If there’s anything the US election has taught us, it would be this: It is always the economy, stupid. The Biden economy looks good on paper, but the people are not feeling it in their pockets. In many ways, the American election mirrored the Edo election of September 21st in the matter of running when an incumbent who is propelling your candidacy is unpopular. Many political observers believe that the PDP candidate did not sufficiently distance himself from his friend, the sitting governor.
Just as the sitting but soon to be outgoing governor has a legacy of good works to protect, so does Joe Biden, but in the Biden case, Kamala was completely fused with Biden, and she showed how much unprepared she was for the question in her interview with The View when she was asked if there was one thing she would change, and she said she could not think of a single thing.
Could Asue Ighodalo have been a terrific candidate without the Godwin Obaseki overhang? Could Kamala have been wonderful without having to carry the burden of a Biden unpopularity?
We will never know but that’s where the similarities end.
Whereas one election has been conceded because the loser believed it was free and fair, the one in Edo will never be conceded. The fight will go all the way to the Supreme Court. The reason is simple. Our system does not inspire faith.
A mantle and a Mandate.
Now that Trump will be the 47th president of the United States, political watchers will begin to look at the magic he plans to do with ending the Russia-Ukraine war in one day while economists will be looking at his plans to bring down inflation, while at the same time imposing tariffs. Another thing to watch for is how he plans to stem illegal immigration whilst simultaneously deporting illegal immigrants who are already in America.
A CEO of a Dairy company in Idaho who by his disposition was a Trump voter was heard lamenting that 90% of his workers are undocumented immigrants. Could we begin to see a gallon of milk climbing up to $14:99? Or worse still, could America begin to import milk from Mexico?
Trump’s reelection throws up a question: “What was it that caused people to vote against their own interests?”
The answer can only be whispered. People are more scared of the extreme agenda of the left than they are of the extreme agenda on the right. One clear example is Women’s Sports. Could a time come when men who cannot compete with other men choose to become transgender so that they can start to win?
Does anyone remember the curious case of the Algerian transgender who outboxed all the women to stupor in the Paris Olympics?
Interestingly, Latinos gave Trump a majority of their votes even though he called their cousins robbers, gangsters, and criminals. The bottom line for a majority of them was: “How much am I able to keep in my pocket right now?” They chose to throw their cousins under the bus—-“So long Amigo. We will be praying for you. Trust that we will send you the occasional $200, but not as frequently as it used to be.”
A Good Beginning.
Many commentators believe Trump is starting well as they applaud his choice of Susan Wiles as Chief of Staff. Ironically, instead of the nation getting her first female president, fate gave her the first female Chief of Staff. She is said to be a stern gatekeeper. Trump may well avoid the chaos of governance by tweeting that characterized his first occupancy of the White House.
The State of Roads in the South-South.
When one has been away from Nigeria even for a short period such as five years, it becomes easy to forget that we left a horrible situation behind, especially regarding infrastructure. We return to worse than we left behind. In 25 years of Civil Rule, about the only thing that has stood the test of time is our Telecoms infrastructure. They have tried to succeed against all the odds, even in the face of horrendous fines by government agencies. If you live in Benin, Benin is not Edo. Roads out of Benin to different parts of Edo State are in horrible shape. My niece who was traveling to Auchi from Benin left at 7:00 am and arrived in Auchi at 6:00 pm. I was in Ughelli for a funeral last week. I left Benin at 7:00 am, and arrived in Ughelli at 12:30 pm. I was battered, and hammered after what was supposed to be a one and a half our trip at the most.
Interestingly, I got into a conversation with some friends. Without exception, everyone of them believes that the Federal Government should take care of Federal Roads. Whilst I agree with their position, I would also like to see it slightly differently. Every road that is unmotorable today began with a tiny hole yesterday. At the very least, a State government should ensure that the holes on Federal roads do not get bigger. How about that?
Akpakomiza Takes Over.
Like a colossus, for 8 years, Godwin Obaseki dominated the political landscape of Edo State. From the moment he sat on the saddle, he caught fire. The political class was left panting and gasping for air. He decimated many a political career and dominated everything, everywhere. He was Supreme leader. He had very little respect for the Rule of Law. People called him ‘Ematon’ which means Iron man. The way he was carrying on, one would have thought he was an Ayatollah. He did not like prisoners, and so, he took none. Obaseki has many achievements to celebrate. He should be proud of himself. He may not have any friends in Benin to give him a great farewell, but again who needs friends when you have so much money to play with?
You can just buy new friends.
As Akpakomiza takes over, and a new Party is in power, one can only hope that he will see every road that passes through the length, and breath of his State as belonging to the people of Nigeria who reside in Edo State, and who must pass through Edo State to their destination. It is also hoped that he will put a great imprimatur on the State for the next four years by actually folding up his sleeves to solve real problems that affect real people.
He must solve the cult problem in Edo State. Our women are constantly under threat in the hands of cultists. This cannot stand. Too many people in Edo State still live below the poverty line. It is hoped again that he will make meaningful investments in Agriculture by creating Agricultural Cooperatives as it presents the easiest ready-to-go avenue for lifting people out of poverty. If he can achieve an Agricultural transformation, it will have a direct impact on the State’s IGR which at present is too small to drive the development of infrastructure.
The Tinubu Travels.
Our President has traveled again, this time, to an Arab/Islamic conference. Nigeria is neither an Arab country nor an Islamic country. Mr. President, we do not need any more religion in Nigeria. What we need is economic growth—jobs, to put smiles in the faces of Nigerians. Plus, Mr. President, why are people still importing petrol when Dangote says he’s capable of meeting demand? We would rather have you address that problem now. People are suffering too much because of high prices. There’s no hiding place.
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Michael Ovienmhada.
Well analysed and comparing writeup.
Please, keep it up.
Brilliant submission on cocktails of issues that power the choices of the electorate that those aspiring for political offices must pay close attention to.
Good one👍.