Benin, Edo – A social activist, Felix Osemwengie Isere Esq has flayed Edo state governor, Godwin Òbaseki-led administration following the attack on the convoy of former deputy governor, Philip Shaibu and the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Monday Okpebholo, by armed thugs in Benin City, on Thursday.

Isere, a human rights lawyer who knocked Obaseki in an open letter to the governor maintained that since Obaseki assumed office, the state has been bedeviled with mass sufferings and crisis.

According to Isere, the Òbaseki-led administration has caused more pains to the people of the state since it inception in November 2016.

"In the interest of the people of Edo State and the principles of good governance, I urge you to take the path of honour and resign from your position as Governor.", He said in the letter posted on his facebook account

BENDEL Mirror understands that the armed thugs suspected to be loyal to the state government, in a Sienna car opened fire at their convoy as they exit the gate of the Benin airport at about 2pm.

It took the intervention of the security details attached to the APC candidate and the former deputy governor, to continued shooting to disperse the attackers as they fled in their Sienna bus.

However, the state government has warned Shaibu not to resort to violence to enforcing a court judgement that reinstated him as deputy governor.

According to Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, there is a stay of execution of the judgement filed by the state house of assembly hence Shaibu will face consequences of any violence in pursuit of his return to the Government House.





Read open letter below:


Your Excellency,

I am writing this open letter to you with a heavy heart and a deep sense of concern for the people of Edo State. It is evident that since you assumed office as the Governor of Edo State more than seven years ago, the state has been plagued with turmoil and suffering. The actions taken under your leadership have inflicted immense pain on the people, leading to their dehumanization, the destruction of their properties, the usurpation of their lands, the escalation of conflicts within the community, the division of our people and the death of many. You have dedicated your more than seven years in office to fighting political war instead of working. Instead of unity as a leader and promoting peace, you have remained the main architect of disunity and war in our State.

The recent events, including the tragic killing of a police officer by alleged hired thugs yesterday in Benin City, have further highlighted the deteriorating state of affairs under your administration. The loss of lives and the disregard for law and order are unacceptable in a democratic society. It is clear that the current situation is untenable, and urgent action is needed to restore peace and justice in Edo State.

Governor Obaseki, it is time to reflect on the impact of your decisions and the consequences they have had on the lives of the people you were elected to serve. The near alienation of AAU, the neglect of our roads and infrastructure, the humiliation and harassment of our people, the disregard for our monarchs, the oppression of our people, the violence, and the loss of lives cannot be ignored or justified. The trust and confidence of the people have been eroded, and it is imperative that you take responsibility for the turmoil that has engulfed the state.

In the interest of the people of Edo State and the principles of good governance, I urge you to take the path of honour and resign from your position as Governor. Your resignation will pave the way for a new beginning, a fresh start that prioritizes the well-being and prosperity of the people. It is a decision that requires courage and humility, but it is a necessary step towards healing and reconciliation before the end of your tenure. This is what you should do now and not trying to forcefully impose another of your kind from Lagos on us as governor.

Governor Obaseki, the people of Edo State deserve a leader who upholds the values of humility, empathy, integrity, accountability, and respect for the rule of law. By resigning from your position, you will demonstrate your commitment to the welfare of the people and the restoration of peace and stability in the state. I implore you to consider this plea and act in the best interests of Edo State and its citizens.

Sincerely,

Felix Osemwengie Isere, Esq.
International Human Rights Lawyer and Political/social activist.