Osunbor 2024: The Pathway To Good Governance In Edo State
Monday June 26, 2023
One major basic essence of government is to bring to it’s people Good Governance in all its ramifications.
Good governance is the process of measuring how public institutions conduct public affairs and manage public resources and guarantee the realization of human rights in a manner essentially free of abuse and corruption and with due regard for the rule of law.
Governance is also “the process of decision-making and the process by which decisions are implemented or not implemented.
The concept centers on the responsibility of govt and its bodies to meet the needs of the masses as opposed to select groups in society.
Good Governance is the duty of government to provide social amenities, as well as security of lives and properties, and an enabling environment for business to grow and thrive.
Many observers and political pundits believes this has eluded the people of Edo State in the last seven years of the soon to leave government in the state.
Before going further, a brief look into the history of Edo State.
Edo State is one of the 36 states of Nigeria, located in the southern region of the country.
As of the 2006 National population census, the state was ranked as the 24th populated state (3,233,366) in Nigeria.The state’s capital and city, Benin City, is the fourth largest city in Nigeria.
Created on August 27, 1991, from the former Bendel State, Edo State borders Kogi State to the northeast, Anambra State to the east, Delta State to the southeast, and Ondo State to the west.
In 1999, after many years of military rule in Nigeria,
Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion was elected governor of Edo State in April 1999 on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
He held the office from 29 May 1999 to 29 May 2007.
Professor Oserheimen Osunbor served as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from 29 May 1999 to 29 May 2007.
He later became the Governor of Edo State serving from 29 May 2007 to 11 November 2008.
Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole served as the executive governor of Edo State from 12 November 2008 to 12 November 2016.
Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki is the current Governor of Edo State.
He was first sworn in as governor on 12 November 2016. He was re-elected on 20 September 2020.
In the last few years, Edo State has slipped back to the era brigandage and lawlessness, no thanks to the present government of the state especially it’s poor handling of state affairs.
Edo State in recent times had witnessed more crisis in the state especially with the current government more that any of his predecessors in office.
The state has been brought to its kneel not because of inadequacy but because of lack of quality governance and leadership where people like Professor has set as standard during their own time.
Up until now, only God knows how many of the state lawmakers sit to make laws and carry out oversight functions which as part of his primary responsibility.
Most of those that assisted the Governor during his re-election are now gnashing their teeth and regretting their goodwill, a very good example of former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike.
As the race to the Dennis Osadebey Avenue Government House continue to gather momentum, one name that is ringing and enjoying the support and acceptability of the people of Edo is former governor of the State, Professor Oserheimen Osunbor.
Professor Osunbor, an Educationist, Senator and an administrator per Excellence is now at the centre of discussion as regards governorship seat of Edo State.
Osunbor had been described by many as the Compass for Good Governance poised to restore the Lost Glory of Edo State.
Come year 2024, the incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki will be completing his second term in November and then, political observers in the state believes a tested and trusted Osunbor needs to come back and perform the magic they briefly saw in 2008.
Even though, the umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), is yet to blow the whistle for the commencement of the race, a lot of permutations and movement is going on underground to ensure that quality aspirants, especially from the Edo Central Senatorial District emerged the next Governor of Edo State.
On several occasions, groups, associations, individuals in and outside Edo State has continued to call on Professor Osunbor, to publicly declare his intention to contest for the 2024 governorship race, but a man of honour and critical thinking, Prof Osunbor is considering every pro and cons to determine his decision.
Many residents of the state can attest to the fact that the 18 months of Osunbor government saw massive road construction, school rehabilitation and several other projects aimed to the transformation of the state while rule of law became the order of the day within the 18 months that Osunbor was in charge.
The people are anxiously waiting for the man that knows the road to come back and make Edo State, home to all Nigerians and investors and heartbeat of the nation.
Lekan Shobo Shobowale writes from Ibadan.