EDO: Obaseki Has Failed Woefully', Says Francis Onabis

A Nigerian based in Italy, Francis Onabis was born in the late sixty twos in Uromi town of Edo state to a family that traded with iron for generations.

He moved to Italy when the Martelli law was active for which he received immediate residence permit and began work in a company that plastic company for months.

In 2011 he contested for president of Nigeria with clear lofty ideas needed in changing and improving the economy and well-being of the Nigerians.

An industrious Nigerian, Francis has been working on a special brand of wine, joie de vivre. It is an extra dry sparkling wine of excellent quality, exclusively produced with the typical Italian tradition in the Soave hills.

In this interview with Wale Abydeen, Francis Onabis exposes the rots in Edo state where he scores the Godwin Obaseki led Peoples Democratic Party, PDP led government in Edo state low and advises his party, the All Progressive Party, APC on how best to rescue his home state from the maladministration of the PDP.

As a stakeholder in Edo politics, how would you rate the performance of the current government in your state?

I must tell you with all sincerity that I am not happy with Godwin Obaseki leadership style. I was one of his key supporters at the beginning. I was with the hope that he was coming from the private sector and that he will do better than the others.

Even when he has problem re-contesting under APC, I still supported him. As it always said, If you want to know a person give him power. As a governor of a state with lots of potentialities, Obaseki has failed. He has failed the electorates who brought him into power in two terms. For example the main road that connects the three senatorial districts of Edo state is not motorable till date. This means, to move from Edo south to Edo central and North is practically not possible and yet we have a sitting governor.

What do you think is missing in Edo political development?

Edo politics is basically not different from the Nigeria politics. 99% of the people that are in politics are with the belief that venturing into politics is the easiest way to make money. It’s not about the people but about themselves. Can you imagine a state or country where someone is elected into office and after swearing in, he becomes a demi god? That’s exactly what are politics is all about today in Nigeria with no exeption to my dear state.

And to answer your question on the missing points in Edo politics, I have constantly maintained that there is no people oriented governance and policies under Obaseki’s regime. We need to look at our people straight down from culture to education, then formulate and implement policies that will benefit all. But the reverse is actually the case in Edo State as I speak to you.

What political party are you now and how would you rate the chance of your party in the next gubernatorial election?

I have never seized to be a member of the All progressive Congress (APC). Since the time of ACN, AC and now APC, I have remained a dedicated party member. And surely, our party can win the next election gubernatorial election if we project the best candidate that will transform the state. The ideal candidate may not necessarily be the richest but someone with fountain of knowledges and experiences required to utilize both the human and material resources for the betterment of all.

What’s the new idea you think state government needs to inject into Edo state?

The state government must make serious radical changes in the way things are done in the state. We must have an economic blue print in place to help elevate the whole population of the state. And we must market the human and material resources of the state to the outside world. By doing so, more wealth will return to the state and people will reap more benefits.

How would you describe the business environment in Edo state?

Business environment in the state is the same with that of the Nigeria as a whole. As someone who have been trying to bring direct investment into the state in particular and Nigeria in general. Insecurity, lack of infrastructure like energy is the main problem of doing business in Edo state. And this must change to boost the industrialization of the state.

What’s your view about infrastructural development in Edo state?

My view is negative. Infrastructure like roads should not be a thing to play politics with. Party supporters without necessary experience should not be made to constructs roads. The ministry of works must set out rules for road constructions. Road construction should not be a global cut and paste thing. We must study the environment and come up with a lasting solution. For example the land in Edo state is different from Western Europe. So it’s wrong to constructs roads in Edo state like they do in Italy. Till tomorrow, we don’t have running pipe borne water in most part of Edo state. Unfortunately we use to have water running everywhere in the 60’s and 70’s but now if you don’t have a bore hole at home you have to depend on rain water collectors. This brings us to the almighty electricity. Why is it that the government can’t encourage private investment in alternative energy? We have sun shine 365 days in a year; the government can provide incentive to enable home owners’ power their homes and companies with solar energy.

Do you think Edo is on the part to progress?

Not until we have a selfless leader who is willing to rub shoulders with the people and step on few toes for the state potentials to be harnessed.

How do you think rapid development can be achieved in Edo state?

We can achieve rapid development if the government can plan and execute people oriented policies and people driven economy.

Your advice to Edo people as they prepare for another Guber election?

Vote for a person not because he has money to share but someone who genuinely have the love of the people in his or her heart.