December 5, 2023
Barring any logistical consideration all is now set for a new Governor to be elected in Edo state, just as September 21, 2024 has been accordingly scheduled to be another day in the state’s political history as a successor to Governor Godwin Obaseki would emerge for yet another four years.
As Edo’s voters await this election day with anxiety, who would be the voters’ choice in the state between the two major contestants that would be representing the APC and the PDP respectively has now become a common discussion on the lips of the voting public. Beyond the above narrative, the political gladiators will also have to put on top priority the kind of character who will be fielded at various party primaries.
It is also imperative to understand that governance cannot be left in the hands of money bags, charlatans, neophytes, pretenders and those with history of anti democratic practices, or those who have penchant for avarice, greed, treachery and ingratitude.
Furthermore, for the benefit of objectivity, patriotism, national interest and cohesion, I really don’t believe in politics of zoning, political party affiliation, religion, ethnicity or gender. What should be of concern ultimately is the pedigree, goodwill, preparedness and seriousness of that single individual picking up the gauntlet, particularly when his credentials are seen to be flawless and most suitable to govern a complex state like Edo.
Meanwhile there is one satanic hazard in today’s Nigeria which is the menace of politics of sycophancy. For the price we owe history, this menace is expected to be treated with contempt and extreme disgust such that there could be a breather for the country.
It is really necessary to emphasize that sycophancy has utterly become a major hindrance to good governance in Nigeria especially in Edo State. It is a disease of epidemic proportions afflicting Nigerians in all spheres of our existence as a nation. It traverses all social classes in the country. Sycophancy is not hero worship. And sycophants have no heroes or principles they subscribe to or defend; they are just fawners who seek personal gain through creating an ego mountain from a small anthill of insignificance of their targets. A simple chain of hierarchy in any Nigerian public institution has been turned by sycophants at all levels of the chain into a praise and worship cult of the head of the institution.
Essentially, I always find it convenient to anchor my view points and analysis on politics of competence, integrity, transparency, accountability, doggedness and pragmatism. Impressively there is one man in Edo State who is in possession of these intimidating and uncommon virtues which the state of Edo should naturally rely on and settle for, such that the trajectory of the state can change for the better. The name of that individual is Prince Kassim Afegbua.
Afegbua, a governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has also disclosed that his intention to throw his hat in the ring is motivated by a compelling need to respond to the growing challenges in the state. According to this media personality, Edo State needs serious surgical operation to rescue it from the grip of present occupants who have brought the state to her kneels. Development has ebbed in the state, roads are bad, the general feeling of despondency has become the article of trade. The government is loaded with propaganda, only yesterday, the Chief Press Secretary of the Governor, Andrew Okungbowa had to resign his appointment for reasons that are connected to sheer lack of faith in a system that has remained unproductive for sometime.
In view of his experiences in public service that spanned over 25years and cut across media practice and consultancy, public relations, perception management and also in the state executive strata, as Edo State Commissioner for Information, Afegbua is well steeped to take on the leadership of the state.
As a member of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, and a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Information Strategy and Management, Afegbua has been a strong voice across social divides in Nigeria. A columnist of note with several articles and highly opinionated ideas about public governance, Afegbua has all that it takes to inject a new thinking into the leadership of the state.
Prince Afegbua is not only detribalized in the true sense of it but believes in the Nigerian enterprise and strives within acceptable codes to uphold the sacredness of the country’s values. His visions are ennobled by his belief that the progress of society is predicated on qualitative leadership that aspires to enthrone enduring change through quantum developmental leaps, which was profoundly demonstrated at every opportunity given to him.
Afegbua, a native of Okpella, in Edo North Senatorial District, knows how to interrogate issues in a most engaging and constructive manner, he stands to truly offer himself for service as Edo people are presently disoriented by the politics of highhandedness. This, he claimed, was occasioned by the needless squabbles and altercations among the leaders of the ruling party in the state, adding that the state is begging for attention over decaying infrastructure. Undoubtedly Afegbua’s entry into the fray is capable of altering the current permutations in Edo politics as he is practically seen to hold all the aces.
The leadership of the All Progressives’ Congress must work towards enthroning competence, credibility, and experience, in its choice of candidate for the 2024 Edo State gubernatorial election.
The leadership must also note that the era of using imposition and other unhealthy conditions to choose a candidate has not served a purpose in times past and is not a logical approach in this era where Edo State is desirous of purposeful leadership as the state straddle the various socio-economic challenges they’re currently facing. A man without baggage or blemish like Afegbua will be a proper and fit person to raise the stakes in this current effort to rescue the state from the grip of those who have ran it aground.
It is my hope and belief that the people of Edo will allow a steady and strong hand with the right mix of proficiency, character, vision and unparalleled drive to steer the ship in a way that will propel the state to much greater and fruitful heights.
●Emmanuel Ajibulu wrote from FCT Abuja, he’s a public affairs analyst, social media influencer, writer and publisher of online magazine, veracitydesk.com, emmanuelajibulu@gmail.com
