By DADA AYOKHAI
The relocation of the Edo State Election Petition Tribunal to Abuja is beginning to significantly impact the activities of the state government.
Though the effects are still somewhat limited at this point, it is, however, clear that service delivery and government operations are taking a serious beating and strain at the moment and may likely exacerbate in the days and weeks ahead, especially as the Tribunal’s sessions continue.
The Tribunal resumed its sitting in Abuja on Tuesday, having moved from Benin due to what is perceived as security concerns.
The relocation has also triggered visible signs of disruption within the state government, as many of its key players have followed the Tribunal to the federal capital city
At the forefront of this exodus is the state’s deputy governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa
Similarly, the state commissioners and other top officials, have essentially left the state’s administration in the hands of civil servants.
The civil servants are now faced with the challenge of requiring clearance to carry out their operations, contributing to a growing sense of paralysis in governance.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on how this unprecedented move affects the state’s functionality.
Edo APC leaders also joined the Abuja jamboree, taking attention away from critical state matters.
The state party chairman, Hon. Jarret Tenebe, along with other party stalwarts, abandoned the party’s secretariat in Benin to join the Abuja crowd.
The former Edo deputy governors on the APC platform are not left out, namely Pius Odubu, Lucky Imasuen and Philip Shaibu
Meanwhile, Sen. Adams Oshiomole, the Edo APC leader and the senator representing the Edo North district in the Senate, was busy pulling the strings and rallying support for the party by leading the Edo caucus of the party to the Tribunal hearings on Friday.
As these developments unfold, the people of Edo are rightfully feeling anxious about the potential strain this Abuja engagement may place on both the state treasury and effective governance.
The strain of the Abuja jamboree on the state’s treasury for the duration of the Tribunal’s sitting is a major source of worry
Moreover, the pressing question remains: who will bear the huge strain of the Abuja jamboree as well as the back and forth associated with the trips to Abuja?
Is it the responsibility of the state government, or should individuals cover their expenses?
Incidentally, protocol dictates that it is the state that ultimately shoulders these costs.
In contrast, the Edo State governor, Sen. Monday Okpeholo, appears absent from the Tribunal proceedings, whether in Benin or Abuja.
His demeanour suggests he is deeply engaged in serious contemplation regarding the repercussions of the petition.
Edo Govt Officials, APC Leaders Trail Tribunal To Abuja
