out brilliantly. It is not surprising that this cool and lovable leader in the person of Rt. Hon. Odubu would have some salient enemies around him, envious of his unique personality and demeanor, and would stop at nothing to bring him down.

But, he enjoys the cooperation and respect of the larger lots in government, that, it is inconsequential worrying about those few who are threatened by his personality, leadership style, his robust profile and his deep understanding of the Political terrain of Edo State. He Odubu has in over the years built strong network across the three (3) Senatorial Districts in Edo State, beyond Party lines and Political Class. This is evident in the call for him to participate in the forthcoming APC primaries as many prefer a handing over to Odubu by Oshiomhole at the completion of his tenure.

As is always in political corridor, Lies and Blackmail are two common weapon used to bring down and dislodge an opponent. Odubu has been a victim of these by some of his avowed enemies who are determined to truncate his Political ambition. But ironically, he has always overcome. People ascribed this to his good heart and kind nurture and his patience and tolerance.

There have been certain disturbing actions of the Governor that could infuriate a kindergarten, but these the Deputy Governor absorbed and tolerated all the time. Sometimes not questioning decision of the Governor. This has made the working relationship between the two very cordial and allowed the Governor healthy Working Environment to deliver the expected dividends of Democracy to Edo People. Issues like the sack of the Commissioner for Special Duties, Solid Minerals, Oil and Gas from his cabinet by the Governor, the Deputy Governor’s nominee in the first tenure was handled with maturity by the Deputy Governor. Another event, the Chairmanship Ticket for the Local Government Council Election, was as controversial as the nomination of Commissioner during the second term of the Comrade Governor.

As humiliating as some of the Governor’s action was, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Pius Odubu, Deputy Governor, Edo State never showed any anger or confrontation, as he was more focused on the Development of Edo State, maintaining that the collective interest of Edo people is of more importance than satisfying his interest and ego.

But as we draw near to the end of the Oshiomhole administration, more deliberate offensive actions are being perpetrated by the Governor. In the early hour of on the 9th of September, Edo State received the sack of four serving Commissioners with shock. These were:

Chief Lucky James – Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

Mrs. Blessin Maigida – Commissioner for Women Affairs.

Mr. Patrick Aguinede – Commissioner for Basic Education.

Mr Chris Ebare – Commissioner for Energy and Water Resources.

Their sack was however insinuated to be connected to their loyalty to the Deputy Governor who is nursing an ambition to contest the Governorship position in the forthcoming election, although the Media Aide was quick to dismiss this when asked by reporters, as mere rumours.

It is evidently clear that while Odubu enjoys the support of the majority of the Party leaders and the grass root base of the Party, the Governor has maintained a firm grip on the Organs of the government, and therefore, can hire and fire anyone. He has tacitly kept the power to appoint personnel to his chest, disenfranchising the real Party members who laboured to see the party succeed and victorious in all elections because they are close to some leaders who is not in his (the Governor’s) favour. Those closer to Odubu have been most affected by this act of the Governor. In the hope that they will have their turn, have engendered the relative peace in the party and their patience with the Governor over these years. But this is being threatened now.

The absolute Loyalty and calm disposition of the Deputy Governor to Comrade Oshiomhole has no doubt earned him so much support and followership, borne mostly out of respect and love. The majority of the voters in the forthcoming election have openly declared their support for the aspiration of Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Odubu, which may translate into delegates’ votes. This is the cross of the Matter playing out right now.

But the expectation of these ones being cut short by the purported endorsement and planned imposition of one of the aspirants, Godwin Obaseki, the Chairman of the Economic committee, by the Comrade Governor, is not going down well with party members. This action of the Governor has met with several resistance and opposition by members of the party and the leaders alike. They are insisting on a level field for all aspirants, but the Governor expects a bandwagon for his preferred aspirant.

On the other hand, the Traditional Rulers and some notable Edo State Citizens have in different forum, expressed their wish and desire and has showed their preferences for Rt. Hon. Dr. Pius Odubu as a better option given that the person that wins the APC primaries, may eventually wins the Governorship election.

It is even rumoured that the Crown Prince of the Benin Kingdom has added his voice, admonishing the Governor to allow for a free and fair primary election. Also concerned about the perceived imposition of Obaseki on the Party is the Benin Forum who has maintained that Edo South reserve the right to choose who they can trust with the Administration of the state on the knowledge of their capability and Governance experience among the Benin. But the Comrade Governor has remained adamant to these pleas thereby gradually plunging the party into an avoidable chaos.

The public and the observers are disturbed by this development claiming that the choice of Obaseki by the Governor and the desperation to bulldoze his way through dealing with any perceived oppositions, leaves more to be desired. Some others are of the opinion that the fear of the unknown is the driving force behind the Governor’s action, especially given the manner he, Oshiomhole has treated the Deputy Governor during the last (7) years as one reason he may be uncomfortable to handing over to his Deputy Governor. But another opinion dismissed this view stating that the Deputy Governor’s Loyalty to the Governor is borne out of admiration and respect for Oshiomhole, and that cannot be wished away by the little hiccup happening now; that Odubu remains the best alternative and the one who can best fit into the expectation of the Comrade Governor to protect his interest, and build on the achievements of the Comrade Governor.

Just a few days ago, the Governor sacked the Commissioner representing the Oil and Gas Producing Area Commission from Orhionmwon Local Government Area and the Deputy Governor’s L. G. A., Mr. Osaretin Edoma on ground of incompetence. The public reaction to this was that this was a direct onslaught on the Deputy Governor, especially as the sacked Commissioner was not the Chairman of the Commission. The Governor did not also follow the due process in taking the action.

This follows the insinuation of the complicity of the Governor earlier in the week in the purported suspension of the Senatorial Leader and Vice Chairman, Edo South, Barr Gentleman Amegor by some Party Members led by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr Henry Idahagbon, who according to the Senatorial Leader, have no powers to suspend him in the first case. Amegor was supposedly suspended for his refusal to support the governor’s preferred aspirant when he refused monetary entreaties from the Governor. He was therefore labeled as Odubu supporter, and must be dealt with.

This attitude of the Governor and his avowed determination to frustrate the aspiration of Odubu, and his refusal to obey the party Rules and Regulations is assuming a dangerous dimension as the party is currently fragmented into various groups according to their preferred aspirants.

In the midst of these chaos, the Deputy Governor has maintained his cool and calm, focusing on his Duties as Deputy Governor and consulting with leaders to ensure the ensuing Self Destruct being orchestrated by some elements in the party is not allowed to escalate as the Party heads towards the general election, which is capable of reducing the party chances in the coming Governorship election. This is why the people are worried and are asking this question: WHO IS AFRAID OF ODUBU?

DAVID OSA OGBEIDE,

APC UNITED FRONT,

BENIN CITY.

Governorship 2016: Who Is Afraid Of Odubu