No Going Back On Consesus Councillor Candidate Of Uzea, Ward 6, PHILIP OTIBE UZEA
BY: CHIEF ODUMA
There is no going back on the consensus candidature of Philip Otibe as the Councillorship candidate for Uzea.
It is unfortunate that the Ward 6 Chairman, Okouromu Igene, is clearly biased and attempting to field his younger brother, Christopher Igene, as Councillor. If politics is practiced in such a manner, it raises serious concerns about fairness and the existence of true democratic principles.
The Ward Chairman should also reflect on the process through which he himself emerged as Chairman. Before he was made Ward Chairman, did we convene meetings of party members who were not executives to decide his emergence? Leadership requires fairness and respect for established political structures.
In my entire political journey, I have never nominated my younger brother for any position as a first choice. The Ward Chairman should honestly answer whether he is not the one consistently pushing immediate family members for political positions that should rightfully be opportunities for dedicated party members across Uzea.
The consensus candidate, Philip Otibe, is a decision of party stakeholders on the need to support the emergence of a Councillor from Okuaza, a community that has never produced a Councillor in the history of Uzea. This is about fairness, inclusion, and giving every community a sense of belonging. Importantly, it is also time for us to start pushing for candidates who have good educational pedigree and acumen.
Furthermore, the meeting held on the 14th was poorly handled. The Ward Chairman invited individuals who were not originally part of the leadership structure for the meeting, while some key leaders were not invited. Despite this, we allowed them to remain out of respect for them as indigenes of Uzea. However, such actions should not be repeated.
It is also important to caution some political neophytes and overzealous new members who recently crossed over from the PDP. Those instigating disrespect and disregard for party leaders must understand that in the APC, leadership and party hierarchy are respected. The party will take appropriate decisions regarding such conduct.
For those who were present, it is clear that the meeting took place in the presence of respected party leaders, including Hon. Emmanuel Ibhagbemien, LGA Chairman; Hon. Sunday Okoinemen, Vice Chairman of Esan North East Local Government; and the Ward Chairman of Ward 6, Okouromu Igene.
The meeting was conducted in a peaceful and cordial atmosphere. However, after leaders had left and people were being entertained, the ward chairman in partnership with one of his social media bandit used the same venue to constitute nuisance to try to usurp the unanimous decision made by the leaders during the meeting. They had every opportunity during the meeting to stage a walk out and never return, reject the entertainment, and a make a strong case to reject decision. Instead, they went on social media assassinating the character of a respected leader. Such conduct is unacceptable in our political culture.
Uzea must continue to promote capable individuals and people of good character. Public office is not meant for incapable individuals.
Philip Otibe is a capable and committed member of the APC. He has been loyal to the party since the days of Adams Oshiomhole, and he remains the best choice to represent Uzea.
The Ward 6 Chairman should also note that using a platform meant for leaders to encourage insubordination carries consequences.
For the record, when the Ward Chairman once contested against Hon. Akhere Paul, the immediate past Acting Chairman of Esan North East Local Government, I personally purchased his nomination form as the leader of the ward. Despite my support, he lost that election to Hon. Paul. That is what leadership means—supporting others even when the outcome is uncertain.
Today, Hon. Paul serves as the Councillor of Ward 6 and he comes from Unit 9, the same unit as Christopher Igene and the Ward Chairman himself.
Leadership requires fairness and the ability to distribute opportunities among stakeholders.
A leader must not concentrate political benefits within his immediate family while neglecting other loyal members of the party.
For emphasis, when the Ward Chairman was kidnapped, I was the only leader who personally sent him financial support. I did not go to social media to publicize or raise funds for it.
Leadership is about responsibility, fairness, and integrity. My wish is for young leaders in UZEA to think first, then consult before taking actions.
The author, Chief Robert Okoinemen, aka Oduma Of the Universe, the Leader, Uzea, Ward 6, in Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo state.
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