Recent events surrounding the suspension and subsequent recall of the Edo State Attorney General have highlighted significant governance issues within the state. The governor’s actions—prompted by mere rumors—according to Senator Okpebholo himself in a recent Television interview expose a critical failure in judgment and protocol. This analysis in its simplicity, evaluates the implications of these decisions and their broader impact on governance in Edo State.
The Attorney General of Edo State was suspended a month ago due to alleged financial infractions. However, he has since been cleared of these accusations and recalled. The governor, in a recent interview, acknowledged that the decision to suspend the Attorney General was based on unverified rumors, indicating a lack of thorough analysis and consideration before taking such a serious action.
The suspension of the chief law officer for financial infractions, followed by a halfhearted recall, raises questions about the government’s understanding of governance protocols. Such actions not only defame the individual involved but also undermine the integrity of the office.
The government’s response to rumors reveals a weakness in leadership. Effective governance requires strategic decision-making, particularly when it concerns high-ranking officials. The lack of due diligence in this instance exposes a vulnerability in the governor’s administration.
The suspension of the Attorney General is not an isolated incident but rather reflects a broader pattern in the way the Edo State government operates:
A previously effective security network was dismantled upon the governor’s inauguration. Efforts to reestablish it have been insufficient and haphazard. The increase in cases of insecurity and criminality may not be unconnected to the action or decisions taken just a few months ago.
A robust revenue generation system was inherited but has been disrupted, resulting in a significant decline in the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR). Leakages have sudden appeared in the system and brute force introduced to enforce payment or extortion depending on whether you are a bus driver, market woman or a small business operator.
The discontinuation of the e-government platform has further complicated administrative processes, leading to inefficiencies in service delivery.
The withholding of payments to contractors is a decision that could have detrimental effects during the rainy season, potentially exacerbating infrastructure issues and public safety concerns.
For a government to be effective, it must be strategic, thoughtful, and accountable. The recent actions surrounding the Attorney General’s suspension illustrate a troubling tendency towards impulsive decision-making and a lack of foresight. This character trait explains the delibrate attempt not just to talk down but to dismantle and rubbish the legacy and processes inherited from the previous administration.
Edo State cannot afford a government that is not self-assured and characterized by frequent U-turns.
To restore public confidence and ensure effective governance, the administration must adopt a more deliberate approach to decision-making, prioritizing the well-being and security of its citizens. Simple!
Decisions taken must be seen to be in the best interest of the State and its people without political colouration and consideration.
Leave a Reply