Edo: Political appointments in perspective

By Aiyevbekpen Osakue

IN the twilight of Friday 9, 2017, Governor Obaseki was perhaps, in a celebrating mood, after yet another legal gamble of PDP crashed like a pack of cards at the  Appeal Court, when he ordered  the release of the appointment of 192 Special Assistants. The news hit the airwaves like wild fire in the harmattan haze. In quick succession, the appointment of other categories of officials followed namely; Senior Special Assistants, Special Advisers and Commissioner-nominees.  In compliance with the constitution, the Commissioner-nominees were screened by the State House of Assembly and found suitable to be engaged. It needs not be stressed that the appointments were  eagerly awaited. Indeed, the patience of some concerned individuals  were put to test, suffered strain and drooped, giving way to a bit of disquiet in the polity.

As the common saying goes ‘it is foolishness for anyone to do things in the same way and expect to have different results at the end of the exercise’. Sounds like a piece of great wisdom but rarely applied by people in positions of power. The reason is not far fetched; change requires clarity of thought, vision, steadfastness and  fortitude. These rare attributes can only be found in a transformational leader. Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki approach as a transformational leader is enamoured in sound scholarship and corporate governance precision. The sophisticated and innovative style, though unfailingly civil and equanimous, never shies away from frontal engagement of tough issues. He has thus, elevated governance from the banalities of yesteryears to the noble level of the philosopher King where leadership embodies great depth of thought and sound ethics that edify societal values and harmony. In this direction, a recent article authored by yours sincerely and published online and the print media including Vanguard, made a bold attempt to outline the new governance philosophy of the Obaseki administration. It was explained therein that the new approach was anchored on technocratic philosophical underpinnings. That basically means that every idea must first, be painstakingly incubated and hammered on the anvil of technocratic scrutiny as espoused by W.H. Smyth in 1919. In practice, the administration will in great details work out the technical and scientific dimension of every policy  and programme before rolling them out. The entire process of governance will be insulated from the corruption of extraneous interference and will be strictly goal-driven. It is beyond question that a smart and athletic governance style so encapsulated will deliver monumental accomplishments in the immediate future.

Consequently, it became absolutely necessary to closely guide the process for engaging would-be managers of the system. In a sense, the flexibility and resilience of the new governance philosophy was put to test in filling political vacancies namely; Commissioners, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants. Being uncharted waters locally, it was bound to experience some hiccups and delays. And more importantly, the Governor had insisted that the process must be wholesome and credible. At the end, the process delivered handsomely. Not many understand that the idea of requesting nominations from the wards and local governments was ostensibly informed by a litany of bitter complaints received during the Governor’s  campaign visits to all the  wards in the state – the only aspirant / candidate that achieved that feat! At the end of the visit, he described the experience as an eye opener and promised that when he becomes Governor, he would govern the state through the wards, which he described as the foundation of democracy and the party. It was expected that democratic intercourse would produce the number of nominees at each level but as evidenced by protestations, the process was hijacked by powerful individuals at the ward level. And this had to be investigated.

The appointment of 192 Special Assistants from all the wards in Edo State is a promise fulfilled by the Governor to the people at the grassroots. To them, nothing else compares with it! First, it is intended to put paid to the deafening clutters of complaint of marginalisation, real or imagined and, thereby give every part of the state a sense of belonging. Secondly, it establishes direct link between the 192 wards in the State and Osadebey Avenue, the seat of power in Benin City. The special Assistants will constitute reliable source of producing first-line reports of developments at the wards level particularly with regard to the state of infrastructures, grassroots data collection and mobilisation of the people to actively participate in government programmes. They are bound to have their hands full as grassroots liaison officers!

It is important to quickly discountenance growing apprehension and concerns in some quarters that the functions of the Special Assistants will encroach on the provinces of Local government councilors when they come on board. Nothing could be farther from the truth. The functions of the  councilors are clearly provided for, by the local government law and essentially, they constitute the legislature at the local government level. Their responsibilities include scrutiny and approval of the budget  prepared and presented by the Council Chairman. As part of their legislative functions, they make bylaws for the good government of the local government area and oversight the activities of the Executive Chairman. Their responsibilities are purely local as the name implies. On the other hand, the responsibilities of Special Assistants are not by any means limited to local matters. The appointment of Special Assistants to the Governor with operational offices in the ward is an innovation which will bring Osadebey Avenue to the doorsteps of those who were hitherto cut off from government. This will without doubt ensure that the people have a sense of belonging and put paid to the cry of marginalisation.

Quality human capital particularly in priority policy areas can be a major driver of sustainable economic transformation. An assessment of the  quality of Special Advisers and Civil Commissioners appointed by the Governor largely justifies the rigorous selection process and consequent delay in bringing them on board. The team assembled is a pot- pouri of politicians and technocrats but the politicians are appeased by a preponderance of their members. A little more than cursory glance at the category of the Special  Advisers reveals that about five out of seven possessed intimidating public service records and robust experience honed from around the World. In the ranks of the Commissioners, we have two excellent products of the last administration, six distinguished hardcore professionals without partisan political exposure and some members of the political class who have been tested  and found to be exceedingly experienced, talented and resourceful. Perhaps, about five nominees would need to buckle up in order to match the racy pace and the digitally driven style of Mr. Governor. In all, this is easily the most star studded and talented team ever assembled in Edo State under any  democratic dispensation.

*Mr. Osakue , a public affairs commentator, wrote from Benin City, Edo State.

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