Edo Guber 2024: The Test Of Unity, Integrity, Sincerity

Edo Guber 2024: The Test Of Unity, Integrity, Sincerity

 By: Oriaifoh Godwins

As Edo state prepares for the 2024 gubernatorial election, Political climate in the state is gradually 'charging' up. However, more than what the outcome of the election will be, the most critical thing at this time, is the revelation of the characters of some persons, especially the political actors in the different Political parties across the three Senatorial districts of Edo state.

 

Does this sound strange? Read on please.

The people of Esanland (Edo central Senatorial district) has been and are still making it very clear that for equity, fairness and inclusiveness, the next governor of Edo state should come from Esanland as Edo Central Senatorial district has for a very long time been supporting other Senatorial districts to produce the governor. As such, they now expect the other two senatorial districts, Edo North and Edo south, to support Edo central come 2024.

How is the 2024 Edo Gubernatorial election a ‘test’?

Some people often say that Politics is a dirty game; contrary to this assertion however, I am of the opinion that Politics is a noble game but played by some people that are stinking and dirty in character, attitude, thinking and actions. They stink because they know the truth, see the truth, but prefer to think and say the lies. They stink because they don’t care about those they are supposedly representing; they only care about their pockets. Those set of politicians are dirty because they can do anything just to retain political power…the upcoming 2024 Edo gubernatorial election, will, and is already fishing such People/Politicians out.

Every sincere and sane politician in Edo state today knows that Edo central should be given the opportunity to produce the next governor after Governor Obaseki’s tenure. So why will anyone, irrespective of the senatorial district that such a person may come from, think otherwise? 

Somebody from Edo South was quoted as saying that the governorship position shouldn’t be zoned to any senatorial district; Really? Edo people should begin to take note of those that lack integrity. Those whose thinking are shallow, parochial and myopic; especially now that they are unconsciously revealing the kind of people they are.

It is being rumored that some so called political leaders are projecting someone in Edo North for governor, and some people in Edo south, and even Edo central may buy into that sick idea, for their personal gains. I find it very difficult not to believe this, but like I always tell anyone that cares to listen to me, they are only ‘testing their microphone’.

One of the salient attribute of a good leader, I think should be ‘Truthfulness’. In all sincerity, are these sorts of so called leaders truthful? Do they need any deity to tell them to support no other governorship candidate than the ones from Edo central? Edo central, one of the Senatorial districts that make up Edo state, shouldn’t continually be sidelined and marginalized anytime Edo governorship election comes up? What sort of politics is going on in Edo state? 

It is interesting to note that, some persons in Edo state have been identified as bad leaders, as a result of their activities in the last House of Assembly and House of Representatives elections. 

People of Esanland are currently charged up and ready for nothing more than an Edo governor of Esan extraction come 2024.

 

In view of the above, a reasonable leader must jettison whatever selfish interest he may be nursing and follow the way of righteousness. As the 2024 Edo guber, is a test of their integrity.

According to Prof. Matthew Omo-Ojugo, in a paper he titled “Effective Leadership And Unity Imperatives For Actualization Of Esan Agenda” that he presented on the occasion of the inauguration of  Esan Akugbe for Good Leadership Unity Forum, an event that held at Esan west Secretariat Council Hall in Ekpoma, on Saturday,  the 24th of September 2022, he said; ‘Most political leaders in Nigeria, Edo state and particularly, Esanland, lack accountability, integrity, transparency and availability, as many are involved in corruption and several other illegal activities’. Hmm…this is loaded. 

Continuing, Professor Omo-Ojugo averred that, ‘…a political leader is one that works for the growth of the society and should value his citizens…’ Unfortunately, he said, ‘…we have observed in Esanland, how political leaders resort to the use of hired political thugs to unleash mayhem and destruction on innocent citizens that they are supposed to lead…’

May I use this opportunity to call on all Political, Traditional, Religious and other leaders in Edo state, to at least, for this once, be sincere and come to equity with clean hands, as the 2024 governorship election is a test of their integrity.