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Edo Governorship Race & Need for Direct Engagement With Electorate

Published

6 months ago

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By Sulaiman Aledeh

As the September 21, 2024 governorship election in Edo State approaches, the political landscape is heating up. However, a concerning trend has emerged: the reluctance of some candidates to engage directly with the electorate. This piece examines the current state of affairs and argues for the critical importance of open dialogue between candidates and voters.

The Frontrunners

Three candidates have emerged as the most visible in this race:

1. Asue Ighodalo

Background

-Full Name: Asuerinme Ighodalo

-Origin: Okaigben, Ewohimi, Esan South East LGA, Edo State, Nigeria

-Profession: Lawyer and Politician

Professional Experience

-Founding Partner of Banwo-and-Ighodalo Law Firm

– Specializes in Corporate Finance, Capital Markets, Energy & Natural Resources, Mergers & Acquisitions, Banking & Securitization, and Project Finance

-Former Chairman of Sterling Bank

-Former Director at the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA)

Former Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG)

Legal Expertise

-Corporate and Commercial Law Practice

-Advises major corporations on various aspects of business law

Political Aspirations

-Candidate in the 2024 Edo State governorship election

–

Full Name: Monday Okpebholo

Background

-Born: August 29, 1970

– Origin: Udomi-Uwessan Community of Irrua, Esan Central LGA, Edo State

Education

-Primary: Udomi Community Primary School, Uwesan Irrua

Secondary: Ujabhole Community Secondary School, Uwesan Irrua; completed in Jos, Plateau State

-TTt

Tertiary:

Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, University of Abuja
– Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Policy and Leadership Studies, University of Abuja

Political Career

-Elected Senator for Edo Central senatorial district (February 25, 2023)

Inaugurated into the 10th National Assembly of Nigeria (June 13, 2023)

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– Won the Edo State APC governorship primary election (February 2024)

Political Aspirations

-Candidate in the 2024 Edo State governorship election. Okpebholo has notably been less visible in direct media engagements compared to his counterparts.

3. Olumide Akpata

Background

– Full Name: Olumide Osaigbovo Akpata

Born: October 7, 1972

Origin: Edo South Senatorial district, Edo State

Profession: Legal Practitioner and Politician

Professional Experience

-Former senior partner and Head of Corporate and Commercial Practice Group at Templars Law Firm

– Resigned on August 31, 2023, to pursue partisan politics

– Elected President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in July 2020

– First non-Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 28 years to hold this position

Notable Activities

-Hosted “KingsWeek 2023” with the Old Boys Association, King’s College, Lagos (September 2023)

Met with the School Captain of King’s College for the 2023/2024 Academic Session

Political Aspirations

– Pursuing Partisan Politics (as of August 2023)

Candidate in the 2024 Edo State governorship election

The Crux of the Matter

While Ighodalo and Akpata have been actively engaging with the media and participating in debates, Senator Okpebholo’s approach has been markedly different. His reluctance to speak directly to the public and media has raised eyebrows and sparked debate both within Edo State and across Nigeria.

Instead, Okpebholo has relied on proxies to speak on his behalf. Most prominently, former Edo State governor and current Senator for Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has stepped into the fray. However, Oshiomhole’s recent track record in such endeavors is questionable. His attempts to promote APC candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu in the 2020 election backfired spectacularly, largely due to Oshiomhole’s previous criticisms of Ize-Iyamu.

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A Media Misstep

The situation came to a head on August 29, 2024, during an Arise News Morning Show interview with APC sState Chairman Jaret Tenebe. The interview, painful to watch, began with host Reuben Abati offering to accommodate Senator Okpebholo in any language of his choice, including pidgin or Edo language. This opening, while pointed, underscored the growing frustration with Okpebholo’s absence from public discourse.

Tenebe’s attempts to justify his candidate’s media absence were not only unconvincing but also insulting to the people of Edo State. His claims that Edo residents can’t afford cable TV or data, and that they aren’t enlightened or interested in television, are grossly out of touch with reality.

Edo State: A Hub of Education and Enlightenment

Contrary to Tenebe’s assertions, Edo State boasts a rich educational heritage and an informed populace.

Education in Edo State

Edo State has made significant strides in education through its EdoBEST (Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation) program. This initiative has revolutionized learning outcomes for over 370,000 children across the state, encompassing:

– 1,029 public primary schools

– 232 junior secondary schools

The EdoBEST program demonstrates Edo State’s commitment to improving educational standards and preparing its youth for the future.

The Need for Apologies and Direct Engagement

Tenebe and the APC owe the people of Edo State an unreserved apology for these disparaging remarks. Furthermore, an apology is due to Arise News for questioning its viewership, especially given Tenebe’s own appearance on the platform.

