A video of Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, struggling to present the state’s 2025 budget has gone viral, sparking an outpouring of reactions from Nigerians, including prominent figures such as music producer Cobhams Asuquo.
The video, which showed Governor Obaseki stumbling through his budget presentation and even stating, "Sorry, it's confusing me," has raised questions about the state of governance in Edo.
In the now-viral clip, Governor Obaseki appeared to have difficulty navigating through the details of the 2025 budget, causing discomfort among viewers who were left questioning the professionalism and preparedness of the state’s leadership.
Cobhams Asuquo, a well-respected figure in the Nigerian music industry, was one of the first to react publicly to the video. In a series of emotional posts on his social media account, Cobhams expressed his deep disappointment, saying, "This is bad. Very, very bad. There’s got to be a way out." His words resonated with many Nigerians, who have long been concerned about the quality of governance in the country.
The musician went on to question whether the people of Edo State were truly ready to face the hard truths about their governance. “To be clear, some of the most brilliant Nigerian minds I have encountered are from Edo State. So this begs the question, is it that we’re not ready to tell ourselves the truth, or that we don’t want progress as much as we claim to?” he asked, raising the concern of whether the lack of progress in the state was self-inflicted.
Cobhams's post seemed to reflect a growing frustration among citizens who feel that the state is not progressing at the pace it should be, especially when compared to its potential. Edo State has been home to many successful individuals in various sectors, from business to entertainment, and Cobhams’s remarks seemed to echo the sentiment that the state’s leadership should be more capable of reflecting this.
Further, Cobhams expressed his confusion about the situation. “Some choices may be foisted on us but is that to remain our lot? What does governance mean to us; all of us – the governed and the governor? I’m really confused this hot afternoon.” His words encapsulated the sense of disillusionment that many citizens felt after watching the awkward budget presentation.
The video has also sparked discussions on social media, with many questioning the capacity of public officials to manage critical tasks such as the state budget. Some commenters suggested that the struggle during the presentation was indicative of deeper issues within the administration, while others pointed to systemic problems affecting governance across the country.
The budget presentation, which is a key moment for any state’s administration, is typically a time for leaders to showcase their plans and commitments for the upcoming year. It is meant to inspire confidence among the people and reassure them that their government is prepared and organized. However, the Governor’s visible struggle during the live-streamed presentation only undermined that trust.
Edo State, like many other Nigerian states, faces significant economic and social challenges. While it is home to a rich cultural heritage and a burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit, the state’s development has been stymied by poor governance, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of strategic planning. In recent years, there has been widespread dissatisfaction with how the state’s resources are managed, and Cobhams’s comments reflect a growing frustration with these issues.
The lack of preparedness during such an important moment raises questions about the quality of governance in Edo State. Is this a reflection of a broader systemic issue within the state government, or was it simply an isolated incident? Given the weight of the budget and its implications for the state’s future, it’s not hard to understand why many people are so upset about the Governor’s performance. After all, the budget presentation is not just about numbers – it is a symbol of a government’s ability to plan for the future and manage the resources entrusted to it by the people.
In his post, Cobhams made it clear that he was not just criticizing the Governor’s presentation, but also asking deeper questions about leadership in Edo State. “What does governance mean to us; all of us – the governed and the governor?” he asked, suggesting that perhaps the disconnect between the government and the governed is part of the issue.
Many Nigerians are tired of seeing poorly executed public service performances, especially when it comes to matters that directly affect the lives of ordinary citizens. The idea of “governance” should transcend mere political office-holding. It should be about leadership that inspires trust, makes informed decisions, and most importantly, acts in the best interests of the people. The performance of Governor Obaseki during the budget presentation left many doubting whether these qualities are being demonstrated in Edo State.
Despite the criticism, some have pointed out that presenting a budget can be a complex task, especially when dealing with large sums of money and numerous projects. However, this does little to excuse the Governor’s apparent lack of preparation. A leader should be able to confidently articulate plans for the future, and to struggle in such a public manner is seen as a serious lapse in judgment.
The video has sparked a broader conversation about leadership in Nigeria, particularly in regard to state governors. Many people feel that the lack of accountability and transparency in governance is one of the key reasons why the country continues to lag behind in various developmental indices. Whether it’s the inability to deliver on promises, the mismanagement of resources, or the lack of clear vision, Nigeria’s leadership seems to have lost touch with the needs and aspirations of its citizens.
For Cobhams Asuquo, the situation in Edo State is indicative of a larger problem in the country. In his post, he posed a difficult question: “Is it that we’re not ready to tell ourselves the truth?” For many Nigerians, this is the most pressing issue – a lack of self-awareness and the willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about the state of governance and leadership in the country.
As the conversation around Governor Obaseki’s budget presentation continues, one thing is certain: Nigerians, particularly the people of Edo State, deserve better leadership. It’s time for public officials to stop making excuses and start delivering results that truly reflect the needs and hopes of their people. Only then can the state, and by extension the country, begin to move forward in meaningful ways.
In the meantime, the reaction to Cobhams’s post serves as a reminder that Nigerians are watching, and they will not hesitate to speak out when they feel that their leaders are failing them. The question remains: will the Governor and other leaders rise to the occasion, or will the struggles of leadership continue to define the future of Edo State? Only time will tell.
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