The Assertion

**"The Assertion"** is the fourth episode of *The Governor*. After being sworn in, Angela and her family adjust to their new lives in the Government House. Savannah State’s new governor promptly proves her mantle.

The episode originally aired on July 28, 2016 domestically in Nigeria, as well as in South Africa, and Zimbabwe. It and the rest of the show was made on the streaming platform Amazon Prime Video on January 26, 2017. The episode was added to the American Netflix catalog along with the rest of the series on August 8, 2020, and again on February 7, 2023, after it was returned to the catalog following its brief removal. The previous episode is the "The Announcement", and the next episode is “The Strike.”

### Characters

* Henry Duke
* Angela Ochello
* Farouk (debut)
* Magdalen Akale
* Peter Akale (†, mentioned)
* Sheri Jacobs
* David Ochello
* Osita Osadebe
* Mrs. Bello
* Carl Bello
* Iffy Ochello
* Gbenga Momoh-Alli
* Bankole
* Doctor Jalo
* Sobifa Thompson
* Friday Bello
* Senator Briggs
* Sam (cameo)
* Lola (cameo)
* Paul Asemota
* Barber (only appearance)
* Fagbo (unconfirmed)
* Elizabeth Maga (as a voice during a television news broadcast)
* Musa
* Toju Ochello
* Kunle
* Dupe (debut)
* Patrick
* Isong (debut)
* Papi David (only appearance)
* Mami David (only appearance)
* Vera Ochello (only appearance)
* Linus (mentioned/only appearance)
* Goke
* Otillo (debut/cameo)
* Badu (debut/cameo)

## Summary

### Synopsis

As Peter Akale is laid to rest, Angela Ochello asserts herself as the new Governor. David Ochello is frustrated with the sudden change as his family adapts to life in the Governor’s Mansion. Toju and Dupe begin to kindle romance. The Shining Light Group begin to form a plot to consolidate power in the midst of the Ochello Administration. As Ochello tries to shake things up in government, she witnesses incompetence in her young administration.

### Outline

##### Intro

Newly inaugurated Governor Angela Ochello meets with her Chief of Staff, Henry Duke, and the Director of the Savannah State Secret Service, Farouk, in the Main Lobby of the Governor’s Office. Henry congratulates Angela on her swearing-in, while Farouk assures her that the security team will do their best despite any inconveniences. Angela leaves to meet with Magdalen Akale, the widow of former Governor Peter Akale and the former First Lady of Savannah State, at the Governor’s Mansion, which was still at the time occupied by Akale’s family; Henry invites Farouk into his office for a chat. Once inside, Henry and Farouk remarks on recent development of the Fagbo’s gang, which kidnapped Henry a few days prior in a case of mistaken identity; Farouk tells him that Fagbo remains at large despite various arrests of gang members. Meanwhile, Angela arrives at the Governor’s House with her security convoy, and greets Magdalen and others in the living room. Both share their sympathies. At Henry’s office, Henry says he is unsure about the true motives of the gang, but Farouk assures Henry it was a case of mistaken identity. When Henry tells Farouk that Musa, the Chief Security Officer of the SSS, claimed that there were lethal threats against Akale’s life during his stay at the hospital, Farouk says he was unaware of such reports, and said he had opened no such investigation. Meanwhile at the Governor’s Mansion, both Angela and Magdalen still grieve as they prepare for Akale’s funeral the next day. They look back on Akale’s legacy and his vision for the state. Magdalen tells Angela that she and Henry Duke were the only members of his Cabinet that Peter actually trusted, remarking that the administration was “filled with ambitious people.” Magdalen believed Akale had respect for the two, saying they were both committed and loyal.

##### Act I

Upon her return to the Governor’s Office, Angela meets with Sheri Jacobs, the Commissioner of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs in the Main Lobby. She tells Angela that an association of women in the state government congratulated Ochello on her succession to the Governorship.

Across the state at Savannah State College, Osita Osadebe, a professor at the political science department meets with his colleague and friend, David Ochello, the First Gentleman of Savannah State. Osita advises David to go easy on his security detail, saying they’re just doing their job; David wishes for his office to be a sanctuary for his work and peace of mind. Osita tells David to “ride with the wave” as he adjusts to his new life in the public eye.

