Edo Deputy Governor’s Appointment: A Mere Placeholder Strategy, Say Kinsmen

The Akoko-Edo Development Union has expressed skepticism over Governor Godwin Obaseki’s appointment of Omobayo Godwins as the new Deputy Governor of Edo State following the impeachment of Philip Shaibu.

The group believes that the appointment is merely a political strategy to garner votes from Akoko-Edo and Edo North in the upcoming governorship election in September 2024.

Chief Segun Amode, the president of the Akoko-Edo Development Union, stated that the people of Akoko-Edo would not celebrate the appointment as it is seen as a ploy to secure votes.

He criticized the governor for neglecting the development of the region, particularly in terms of infrastructure and education.

Amode accused Obaseki of using road construction projects as a means to deceive the people of Akoko-Edo during election periods, only to abandon them after securing victory.

Amode emphasized that the appointment of Godwins, who was a candidate for the House of Representatives during the 2023 general elections under the Labour Party, would not bring any significant developmental value to the region in the remaining five months of Obaseki’s administration.

He also highlighted the lack of cooperation between the state government and the federal government as a reason for the poor state of infrastructure in Edo North.

The Edo State House of Assembly impeached Philip Shaibu as deputy governor on Monday, and Governor Obaseki immediately sworn in Mr. Omobayo Godwins to replace him.

This development has sparked debate about the political motivations behind the appointment and the potential implications for the people of Akoko-Edo and Edo North.

As the state moves closer to the 2024 governorship election, the question remains whether the appointment of Omobayo Godwins will indeed translate into tangible benefits for the region or if it is merely a strategic move to secure political support.