TELL Magazine

Barely a few hours after Edo State commissioner for information and orientation, Paul Ohonbamu resigned from the government of the deeply embattled governor of the state, Godwin Obaseki, a replacement has been announced in a move that lends credence to the maxim that indeed nature harbours a vacuum. He is Stewart Efe. A statement by the secretary to the state government, Osarodion Ogie said the appointment was with “immediate effect”. Ohonbamu said he was resigning his appointment “for the general good of Edo State and pursuit of happiness for the citizens”.

In his letter to the governor, Ohonbamu, a lawyer, said “I hereby tender my letter of resignation as a commissioner in Edo State to His Excellency, Mr. Godwin Obaseki this 4th day of June, 2020. Without setting a precedent, I have decided to step aside as cabinet member and operate outside‎ it for the general good of Edo State and pursuit of happiness for the citizens.

I remain eternally grateful to His Excellency, the Governor for indulging me in his purposeful and sophisticated administration. I greet you sir and the ever loyal members of the state executive council”. I am particularly delighted that His Excellency’s second term bid is firm and surefooted.

“Whether we shall meet again I know not, therefore our everlasting farewell take. If we do meet why we shall smile, if not it is true this parting was well made. Thank you sir”.

Ohonbamu’s resignation came barely six weeks after Obaseki’s chief of staff, Francis Taiwo Akerele dumped him. His replacement also followed the same pattern as that of the former chief of staff with the immediate appointment of Osaze Uzamere, son of a former senator who represented Edo South in the National Assembly, Ehigie Uzamere. When contacted, Ohonbamu confirmed his resignation but declined to make further comment.

Efe, who succeeds him, was until his appointment, the public relations officer, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Uselu, Benin City.