Humble Advice to Fellow Edo Citizens.
By Charles Afe Ikhaghe
To ensure inter – ethnic harromony and democratic political stability the only solid foundation upon which economic development and progress can be built, there is no alternative to Rotation.
Therefore, the person who succeeds Governor Obaseki in 2024 must come from Edo Central.
In reference to Edo Government from Bendel days, we demand that the next Governor come from Edo central.
Former Governors Of Edo State and Senatorial District.
In Edo North, comrade Oshiomhole ruled for 8 years, George Agbazika Inih( military) and Edo South, Brig Samuel Ogbemudia (military), Godwin Obaseki, Lucky Igbenedion, with the exception of Gov. Oyegun, all ruled for 8 years each. In Edo central Prof Ambrose Alli 4 years, Prof Osumbor only ruled for six months.
All patriotic Edo sons and daughters should unanimously allow the next Governor to come from Edo Central and other region would also have their turn, once the principle of rotation has been established. Let’s apply the Golden Rule Here “ Do unto others as you want others to do to you”.
It is absolutely necessary that political leaders, religious leaders, students, youths, workers, professionals bodies and intelligentsia must speak in one voice to save our state.
The political parties should select their Governorship Candidates from Edo Central one of them will emerge and surely win. With the election just months away, the state should be having a taste of what true democracy really entail. There is no – gain – saying the fact that all right thinking people is of opinions on the need to establish a culture of true democracy in Edo State.
This writer is not surprise at all that Prof. Sylvester Odion Akhaine is not setting on the fence as he yielded to the collective call of his people to contest for the governorship of Edo state in 2024. Having known him during his university days for nearly four decades, I know that Sylvester has always shown great promise as a patriotic democrat. Apart from being identified as a patriot, he has demonstrated intelligence, commitment and diligence in the pursuit for good governance.
There is no doubt that his love for the nation propelled him to sacrifice his time for this country by always standing on the side of the people. The passion for Nigeria by Prof. Odion is unique, compared to some self centered politicians of today.
My humble advice to Edo peoples is that outspoken activists, patriotic democrats such as Prof. Sylvester Odion who as a NADECO collaborator was detained at Kebbi State prison during Abacha’s reign in Nigeria deserve to be given a chance to prove his mantle.
Last Line
There is need to depart from rat race governing system and entrench a new paradigm for a more enduring purposeful governance for the benefit of the soms and daughters of Edo State.
Charles Afe Ikhaghe is a political affiars and public commentator.
