The incident at the Edo State Government House on Friday, following Governor Godwin Obaseki’s Supreme Court victory, unfolded as a stark contrast to the celebratory atmosphere intended for the occasion. What should have been a joyous homecoming and a shared moment of triumph between the governor and his supporters turned into a scene of frustration and exclusion, prompting swift action and a strong rebuke from Governor Obaseki himself. The events of the day began with a large, enthusiastic crowd of supporters, including market women and APC members, gathering at the Benin Airport from as early as 7 a.m. to welcome the governor back to the state. This demonstration of grassroots support underscores the significance of the Supreme Court victory, which solidified Obaseki’s gubernatorial position and affirmed the mandate given to him by the people of Edo State.
The governor’s arrival, delayed until 12:40 p.m., did little to dampen the spirits of the waiting crowd. They embarked on a celebratory procession, accompanying the governor’s motorcade on foot from the airport to the government house. This hour-long journey, filled with solidarity songs and jubilant chants, symbolized the shared victory and the close connection between the governor and his constituents. The procession, however, culminated in a disheartening turn of events at the gates of the government house. Security personnel, stationed at the entrance, barred the majority of the supporters from entering, claiming that access was restricted to VIPs only. This unexpected and seemingly arbitrary restriction sparked outrage and disappointment among the supporters, many of whom had endured hours of waiting and a long walk, only to be denied participation in the celebratory refreshments planned within the government house.
The exclusionary actions of the security personnel created a clear disconnect between the intended spirit of the celebration and its unfortunate execution. The governor’s vision of a shared moment of victory was undermined by the actions of those tasked with ensuring the event’s smooth operation. This incident highlighted a critical failure in communication and understanding of the governor’s values of inclusivity and accessibility. Governor Obaseki, known for his emphasis on people-centric governance, wasted no time in addressing the situation. In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor condemned the unauthorized actions of the security personnel, emphasizing that the exclusion of his supporters contradicted the very essence of the celebration.
He reiterated his commitment to open and inclusive governance, reaffirming the importance of both his supporters and the media in his administration. Obaseki’s swift response underscores his commitment to accountability and his determination to rectify the situation and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. To further address the matter, the governor ordered the immediate redeployment of the security personnel involved, including the Camp Commandant. This decisive action served as a clear message that such behavior would not be tolerated within his administration. Furthermore, he established an investigative committee to thoroughly examine the incident and identify all those responsible for the unauthorized restrictions.
The governor’s public condemnation of the security personnel’s actions, coupled with the immediate redeployment and the formation of an investigative committee, demonstrates his commitment to transparency and accountability. He recognizes the importance of maintaining a strong connection with his constituents and ensuring that his administration reflects the values of inclusivity and respect for all stakeholders. This incident, while unfortunate, provided an opportunity for the governor to reaffirm his dedication to the people of Edo State. His swift and decisive response signifies his determination to foster an environment of unity and transparency, where every citizen feels valued and included in the governance process.
Governor Obaseki’s clear and unequivocal response to the incident reinforces his commitment to the principles of open governance and underscores the importance he places on the relationship between his administration and the people of Edo State. By taking swift and decisive action, he has demonstrated that he values the support of his constituents and will not tolerate actions that undermine their inclusion in the political process. The establishment of an investigative committee further emphasizes the governor’s dedication to transparency and accountability, ensuring that those responsible for the unfortunate incident are held accountable and that measures are put in place to prevent similar occurrences in the future. This episode, though regrettable, serves as a testament to Governor Obaseki’s commitment to building a more inclusive and responsive government in Edo State.
