LIVE UPDATES
Former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, has advised his successor, Godwin Obaseki, not to be worried about being impeached if he loses the upcoming March 11 House of Assembly poll.
Oshiomhole made this statement during an interview with journalists in Benin City, the Edo State capital. He stated that if Obaseki had performed well as Edo State Governor, then he would not be worried about the electorate voting against his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Oshiomhole also questioned the motives of the candidates contesting the House of Assembly election, asking, “Of the number of people who are contesting, how many are new members who are seeking election for the first time and how many are old members who probably have been elected before?”
He further explained that the purpose of the House of Assembly is to subject the Executive to legislative scrutiny, and that the parliamentary system does not exist in an autocratic system of government.
Oshiomhole accused the Obaseki-led state government of not allowing the parliament to function as it should in other saner climes. Specifically, he alleged that his successor has ruled Edo State like a sole administrator, adding that he may be hunted by ‘guilty conscience.’
Despite Oshiomhole's criticisms, he stated that the House of Assembly candidates vying for a seat in the Edo Parliament are “hungry to ensure that the governor spends resources in a manner that captures the aspirations of their various constituents. Sacking the governor is not in their manifesto.”
It is worth noting that Oshiomhole and Obaseki were once allies in the All Progressives Congress (APC), but their relationship turned sour leading up to the 2020 governorship election in Edo State. Obaseki eventually defected to the PDP and won the election, while Oshiomhole has been in the opposition party, the APC.