At Friday Bello’s home, Carl Bello and his mother, Mrs. Bello, meet with visiting Iffy Ochello, Carl’s girlfriend. Mrs. Bello lets them be in the living room, as Iffy invites Carl to a party hosted by mother celebrating her accession to power. Iffy implores Carl to attend, who ultimately agrees. Carl asks why her mom changed her mind about resigning, and is surprised to learn that after watching Iffy’s campaign speech, she was inspired to succeed Akale as Governor.

Meanwhile near a river in Savannah, Gbenga Momoh-Alli, the father of Angela and Chief of the Primrose Group faction, meets with his good friend and political ally, Bankole. The two discuss the Chinese Deal, which has since been postponed following Akale’s death. Bankole says that while some parties are bent on passing the deal, the Shining Light Group faction (SLG) has been “...very quiet…” about the deal. Simultaneously, at Chief Thompson’s house, the Big Three and Friday Bello discuss the Chinese Deal shortly before the funeral of Akale. As Doctor Jalo and Friday Bello, the Commissioner of the Ministry of Finance, biker about the shortcomings of the deal, Thompson assures the men that in due time things will return to normal and all the investors in the deal will receive their eventual pay. Bankole tells Gbenga that Friday Bello could be nominated for Deputy Governor, while Gbenga seems willing to compromise. Meanwhile, Friday and the Big Three debate about how to achieve their goals in the midst of the new administration. Thompson states the faction can’t afford these debates, but should instead appear weaker to their political enemies to make themselves seem weaker than they actually are; despite their protest, Thompson assigns Jalo and Senator Briggs to put their quarrels on full display at Akale’s funeral. As Bankole encourages Gbenga to be more decisive, he assures his support.

##### Act II

Later that day as politicians and family prepare for the funeral of Peter Akale, the public mire over newspapers and reports from news outlets about Akale’s death, as various details surrounding his sudden demise remain a mystery. At a local cemetery, Magdalen, Angela, David, and Thompson lead the procession of mourners out of the funeral grounds after Akale is laid to rest. As mourners depart, Doctor Jalo and Senator Briggs engage in a fierce debate in front of the dispersing procession. Thompson thanks them for their performance, and yells “Gentlemen please!”

In the afternoon, David and Angela reflect on life and their time spent together at 24 Thorburn Drive, promising to do more together. When Angela reminds David that they are moving to the Governor’s Mansion that day, David becomes upset. Angela tells David that he “...will always be the Governor,” of the move. David gets offended and the two leave bitterly. Meanwhile at a barbershop, Paul Asemota asks the barber about any good hotels, and he recommends the 13 Aina Street Hotel, the second street down the road. Later at Henry’s office, he demands Musa give him a report about the alleged assassination plot against Akale, but Musa says he will give Henry a list if an autopsy reveals foul play. While out for dinner, David laments to Osita about moving, who encourages him to move in any way. As the Ochello Administration takes its place, Angela and Henry meet in the Deputy Governor’s office, where she assures Henry that he will remain her Chief of Staff, citing the importance of trust and loyalty between them. At their meeting, Henry asks Angela to replace Musa as CSO. As Paul heads towards the hotel, he mires at merchandise such as portraits and cups featuring Ochello. At 24 Thorburn Drive, Toju Ochello invites Kunle and Dupe, his mutual friends in for food and drinks. Toju is nervous around Dupe, as he isn't sure whether or not she is in a relationship with Kunle. After leaving, Dupe returns after she forgot her phone. Meanwhile, Angeal arrives at the Governor’s office, along with Henry and Gbenga. Gbenga advises Angela to announce Friday Bello as her Deputy Governor, for the sake of composite. Angela refuses, saying Friday lacks respect, wants to sell the state to the Chinese, and is too ambitious. Although hesitant, Gbenga ultimately agrees.

