Oshiomhole Needs to Take It Easy

A former governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole’s use of indecent language to express his feelings has become worrisome. While many Nigerians have accused him of being unnecessarily loquacious and garrulous, others say he is a forthright person who says it the way it is without minding whose ox is gored.

However, on several occasions, the former labour leader made unguarded utterances, which his opponents believe also contributed to the termination of his tenure as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

As governor of Edo State, Oshiomhole had told Nigerians in July 2015 that American officials had revealed that a minister who served under the former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration stole $6billion.

“We have moved away from a president that doesn’t seem to know his powers to one that understands that he is a president of the country in the continent,” Oshiomhole reportedly added.

But his $6 billion claim turned out to be a hoax as no confirmation or corroboration was received from any quarter. Also, former President Jonathan whom he claimed did not know his powers was the same president he eulogised in July 2012 when INEC declared him winner of the Edo governorship poll.

Oshiomhole, who is now the lawmaker representing Edo North senatorial district, recently met his match in his colleagues, when he was forced to apologise for the allegations levelled against his colleagues.

Oshiomhole, an ally of President Bola Tinubu, had while featuring on a national TV programme, alleged that members of the  9th National Assembly carted away items in their various offices, including rugs.

“In spite of the presence of security men and women, television sets, carpets and chairs were looted by the immediate past senators and House of Representatives members   “The former lawmakers left their offices in shambles with holes on the wall, which had to be fixed by serving lawmakers from their pockets,” he reportedly said.

However, at the plenary last Tuesday, Senator Adeola Solomon, who is also an ally of President Tinubu, moved a motion demanding an apology from Oshiomhole.

Senator Adamu Aliero (PDP – Kebbi Central) supported Adeola, saying that Oshiomhole should apologise.

An attempt by the Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Ali Ndume to make the lawmakers move into an executive session to deliberate on the “sensitive” matter, failed as majority of the Senators opted that the matter be discussed in plenary by voting “nay”.

Oshiomhole, in his submission, apologised for his comment.

Oshiomhole should take it easy because there is nothing honourable in being forced to apologise to the Senate within less than two months after he became a distinguished senator. Now that he found his voice again, he has to be decorous and learn to control his mouth.