THE task of developing Edo State under Governor Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole is increasingly becoming high and hard, due to an unreasonable and violently destructive opposition, in the midst of scarce economic resources.One's concern is that, a serious and well-intentioned opposition has a duty to keep a government alive to its responsibilities, guarantee extreme care in the preparation and formulation of programmes and underline the need for sponsors of legislations to be able to justify their proposals.The essence of the opposition in a well-established democracy, is that it must be constructive as this is the strength of the opposition in established democracies the world over.They recognise that they, together with the government of the day, proceed from the major premise that, they have a joint aim; to advance the welfare of the people.Both have a vital part to play in the building of the state and speeding up its development; the government initiates, while the opposition is constructively critical, if need be.But, what we see in Edo State in recent times is the ganging up of opposition parties that embark on a policy of obstructing the government, without devising an alternative programme. Their policies have been narrow in concept and often violent, abusive and terroristic in action, and these are evident in their virulent and vitriolic advertorials against the government in the countdown to 2012 elections.Their approach, is suggestive of an end in itself, rather than an instrument for securing better condition for the people. The measure of their intent is that they seek to add to the difficulties of government and heighten the obstacles which need to be overcome so that, with a breakdown of administration, they may get a chance of grasping the reins of office.The opposition in Edo cannot boast of this same sense of responsibility and maturity. So far, it has been mostly destructive. As such, these dissident groups pursuing individualistic or particularistic aims opposed to the development of the state are doomed to frustration.Therefore, the situation in Edo is peculiar just as the opposition, deprived of popular support, look around for a means to undermine the popular wish of the people and its people-oriented government found in its separatism politics that have resulted in name calling, abuses and insults of duly constituted authorities like the traditional institutions and state government alikeIn this melee, Governor Oshiomhole has, however, not found himself drawn into the milieu of unnecessary, misplaced and biased attempt to place false values on his modest achievements. He does not believe in the silencing of the opposition because of his belief in 'spiritual balance'; the philosophy of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe in his quest for a new Africa.Therefore, there is a wide range of space for the opposition in the state just as the government of Oshiomhole gave them free rein to vent their spleen, and some of them were over-generous in the uncomplimentary adjectives used in their media war against him.Their aspersions and verbosities against Oshiomhole, if nothing, is preposterous and the Edo public will bear him (Oshiomhole) out as to how he has treated his political opponents or labour issues whenever there were grounds for disagreement of opinion. However, he has the spiritual balance to accept with equanimity, the vituperations which has continued unabated.Since he came on board, his doctrine of a new Edo that is economically viable and deterministic was enunciated. He has also advocated for a self-sufficient state in the event that oil dries up and as such, tries to build an economic foundation for the state which is necessary for any tangible form of progress.Oshiomhole, when he had reason to believe that a cause was worth fighting for, exerted his efforts not in vindictive way but in a persuasive and convincing manner. When political slavery was almost enveloping Edo and injustice was done to his first year budget, among other issues, he did not necessarily blindly rave and rant and abuse and wreck his victims or opponents. Rather, he conceded to them certain elements of human nature and made it clear that Edo people were not inferior to any godfather.He has, among others, emancipated our minds and saved us from the bondage of our past and, one has no doubt, that a political resurgence is not just in the offing but has been ushered into the state. For example, the part that the youth plays in Edo politics and in government of Oshiomhole, has passed the stage of stupefaction. It is a reality, too, and if these spoonfull of PDP cronies who think that because they have been, therefore, they will continue to be, more blunder could have been committed. The days of 'have been' are over, and the days of 'will be' are here.However, the basis of Oshiomhole's philosophy and the successful practicalisation of his ideals have so far proved unassailable by his antagonists. And surely, with time, they would regret having made such vague remarks about him because, after all, it is very easy to criticise by denouncing and wrecking, but it is very difficult to criticise by lauding, where praise is due and constructing.One concedes, to these antagonists, however, that they have a right to their opinions but I have a responsibility to show that they are not justified in their opinions. While not trying to stop them from holding on to their opinion, one must note that it would not bring about the Edo State of our desire rather, it would continue to perpetuate the elements of man's inhumanity to man, lack of development, and corruption that was part and parcel of the old Edo so that they may realise, that they have attacked Oshiomhole, quite unprovoked.Mayaki, SSA (media) to Governor Oshiomhole, wrote in from Benin.
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