Governor Godwin Obaseki And The ‘First Eleven’

by Lucky Diagi
People's Democratic Party, Nigeria

“To choose not to choose is still a choice for which you alone are responsible”
_ Gary Cox (British philosopher)

The whirlwind that blew through the Executive Council of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), in Edo State, has gradually subsided, with the eventual restoration of the former embattled Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, as the bonafide Chairman of the party.

This great timely feat really deserves to be applauded; many thanks therefore, to the incredible wisdom employed and explored by the various stakeholders, in this regards.

Those that masterminded and constituted the arsenal, that directly and remotely instigated the dissolution of the Executive Council of Edo State People’s Democratic Party (PDP), recently, indeed employed political bravado, in what l will call in local parlance as “guerilla approach’; a sad development that must have been borrowed from a now demystified political godfather in Edo State.

This is therefore saluting the uncommon wisdom of political titans in the fold of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who have cleverly handled the delicate situation positively, even as the party is currently back to the mighty shade under the known umbrella.

Today, it is heart warming that various reconciliatory committees have sprang up into action, to calm fray nerves of the aggrieved and the offended, a development which ultimate goal is to arrive at a ‘no victor, no vanquished’ win-win situation for the general interest of the party in Edo State.

Coming to the issue of putting in place a formidable team to work with Governor Godwin Obaseki, in the name of Edo State ‘first eleven’.

Talking about Governor Godwin Obaseki and the Edo State ‘first eleven’, it is time to put in place a strategic political structure balancing.

Undoubtedly, Governor Godwin Obaseki is a technocrat in all ramifications, and l urge him never to lower his philosophy of excellence for the development of Edo State.

As the buck stops at his table, the Governor has done wonderfully well so far, by putting in place a selection process, seeking the best and the most cerebral to make his ‘first eleven’, by ensuring that candidates are recommended right from the ward levels, in the various Local Government Areas of the party in Edo State.

Honestly, to be candid, Governor Godwin Obaseki, by applying this novel fanstatic strategy in Edo State, the issue of godfatherism in picking members of the state Executive Committee has been jettisoned for now.

This process, if taken or handled religiously without any political sentiments midway, will profoundly produce the best set of Commissioners, that will take the ‘Making Edo Great Again (MEGA) mantra of Governor Godwin Obaseki to the highest levels.

This ‘first eleven’ being put together must be the ones that can or will navigate politically and positively through the old and the new breed politicians, because of their familiarity with the political terrain in Edo State.

Using the football game scenario, the Governor should watch out for the real best guys, in terms of competence, energy, brilliance and experience, to factor out the actual ‘first eleven’ who will make the difference ultimately.

Flowing from the above,the State Governor should consider the old breed People’s Democratic Party members; and the All Progressives Congress (APC)/ PDP breeds to produce a goal getting team.

It will be appropriate for the Governor to check out for former Local Government Areas Chaimen, former Commissioners and former technocrats,then bring in exceptional new comers.

In drawing the new Executive Council organogram, l sincerely urge the State Governor, Godwin Obaseki to consider former Local Government Chairmen, that might have been recommended already, technocrats known for excellence, while reserve bench should be for former Commissioners.

Finally, on this note, l feel it will be most appropriate for a seasoned former Local Government Chairman, to be considered for the Ministry of Local Government and
Chieftaincy Affairs, bearing in mind that the post is a key factor in political strategies.

It is my conviction that if the Governor heed this honest patriotic advise, he should just take a nap and leave the rest things to fall in place.

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