Patrick Eholor, Edo-based social critic and human rights activist, is the founder of One Love Foundation. The foundation is into empowerment and protecting the rights of the less-privileged in society. In this interview with some journalists, he spoke on topical national issues. IDRIS UMAR MOMOH, who was at the session, brings you the excerpts:
As a social critic, what is your takes on the just concluded general election in Nigeria. Are we getting it right democratically?
We are still very far away from conducting credible, free and fair elections in Nigeria. However, the people came out in their numbers to vote the candidates of their choice but I am disappointed at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for not allowing electorate’s votes count. It is unfortunate that we are still playing money politics, the result is very clear and there is a need for a change. However, the powers that be, the ruling party headed by President Muhammadu Buhari want to govern by every means necessary and I think it is undemocratic. We have learnt some lessons, and I have no doubt and I am also optimistic that future elections will be better than the one we just had.
At the end of the election, President Buhari was re-elected for another four years; what is your agenda or suggestion as he takes the country to the next level?
For me, I don’t know if we have a government in place because its legitimacy is being questioned at the courts. Not until all the litigations and cases are concluded, I cannot recognise any government. It is only when courts complete its work that we will determine if we are going to support the government or not. However, it is difficult to support a government that is talking about corruption and the same government is surrounded by corrupt people. Yes, Buhari is a man of high integrity but integrity does not give good governance, Buhari has no idea about good governance. Look at Edo State for example, just imagine how many lives the abandoned new wing of the Central Hospital would have saved? Oshiomhole probably deceived Buhari to commission the edifice. Imagine, during the just concluded general election campaigns, Oshiomhole, in Benin here said when you decamp to APC your sins are forgiven; today politicians that defected to the party are now free. That is why I said Buhari is surrounded by corrupt politicians and I owe nobody apology for that.
Look at what happened in the elections, especially in the Edo State House of Assembly elections. Oshiomhole was said to have written all the results. If it is true, it is a shame. Also, in the Presidential elections, people voted and their votes never counted; that’s to tell you that we are just making mockery of democracy,
Let’s come back home; what is your take on the administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki in the state?
I have not been around for some time now but with what I have seen so far I think am very satisfied because combined the eight years administration of Adams Oshiomhole, he did practically nothing. He just spent the time making a noise about and I am surprised that nobody is even talking about the multi-billion Naira Benin Water Storm Projects. The same Oshiomhole who embarked on campaigns against godfatherism is today the only godfather. Though, you didn’t ask me anything about Oshiomhole, am just saying it as an emphasis. However, Obaseki’s roads construction, rehabilitation and restoration projects are laudable. He has been able to restrain professional politicians. Today, there is no more touting, people no more harass market women as before. As a social critic, I can testify that Governor Godwin Obaseki is doing amazing job in the state. What he is doing is setting precedence that politics is purely service to the people.
As a bridge between the old and young; what can you say about the upsurge in cult-related killings in Edo State?
Again, this is where we need our religious leaders to mentor our youths. The problem we have is that our youths have lost direction and focus owing to bad governance. Today, our youths are hooked on to all kinds of drugs. Drugs are coming in our inner cities unchecked. Parents no longer have time to check the activities of their children. Internet and television are where they get their education from and that is where they are negatively influenced. No parental guardian and that is why they are killing themselves. I think what can really put an end to the incessant cult-related crimes in the state is by enacting a law at the state house assembly. There should be strict law to punish any cultist caught. However, I am afraid if such law or legislation will work because even some lawmakers in the state and National Assembly, pastors, top security personnel, among others are suspected cult leaders and lords. If you are part of a robbery gang, how do you catch a thief? It is time for us all to sit down and have a social dialogue to curb cultism.
Sir, you have been out of the media space for some time now; what must have been responsible for that?
Well, when you continue to do things in a particular way and you continue to get the same results common sense suggests that you change tactics. I just decided to take a break and do things differently.
