An Open Letter to Gov Godwin Obaseki.

Dear Gov Godwin,

It is said that Government gets her powers to execute her plans and programs with the resources of the people, on behalf of the people and for the benefit of the people. So long as the focus remains directed at bettering the lives of the people, the Government will be judged right and adjudged to be in tandem with the aspiration of the people.

No doubt Sir! Your Government has invoked laudable programs and exemplary deeds that are applaudable and commendable and we congratulate you for the remarkableness of those actions.

In your first tenure, your wish to revamp primary education and the quick-to-do-it road construction works were the fulcrum of your achievements for me and like many, I never spared praises in those regards.

Sir, I am writing this open letter to you not only to acknowledge that there have been laudable decisions you have made but also to let you know that some of your decisions spark off as unfair and unjust and I think somebody has to say it.

I have noticed an uncommon fear amongst many who were hitherto very confident in expressing political views and opinions wherever and whenever needed, However, there has been very loud calm amongst these noble ones and it appears that it is not by choice but birthed from the fear of speaking out/speaking up or even giving you advice because of what they conclude to be unkind consequences from the pulpit of your heart if they speak and that may result in very undesired results from you.

I think we owe you respect and honor as Governor over us and our affairs as a State but not fear. Nobody should be afraid of another who cannot create life.

I read just recently about the revoking of the Garrick Memorial School grounds along Ekenwan road. This hit me specially because I grew up calling that place school since it housed my alma mater; The Nigerian Airforce Primary School, Benin City for many years until they relocated and I was dumbfoundedly in a straight betwixt two as to why the land has been revoked NOW. What changed!!!!

Undoubtedly, the State would give very cogent reasons for this action as expected but dear Governor, the trend with this continued revocation of land especially owned by members of the opposition party appears sinister just as it appears very unfair and unjust.

One may see this as political when it may really not be but the “arithmetic progression” of these revocation and utter destruction of properties tilts towards a political rope and in my ignorance, I think it is totally needless especially when the end of your second term as Governor draws nigh. I am worried about the legacy to be left behind.

You became Governor because the people trusted you with their votes and literally put their lives on the line to get you elected, you joined our party, the PDP and members of the party outdid themselves to make sure the party won the election.

Having obtained the overwhelming imprimatur of the people to govern, please let Governance be seen to be for the benefit of the generality of the people as it should be. This is not about pleasing everybody but about being fair even to those who didn’t vote or support you. You are Governor and nothing else matters anymore.

I have written to Governors before you, I have written to you and I will write to Governors after you whenever I see the need and I write this from the innermost part of my heart asking you and pleading to please reconsider the decision on the Garrick Memorial School grounds.

Matter-of-factly, I think there is a humane side of you as there is of everyone and as Governor, let the people feel that pulse too, let us feel some sense of brotherhood in your leadership, let us feel some sense of kindness and warmness as you lead. Let it be said that our Governor listens to wise counsel and isn’t “omniscient”.

Whichever method or standard you wish to constitute your cabinet, that is fine! However long it takes, matters not to me, i think the people trust you enough to make the best decision for the State in that wise.

Let the people thereto also consider howbeit circumspectly the idea that our Governor has emotions and he also considers the emotions of the people he leads. I appeal to your emotions to please reconsider this decision and let Garrick remain with Garrick.

Please continue to lead us well and away from any assumptions of bitterness or hatred for anyone because we are not a bitter or hateful people.

You are Governor today because God used some men to help you! Please let that brotherly love continue by every means because that’s what we need as one people, especially with the increased Malevolence in the world.

Let us pull together as one and move forward as brethren and better the lots of the people as one indestructible force.

We are Edo men!

We are brothers!

May God lead you in the path he has created for you and may you give Edo the best she deserves.

Thank you sir!

Ogbeide Ifaluyi-isibor wrote from Ugbowo in Benin City.

Gatekeepers News is not liable for opinions expressed in this article, they’re strictly the writer’s.