Okpebholo’s Cabinet Reshuffle: The Removal Of A Titled Attorney General.
Eben Enasco Reporting.
Although, the rain started early enough on Tuesday Morning but could not stop the cabinet reshuffling and the appointment of a couple of foot soldiers to various ministries in the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
As the lists of new appointees slated for swearing-in were expected to dominate the day’s events, a sense of uncertainty hung in the air, with some questioning the fate of Hon. Samson Osagie and the new officials.
Rt Hon Samson Osagie, FICMC, Ph.D, now former Attorney General, Edo State, was one of those who lost optimism after weeks of speculations of his planned removal.
Could it be that, the removal of Dr. Osagie and the appointment of Professor Otaru signaled a renewed push for administrative discipline and efficiency in the state’s governance?
It is a fact that, Professor Otaru, is a seasoned legal practitioner and academic, who will likely add his decades of experience in constitutional law, civil rights, and governance to the role.
His appointment is seen as a merit-based decision aimed at strengthening Edo’s justice system.
In this instance, was Samson Osagie not disciplined enough to continue as the Attorney General of Edo State?
When the governor stepped out to announce his 28 commissioners member lists, there was a flowing jittery in one breath, and excitement in another breath that greeted the atmosphere.
Both expectations were from the nominees and those who were prepared for the exit as commissioners.
While the governor announced the change, Rt Hon Samson Osagie from Uhunmwonde LGA, a key actor since the governor assumed office, was dropped from the cabinet.
Subsequently, Prof Roland Otaru, SAN an Etsako scribe, and a prominent politician, replaced the outgone Hon. Samson Osagie as the Attorney General And Commissioner For Justice,
Edo State.
Sincerely speaking, the Attorney General of the State office, is a key position that will not settle for less.
Since the pronouncement, the cabinet reshuffle has sparked mixed reactions from the public, with some hailing the move as a bold step towards reform, while others have expressed disappointment over the drop of Dr. Samson Osagie.
Many believe that, the decision to drop Samson Osagie may be connected with his earlier accusation of financial infraction that led to his suspension, despite being vindicated after weeks of probe, as he was recalled to resume duty.
For some speakers, it was a needed change as they claimed that Samson Osagie was just too over anxious and he may have been responsible for some misdirected decisions of Governor okpebholo on local govt autonomy legal battle.
They believed that some decisions taken by the governor were misdirected by him pointing to the governor’s disobedient to court judgements.
Others are of the view that the ex- commissioner did not do something tangible but just a lucky politician in Edo south.
The governor in his remarks did not single out any specific individual as a cash cow or reason for relieving the now former Attorney General
However, at the oath taking ceremony on Tuesday, the governor promised that the changes will bring about a more efficient and effective government.
The Governor also stated that, the restructuring aims to enhance administrative coordination across critical sectors, and strengthen the capacity of the Government to deliver effectively on its mandate to the people of Edo State.
But in a classy move, Hon Osagie, a former contender for a cabinet position, congratulated the governor on the reshuffle, even when people were expecting him to squeeze off and suck.
Osagie in a short message after the cabinet reshuffling by the governor, expressed his support for the governor’s decision and pledged to continue serving the state, a development that seems to have changed all speculations.
The swift response by Osagie to the governor’s reshuffling and appointment of his cabinet members demonstrates a commitment laden instinct, even though many would disagree with this position.
Hon. Samson Osagie Statement reads in part: “I write to heartily congratulate you on your appointment as Honorable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Edo State. Your appointment, which is well deserved, is a recognition by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo of your sterling professional career as a member of the Inner Bar, in the Legal profession.
Continuing he said, “As your predecessor in office, I am exceedingly excited to have you succeed me as Chief Law Officer of our dear State. I have no doubt whatsoever that under your leadership, the Edo State Ministry of Justice will experience further growth and development in the discharge of its mandate”. Once again, congratulations!
These beautifully crafted words cannot be judged as a true position of the mind.
However, since God is the only creator of the soul, he is the one who genuinely knows the rhythm of the congratulatory remarks that depict sportsmanship of the former commissioner for justice
While the perception by the public is clear, many are hoping to see a massive change in the delivery of the justice system in Edo State now that a professor has been hired to replace the embattled former Attorney General of Edo State.
The next line of action of the former Attorney general remained unknown despite unconfirmed report of his footage revealed that he was seen holding a plantain cluster suggestive of him ditching public office struggles and embracing farming.