Prosperity is the reward we will get for good planning, good foudation and vissionary blue print when we talk of nations building. When the word NIGERIA floats across my thoughts, I see a swathe that comprises of regions, states, local council areas, wards, communities, families and individuals; all desperately in need of actual development.
The question is, how readily prepared are we collectively and individuals as a people to instigate the emergent of a great nation by imploring our selfless positive orientation to make the diffence as patriotic citizens? Can we truly dispense our contractual obligations when elected or appointed as public office holder without cancerous sentiment namely: nepotism, tribalism, factionism, favouritism and selfishness.
Owan West Local government area, my place of birth as a case study is one of the poorest and underdevelop local government area amongst the 18 local government in Edo state has a lot of challenges that is synomous to other rural local governmennt area in Nigeria. The local council is plagued with high rate of unemployement, lack of basic amenities, fastructural decay, absence of maternity home and or dispensery facilities, leading to avoidable deaths, poor road network and lack of markets and other statutory and constitutional responsibility of local governments.
The setback may not have arisen as a result of lack of managerial acumen on the part of the immediate past and present occupiers of the councils or they are not doing their best for the citizens. It’s essencially because majority of the populace and some grassroots political actors have chosen to exchange true development for political sentiment, messiah for devil, economic boyancy for stomach infastructure and selfish political ambition.
Recently, the former governor Comrades Adams Oshiomhole has been under intense criticism for airing his views on restructuring after his 8-year of successful tenure. Such outright adumbration and “Pull Him Down” (PHD) voyage is not new to Comrade Oshiomhole. Every great man of historical achievemoment as Comrade Oshiomhole is usually a victim of divergent opinions. Even Jesus christ, before and after His cruxification on the cross for the redemption of mankind is yet fo be accepted by many different faith.
Oshiomole, the once upon a time “Talk-and-do” aka “osho baba” a man with vision and good heart demostrated his patriotism to the great people of Edo State in so many areas such infastructural development, educational reform, job creation etc. far above what he met when he assume office as a governor. Whether you like it or not, Oshiomhole left a legacy that most sons and daughters of Edo State if not all, are proud of today. However, he is still been critisized today by people of different school of thought because however hard you try as a leader, you can’t meet the needs of everybody.
The success of every political leader is the solid foundation upon which his or her successor continued the process of state re-engineering, both sociopolitical and socioeconomic development for the good of all. The story of Oshiomhole’s 8-year governorship of Governor Godwin Obaseki who has, less than one year in office, has shown the people of Edo State the meaning of inclusive governance.
Governor Godwin Obaseki is expectedly building on the the foundation built by Adams Oshiomhole as the incumbent governor of the state. He has, since he assumed office, proven to be a man of astute chacrater and devotion, depicting the true meaning of being a tecnhocrat within a very short period of time. He has achieved what most governors of other states could not do in their 4 years term in office. Despite his visible achievements to date and many more to come, he still faces critizism from never do well politicians. In truth, Governor Obaseki has been blazing the trail. Let us give kudos and honour to those whom honour his due.
It is clear from the outset that Mr. Godwin Obaseki’s administration will excel as governor. It’s heartwarming that Professor Julius Ihonvbere, an achiever of all time in all areas of endeavour, enigma of intellectual, God sent messiah to our generation, known for his egalitarian philosophy and principles is part Godwin Obaseki’s succees story so far.
Prof. Ihonvbere’s uncountable developmental strides and contributions to the people of Owan West is legendary. This is the more reason our people should avoid acrimonious politics of sentiment and hatred that has dominated the livelihood of most people by upholding politics oneness and development. The good professor has a lot to offer to the state and the federation.
Therefore, those who are clamouring to become chairman of Owan West local government has to be positive towards the development of the entire local council. We must not give room to political sentiment, triabalism, factionism, selfishness and nepotism. It has no place in economic and developmental stride we seek in modern days politics. We must not fail to identify with the less previledge by extending hand of fellowship to our people who needs help at all times. That’s where the likes of Prof. Ihonvbere stand out.
Our nation Nigeria is what it is today because we fail to do the right thing yestarday. We cannot correct today in today but we can sure accept today as it is and focusing on a better tomorrow but correcting our tomorrow in our today by doing the right thing that will make tomorrow a better day in the kind od choice we make today.
We must collectively say good bye to politics of sentiment. Every one of us have to join hand together to support the government of Godwin Obaseki, rather than condemning it. Let us all try in giving back to our community in our own little way rather than taking from them, directly or indirectly.
- Omole is a local government chairmanship aspirant in Edo
