By Nurat Uthman
Chief John Asekhauno, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo North, has criticized Governor Godwin Obaseki and his aides for reportedly harassing the state Deputy Governor, Hon. Philip Shaibu, at recent state functions. Chief Asekhauno believes that this behavior is a prelude to impeaching Shaibu.
In a statement on Wednesday, Chief Asekhauno expressed his deep concerns about the incidents, describing them as an attack on democracy, a violation of political legitimacy, and a serious infringement on the rights of an elected official.
Chief Asekhauno recounted an incident that occurred at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub and Soundstage during the 60th anniversary of the Midwest Referendum celebration. He disputed the claims made by the state Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Osa Nehikhare, that the deputy governor does not like attending state functions.
Chief Asekhauno clarified that Shaibu had actually welcomed his counterpart from Delta State and was already seated in the hall an hour before Governor Obaseki arrived.
According to Chief Asekhauno, the deputy governor had wanted his media aides to capture special moments for his office at the event. However, he was unable to locate them as they were not allowed access to the hall by the governor’s security personnel, who claimed they were not accredited as part of the media crew.
“I suspect that the deputy governor’s attempts to bring his media aides into the hall, which were thwarted by the governor’s security details, may have been the reason he left the venue. He likely felt that he was not wanted there. Therefore, the Commissioner’s narrative that the deputy governor dislikes attending state functions is an attempt to defame him. The prevention of his media aides from entering may have been orchestrated to provoke a reaction from the Deputy Governor and gather impeachment offenses against him,” Chief Asekhauno stated.
Chief Asekhauno also mentioned another incident on Sunday, August 27th, where a security detail of Governor Obaseki prevented the deputy governor from greeting his principal at an interdenominational service at the Festival Hall of the Government House. This incident was widely circulated in a viral photograph.
In conclusion, Chief Asekhauno strongly condemns the reported harassment of the deputy governor, viewing it as an infringement on his rights and an attempt to undermine his position.
Recalling the incident of Sunday, 27th August, where in a viral photograph, a security detail of Governor Obaseki was seen at an interdenominational service at the Festival Hall of the Government House, preventing the deputy governor from greeting his principal, the PDP chieftain said that “such actions not only degrade the dignity of those involved but also cast a negative shadow on the efforts towards building a united Edo State, and I think the good people of Edo state deserve leaders who prioritize the welfare of the citizens over personal animosity.”
Chief Asekhauno urged Governor Obaseki to adhere to the principles of democratic governance and lead by example.
He emphasized that political differences should be resolved through constructive dialogue, not by resorting to power plays or harassment.
The PDP Chieftain called on all stakeholders to work towards fostering an inclusive and collaborative political environment for the benefit of all Edo residents.
He further demanded a thorough investigation into the alleged incident to ensure that those responsible for the harassment face appropriate consequences. He stressed the need for accountability and transparency in governance, urging the state’s leadership to focus on fulfilling their campaign promises instead of engaging in political hostilities.
The PDP chieftain appealed to all political actors in Edo State to prioritize unity, development, and good governance above personal or party interests.
“It is time for our leaders to rise above pettiness and work towards the common goal of making Edo State a model of progress and prosperity.”