Conclusion

As we approach this crucial election, it is imperative that all candidates engage directly with the electorate. The people of Edo State deserve to see, hear, and evaluate their potential leaders firsthand. Proxies and spokespeople cannot substitute for the candidates themselves in this vital democratic process.

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The citizens of Edo State are educated, enlightened, and eager to participate in their governance. It’s time for all candidates to respect this fact and step into the public arena, ready to debate, discuss, and share their visions for the future of Edo State.

Aledeh, a journalist/Arise News Anchor, writes from Nigeria’s capital, Abuja

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National

Ramadan: Atiku tasks Nigerians on generosity

Published

4 hours ago

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March 1, 2025

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Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar
Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar

Former-Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged Nigerians to extend their hands of charity and affection far beyond immediate families to others.

Abubakar made the call in a statement in Abuja to mark the commencement of Ramadan.

“It is important that in Ramadan, we extend our hands of charity and affection far beyond our immediate families.

“The lifestyle of noble Prophet Muhammed (SAW) should be our guide, as he taught us the immense benefits of being generous, especially during the month of Ramadan,’’ he said.

The Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections urged Muslims to remember Nigeria in their prayers.

He also urged governments at all levels to provide the necessary succour that would ease the pains of Nigerians during the Ramadan fasting and beyond.

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National

Tinubu says N54.99trn 2025 budget will empower Nigerians, build resilient future

Published

11 hours ago

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March 1, 2025

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President Bola Tinubu has said the N54.99 trillion 2025 budget signed into law on Friday will empower Nigerians and build a resilient future.

The President said this after signing the budget in a brief ceremony witnessed by Sen. Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate, and other leaders of the National Assembly at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

“We reaffirm our commitment to securing the future, rebuilding prosperity and ensuring that every Nigerian shares in the dividends of governance.

“The past year tested our resolve but through the economic discipline and strategic reforms, we achieved what many deemed impossible.

“There is no dust in our faces and there are no tears on our cheeks. We worked together as brothers and sisters collaboratively.

“After the initial turbulence, and the take-off was very cloudy and uncertain; today, we see light at the end of the tunnel,” said the President.

He said there were signs of progress in the country, with GDP growth rebounding to 3.86 per cent and revenue increasing to N21.63 trillion.

The President said the Naira rebounded reflecting the resilience of Nigerians: “We have reduced the deficit significantly from N6.2 in 2003 to N4.217 per cent.

“The forex reform is working in the foreign exchange market. The minimum wage was raised and we are meeting all obligations.

“I want to thank the National Assembly; everyone of them whether they participated in the review or not, we are building the same country.”

Tinubu said the collaboration between the executive and legislature was making a difference, and that he was determined to move the country forward.

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“Today, I can smile that you have given the hope to our people. We can only promise to work harder,” Tinubu said. (NAN)

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National

Matawalle Urges Nigerians To Pray For Security As Ramadan Fast Begins

Published

14 hours ago

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March 1, 2025

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The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has called on citizens to offer prayers for the country’s armed forces and security agencies as they continue their fight against insecurity.

His appeal comes at the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, a time of fasting, reflection, and devotion for millions of Nigerians.

In a statement released on Friday by his Special Assistant on Media, Ahmad Dan-Wudil, the minister underscored the need for divine intervention in addressing Nigeria’s persistent security challenges.

He urged religious leaders, community heads, and all citizens to dedicate prayers for the safety and success of security personnel.

The call for prayers follows ongoing efforts by the military and other security agencies to combat insurgency, banditry, and other forms of violent crime across the country. Several regions, particularly the North, have witnessed increasing attacks by armed groups, leading to concerns about national stability.

Matawalle acknowledged the sacrifices made by the armed forces in safeguarding lives and property, stressing that their efforts deserve both moral and spiritual support from Nigerians.

“Our security forces work tirelessly to ensure our safety. As we observe this sacred month, let us remember them in our prayers,” he said.

The minister also highlighted the federal government’s commitment to enhancing security measures, including increased funding, better equipment, and improved welfare for personnel

However, he noted that beyond physical efforts, divine guidance and intervention remain crucial in overcoming the country’s security threats.

Meanwhile,religious leaders and scholars have welcomed Matawalle’s call for prayers, describing it as a timely appeal.

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Zamfara State former Governor also encouraged Nigerians to use the Ramadan period to seek peace, unity, and progress for the country.

As Ramadan progresses, the Defence State minister expressed hope that the nation will witness improvements in security and stability.

He reiterated the need for national unity and cooperation in addressing the challenges facing Nigeria.

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