In a fresh wave of political tensions in Edo State, former Chief Press Secretary Mr. John Mayaki has addressed outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki, urging him to "move on" after he expressed discontent over not being invited to the upcoming inauguration of his successor, Senator Monday Okpebholo. Mayaki insisted that the absence of an invitation does not violate any constitutional mandate, countering Governor Obaseki’s assertions.
In a Saturday statement, Mayaki responded to Obaseki’s frustration, saying, "It is wrong for the Governor to insinuate that his non-invitation amounts to a constitutional breach. Governor Obaseki should simply move on, as his presence was not required at the ceremony."
Obaseki, visibly unsettled, remarked earlier, “The government of Edo State is inaugurating a new governor, but I haven’t been invited. It’s as if they are starting a brand new state.” He questioned the conduct of the incoming administration, saying, “Are we okay as a country? We are guided by the constitution, laws, precedents, and procedures.”
Mayaki’s retort, however, underscored that a lack of invitation is neither unlawful nor unprecedented. "In life, when you’re not invited to a ceremony, you don’t force yourself to attend," he said, noting that while it may breach certain social conventions, it doesn’t violate the Nigerian constitution.
He added that political divisions following the election—which is still under tribunal review—might have intensified the absence of tradition in the handover process. “In mature democracies, this ceremony would symbolize a peaceful transition,” Mayaki acknowledged, yet added, "But unfortunately, we are not there yet."
The political climate in Edo has been markedly strained, with Mayaki pointing to the enduring tensions between the ruling APC and PDP factions in the state. "I doubt whether both parties can do anything together, and that speaks volumes about our political maturity,” he stated.
As Edo prepares for the ceremony on Tuesday, the strained relations between outgoing and incoming officials underscore the deep-seated rifts that persist within the state’s political landscape.
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