Sunday 31 July 2016

Godwin Obaseki’s Comical Promise of 200,000 Jobs


Yemi Adebowale
There is nothing desperate Nigerian politicians will not do or say to get to power. As usual, it is already happening in Edo State as the battle to replace Adams Oshiomhole thickens. Godwin Obaseki, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the September 10 governorship election in the state, has promised to create more than 200,000 jobs, if elected. Obaseki made this pledge at his recent rally at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin. He said the focus of his administration, if elected, would be job creation. First, I can’t fathom how he would create 200,000 jobs in four years. I very much doubt if even his mentor and outgoing governor, Adams Oshiomhole was able to create just 100 jobs in his almost eight years as the governor. The Edo State civil service is already bloated. Obaseki needs to be reminded that it is not the business of government to create jobs, but to create an enabling environment for the private sector to do this.
The other day, I also heard the APC candidate saying, at a rally, that he would bring broadband to Edo State and create jobs with the internet, if elected. I hope he is not talking about “419” jobs here. Again, I doubt if there is any state without broadband connection in Nigeria. Our politicians should stop this kind of silly promises. The desperation to win elections is getting to the extreme.
THISDAY 

No comments:

Post a Comment