Oshiomhole Vs Obaseki: The fallacy of “celebrated” reconciliation By John Mayaki

Since the emergence of a photograph wherein the embattled Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Adams Oshiomhole, were seen exchanging what appears to be a friendly greeting surfaced on the internet, there have been exaggerated claims of reconciliation in predictable quarters – with some even taking it a step further by asking commentators and critics to “sheath their sword” in the interest of “peace”.

I find this deliberate trivialization and mischaracterization of an important struggle bizarre and spurious. It is therefore important to situate events properly and articulate clearly our stance to both our followers and members of the public at large.

To begin with, the claims of reconciliation are inconsistent with facts. Anyone with a rudimentary knowledge of the English language must know that reconciliation ought to be first preceded by a conflict – as it is defined as the restoration of friendly relations.

In this case, Godwin Obaseki’s conflict is not with any individual, and certainly not the National Chairman of the APC who has exercised great restraint and leadership even in the face of continuous media onslaught and blackmail.

Conversely, Godwin Obaseki’s conflict is with the rule of law and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. His conflict is with the laws guiding the conduct of elected officials as instead of displaying legal and ethical values such as transparency, accountability, and morality, Godwin Obaseki has embraced the complete opposite.

Thus, the idea that a single photograph can erase or foster the acceptance of an unconstitutional act capable of dragging the state into the abyss of entrenched illegality is odious and bereft of good reasoning.

If Godwin Obaseki must reconcile with anything, it ought to be the constitution that he has trampled upon with impunity. Or how else are we expected to overlook the fact that the Governor abducted members-elect and conducted an illegal inauguration which has been jointly condemned by the National Assembly across party lines? Or the fact that the same man hired thugs and unleashed them on members-elect at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Benin, disrupting peace and forcing them to abandon their homes?

Are we also expected to overlook the Governor’s complete insolence and disregard for clear constitutional dictates voiced by the Presidency and other non-partisan agencies which the Governor has openly insulted and disparaged?

Clearly, it would amount to an aberration to do so.

It is a well-known fact that justice can never be sacrificed for peace because, indeed, without justice, there can be no true peace.

While I am in support of moves that would stabilize the state and bring it back on the path of development which Godwin Obaseki has veered it away from in his bitter and desperate politics, we remain resolute that this must be carried out in a legal and systematic way which includes the undoing and nullification of all acts of illegality and impunity. We believe that only this way, can the peace and development stand the test of time.

Accepting the illegality of Godwin Obaseki and ‘forgiving’ his incompetence which has cost lives, investment and other valuable things would serve as a dangerous precedent for other Governors who may see impunity as a way to achieve personal aims detrimental to the development of the state, and immediately after call for ‘reconciliation’ as a way to legitimize the illegal acts.

I will not be a party to this. I will continue my journalistic duties of holding the Governor to account, insisting on complete adherence to the rule of law and demanding accountability and transparency from this opaque government whose stock in trade is bribery and violence.

Godwin Obaseki, in his own interest, should immediately do the right thing as he has been directed by the Presidency, the National Assembly among others. The claims of reconciliation with whomever he may be feuding with is, at best, personal and will have no effect whatsoever in lessening the gravity of his unconstitutional and dictatorial moves which he must fully reverse and atone for.