Public affairs analyst Mahdi Shehu has sharply criticized a statement allegedly made by Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, in which the governor claimed that Northerners engage in kidnapping to influence election outcomes. Shehu posted his reaction on social media, describing the remark as reckless, divisive, and indicative of deep‑seated prejudice. He argued that the governor’s comment was careless and aimed at stereotyping an entire region.
Shehu questioned why the North was singled out, asking whether criminal activities in the South should also be used to generalize about that region. He suggested that internet hackers, bank‑fraud networks and hard‑drug merchants—predominantly found in the South—could be implicated in election‑rigging or attempts to divide the country. In his view, the governor’s remark revealed ignorance and hatred, reflecting a mindset driven by regional bias and unnecessary hostility.
The analyst further accused the governor of being unable to comprehend financial figures, likening his statement to a poisonous comment intended to cause harm. The controversy began when Governor Obaseki linked ongoing kidnappings and killings in northern Nigeria to a plot to destabilize the country and undermine President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Shehu’s criticism underscores the need for public figures to exercise caution when making statements that could be perceived as divisive or inflammatory. The exchange has sparked debate about the role of leaders in promoting national unity and the importance of responsible communication. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how the governor will respond and whether the issue will be addressed through further dialogue or action. The incident serves as a reminder that leaders must prioritize unity and avoid remarks that could exacerbate existing tensions.
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