Edo State: Technology vs democracy
As far as the electorate is concerned judging the performance of democratically elected governments isn’t that difficult. It simply requires answering three questions: Has poverty reduced? Has the environment improved? Is the educational system producing school leavers armed with marketable employment skills? In Edo State the answer to the three questions is a resounding “No”!
However, Governor Godwin Obaseki believes his government is a success. However, most of his supporters and appointees, who defected with him from the All Progressives Congress (APC) under which he served his first term to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), publicly agree (behind his back) that his predecessor Adams Oshiomhole was a far better governor who did far more to change the face of Edo State. Although they both exhibit the same self-righteous anti-democratic dictatorial tendencies, in Obaseki’s case, his supporters claim is because he is a “technocrat” who doesn’t consider public opinion to be important, and doesn’t factor into his reasoning any considerations which are not quantifiable.
Technocracy is a rule by specialists who pursue quantifiable objectives they set for themselves. Democracy is defined as the rule of the people, for the people and by the people. The difference between the two gives an insight into how governments by technocrats may feel they are doing the right things but are increasingly unpopular amongst the electorate. The priority of technocrats is financial calculations and not considerations of socio-economic welfare or the niceties and limitations of truly democratic governance. As a result democracy in the state is suffering under Obaseki’s watch.
In response the Edo State chapter of the APC has urged President Buhari to declare a State of Emergency in the state over what it dramatically referred to as the collapse of governance, emasculation of the judiciary, crippling of the legislature and personalization of the executive. Although truthfully Obaseki ignores the limitations of constitutional democracy and behaves like an Emperor or Sole Administrator, calls for a state of emergency are completely unwarranted and out of place.
PDP spokespersons pointed out the irony of the APC which presides over a national security disaster, requesting a state of emergency in one of the most peaceful states in the federation. Truthfully nowhere in Edo can be compared to so many states in the North including Katsina, President Buhari’s home state, where Nigerian lives are valueless. Be that as it may the Edo State Chairman of the APC isn’t responsible for policies at national level, and has every right to point out that the state has been reduced to a comical caricature of democracy.
Obaseki’s modus operandi isn’t provided for anywhere in the constitution. Since his re-election there has been no truly representative functional legislature, no elected local government chairmen and councillors and no commissioners or special advisers for over a year. There is indeed an air of “know all” in Obaseki’s demeanour and speeches.
Recently at yet another of his unending “Economic Forum” he lamented that “we are creating opportunities for our people, but a majority of them are not keying into these opportunities to better their lives and contribute to the development of Edo State”. It is pertinent to ask whether or not he actually asked “our people” about the sort of opportunities they desired and required, or were ready to “key into”? It’s fallacious arrant nonsense to decide for people how you think their lives should improve and provide only such opportunities.
Two current examples highlight how far the government has drifted away from the aspirations of the people. There is widespread resentment over the demolition of the over 100-year-old Benin Central hospital. There is no wisdom in the reason advanced for demolishing a centrally located easily accessible hospital patronised by the lower income groups to make way for an ultra-modern motor park and offices for a “by force” medical insurance programme which will send patients to privately owned sub-standard clinics and hospitals.
Ironically the very same government which renovated a scarcely used stadium refuses to renovate a hospital which caters for the medical needs of the lower income groups. Meanwhile, the elite GRA and the city centre are replete with easily accessible private hospitals for patronage by the rich. Even worse having failed to build flyovers or slip roads to improve traffic delays, the sick, wounded and injured are required to undertake a journey to the virtual outskirts of Benin to receive treatment at any government hospital. There is definitely something wrong in the planning or thought processes.
Obaseki has also let himself down by approving the demolition the library building along with the Ministry of Agriculture to make room for a shopping mall. It beggars belief that instead of developing the library buildings into a centre of Information Technology Excellence providing free computer access to secondary school students, it was resolved that Benin needs yet another mega-store rather than factories which will improve the productive economic outlook of the State! Mega stores are renowned for employing graduates for a pittance and not providing secure long time employment with prospects.
Democracy isn’t just about winning elections, it’s about participatory governance, consultations and asking people what they want There has always been the question of whether technocracy is the answer to failing democracy, the Edo state experience is that the answer is no!
Obaseki’s modus operandi isn’t provided for anywhere in the constitution. Since his re-election there has been no truly representative functional legislature, no elected local government chairmen and councillors and no commissioners or special advisers for over a year. There is indeed an air of “know all” in Obaseki’s demeanour and speeches.