##### Act III

That evening at the Governor’s Mansion, Angela settles a dispute between Chef Isong and Mr. Patrick as her family moves in. She advises Isong to cook dinners, while Patrick cooks lunch and breakfast. The two men agree. Paul goes to a clothing store and buys business attire. As the night progresses, the two professors remain at the restaurant, where Osita tells the woozy David to return his wife’s calls, but he refuses. At the entrance gate to the Governor’s Mansion, Papi and Mami David arrive, along with Vera Ochello. After being stopped at the gate for security protocols, they are let in after complaining to the guards. When they are finally allowed in, they are rude to Angela, who sarcastically says she will “deal” with her security team. During their meal, Angela assures everyone that David will eventually arrive. Later when she calls David's security team, she figures out why David never showed up. Iffy arrives at the Government House, as she and Toju are mesmerized by the large mansion. Angela finds David back at 24 Thorburn Drive, and both return to the Governor’s Mansion after deciding it was for the best. Angela assures David that 24 Thorburn Drive will always be their home, while they will live in the Governor’s Mansion for the next three years, when Angela’s term would expire. When Angela is sleeping, she gets a sudden call from Henry, who tells her that a building has collapsed in the Marbero housing estate; David and Angela rush to the scene where she delivers mouth to mouth resuscitation to a young boy who was at the site of the collapse. Meanwhile, Paul reserves a room at the 13 Aina Street Hotel, and decides to stay for the foreseeable future.

The following morning at breakfast, Angela and David recall the emergency last night, as Toju quickly leaves for a “quick download at Kunle’s.” Later that day at the Governor’s Office, Angela summons Commissioner Goke of the Ministry of Works to demand why he wasn’t present at the emergency scene the previous night. She reminds Goke that he has a commitment to the people of Savannah, saying he compromised the safety of the citizens. Goke apologises, and offers nothing but excuses. Not too long after, Angela chairs her second cabinet meeting in the conference room. At the ExCo meeting, she announces a cabinet reshuffle.

## Production

### Music

* The Governor Theme Music - Michael "Truth" Ogunlade [intro]
* The Proffessor - Michael "Truth" Ogunlade [event]
* Daddy's Girl - Michael "Truth" Ogunlade [event]
* The Governor Theme Music - Michael "Truth" Ogunlade [outro]

### Release

* The episode debuted on EbonyLife Tv in Nigeria, 9:00 pm (WAT) and 10:00 pm (CAT). The episode was aired on DStv Channel 165.
* The episode was avialable on the American streaming service Netflix from August 7, 2020 to August, 17, 2022; the series was restored to the platform on February 7 2023.

## Trivia

### General

* The title of the episode is a reference to Angela Ochello asserting herself and her new government in a seat of power in the political landscape of Savannah.
* This is the only episode in which the Students’ Union, and its associated week, Students’ Union Week is mentioned.
* Dupe mentions she had to pick up something for her mom at 2:00pm; this is another instance of the time 2:00pm playing significance or being mentioned in the series.
* The store in which Paul Asemota purchases new business clothes is the same store where Toju got his suit that he wore to Angela’s swearing-in.
* This is the last episode featuring 24 Thorburn Drive.
* This is the only episode that some Secret Service officials are wearing a uniform; two SSS men guarding the gate at the Governor’s Mansion entrance wear light blue button-up shirts and black hats.
* This is the only episode to feature David Ochello’s parents and sister.
* During the cabinet meeting, Commissioner Goke, Commissioner Victor, and the Attorney General are absent.

### Errors

* When Friday Bello and the Big Three met in Chief Thompson's house, the colors appear more vibrant, but when they regroup at Peter Akale's funeral, the color correction is off, making their black attire appear red.
* For a brief moment during his discussion with David, Osita's figure appears out of place within the frame.

## Quotes

* “...Henry was fiercely loyal.” - Magdalen Akale
* “Yeah.” - Carl Bello
* “Gentlemen, please.” - Chief Thompson
* “We need to lull our enemies into this false sense of security.” - Chief Thompson
* “Loyalty, like respect, is earned.” - Henry Duke
* “This girl should be shot.” - Kunle
* “My second phone.” - Dupe
* “Including state dinners, ma?” - Isong
* “Protocol my foot.” - Mami David
* “For such a brilliant man, you can be such a bloody fool.” - Osita Osadebe
* “You can always tell when the wife does not know when the husband is coming home.” - Mami David
* “Up to 15 million people in this state look up to me for leadership and protection.” - Angela Ochello
* “Our home will always be 24 Thorburn Drive.” - Angela Ochello

## Promtional video

The EbonyLifeStudios YouTube channel released a video promoting "The Assertion" the day before the episode debuted. The video is titled 'The Wolves Are Out To Play.'