PENDULUM BY KANABE SANI ALUNEGBE ESQ, ACIArb (UK), CITN 08066271440, kanabesani@yahoo.com
My Fellow Etsako East people, there is no doubt that Etsako East is one of the most important Local Government in our dearly beloved Edo North. Once upon a time, it was the economic centre of the Senatorial district before things fell apart and the centre could no longer hold. The idea for Etsako East was not entirely new or original. Every Citizen of Etsako East is a stakeholder in the Local Government because practically everyone has one link or the other to what is probably happening in the Local Government. To be candid, Etsako East has become a microcosm of Edo State by representing every culture, tradition, religion, socio-political belief of Edo State. Etsako East reflects the Nigerian dream that anyone can aspire, whether stranger or not, due to its assimilative spirit.
Despite the diverse cultural, tradition and religious differences amongst the people of the Local Government, Etsako East has continued being the nerve-centre of Edo North and our own veritable New York. For this reason, Etsako East has become the toast and target of most politicians. Whosoever controls Edo North has Etsako East by the neck. This is probably the only Local Government that can snub the notorious State Allocation and still survive because of its natural resources. It is non-negotiable that we need a tested and trusted person who can be held accountable to occupy the Number One sit (Executive Chairman) of the Local Government. Strictly speaking, amongst the people of our Local Government, that individual is clearly the primus inter pares. Who wouldn’t want to be in that position? There is no doubt that the “battle” for the soul of Etsako East is going to be a Third World War without any bloodshed.
Let us now come down to brass track and open-up the anatomy of Etsako East politics. Since 1999, APC is the only Political Party that has produced two young vibrant youths with track records to occupy this captivating position in Etsako East Local Government. Hence, we must all rally round them and give them our maximum support. This is the appointed time for the great people of Etsako East to produce youths who are strong and energetic to pilot the affairs of the Local Government. We have had enough of all this recycled Politicians that do not mean well for the people of Etsako East.
Let us not underestimate the power of incumbency here, in theory, the ruling party in Edo State is supposed and expected to retain its stronghold without any major challenge from the opposition i.e., APC. But let me say categorically that it is not going to be that simple. Permit me to deliver my permutations. The PDP looks good on paper, but it has gargantuan challenges ahead. The party is currently a house divided against itself and may collapse if care is not taken very soon. The main actors are the Governor and his political godson the current Deputy Governor Philip Shiabu. The Deputy Governor believes that he is the biggest investor and shareholder in the Edo State conglomerate and as such he is entitled to take over from Obaseki. While the Governor disagrees with him for now, the Governor has already picked his choice, which is far from his Deputy Governor, but this decision has produced unprecedented sour grapes and overt dissension within the rank and file of the party. Anyway, this political bruhaha is good for the APC family in Edo State at large and the People of Etsako East.
On the other hand, The PDP candidate in Etsako East feels that she is the chosen candidate to occupy the exalted seat, she should be entitled to the privilege of the Governor in the next coming election in Edo State. Unfortunately, I wish to let her know that it won’t work as the good people of Etsako East are ready to do away with all this recycled Politician who do not mean well for us. As a matter of fact, Benedicta had grudgingly emerged as the former Chairman of the Local Government after betraying her boss. If it was just a mere race between Benedicta and any other candidate, the latter would have been a sure bet because the people of Etsako East would have thrown anything and everything to the fire as she has nothing good to show from the period when she was Chairman and Secretary to the Local Government. I am deeply sure that she has met her waterloo as the APC candidates are out to retire her as soon as possible.
The problem does not end there. It is further compounded by the motley crowd of the APC distinguished aspirants who wants true dividend of Democracy in Etsako East. The hard-core politicians amongst them are raising dust, railing, screaming, and kicking against the imposition of someone they consider at the very best a bystander, a failure at the various times she has been entrusted with various political offices.
I must say here without mincing words that SUNDAY EKPETIKA AKIOTU AKA “EKPESON” has no rival in today’s APC in Etsako East. He is the most prepared politician who has gone the full gamut over the years. Born in the 80s, EKPESON joined politics as soon as he returned from his studies Abroad. He fought an epic electoral battle against PDP in the just concluded 2023 Election in Edo North and won gallantly. It is not a joke that he earned the sobriquet of EKPESON (the son of a lion). He has since been a very successful Ambassador for peace in his community, the Uwanno Clan, the Weppa Clan and the entire Etsako East at large. No doubt, the APC in Etsako East saw him as a force to reckon with and unanimously accepted him as the Candidate for APC in Etsako East Local Government Election scheduled to hold on the 2nd of September 2023.
I am surprised that PDP is about to underrate such a man like Ekpeson by fighting a needless war of attrition, when Ekpeson and his running mate are virtually ready and have the technical know-how to take over the most exalted office in Etsako East. This was how the stone previously and repeatedly rejected by the builders suddenly transfigured into the much-needed cornerstone. Ekpeson’s most caustic critics will soon become his ardent fanatics. We are hypnotized and mesmerized by Ekpeson’s new look. We know that he is a reformed democrat and the only man in this present political history of Etsako east that can and will do the job for our people to liberate us from these politicians that do not mean well for the people of Etsako East.
At this juncture, I will not studiously ignore Ekpeson’s beautiful credentials and humanitarian proclivity. The young and old screams his name from the rooftops anytime they hear his golden voice. I will seize this privilege to appreciate Comrade Adams Aliu Oshomole, the enigma of Edo North politics. Ekpeson is one of those few Men that know the true definition of the word Loyalty. On behalf of my humble self and the good people of Etsako East we say a big thank you to Ekpeson for providing for us with these two young, digital, expose, and well-grounded Gentlemen to Joshua and marshal the affairs of Etsako East in this trying time.
My dear brother EKPESON, it is no longer news that you and your political party enjoyed a whirlwind romance with Etsako East. The covenant was based on mutual trust and the hope that you had robust knowledge of Etsako East’s history as well as a vast experience on how to manage resources. Your integrity is the icing on the cake. You are a source of inspiration to the youths as a veritable example of honesty personified. This election is certainly going to be won almost effortlessly by you. What matters to us at this crucial time is to be liberated and removed from the suffocating yoke of the PDP. You are the perfect man to do it and I know that you possess the capacity to achieve that.
Of course, to whom much is given, much is expected. The burden of proof and expectation is hung around your neck like an albatross. Etsako East assumes that they are going vote for a magician and so expects miracles to happen instantaneously. As a matter of fact, you will inherit a government with plummeting revenues, massive collapse of infrastructure and poor economic planning, we know and believe that you are a man packed with action and developmental stride to bring out beauty from the ashes.
I will not end this epistle without advising the good people of Iviukwe, my beloved community. My people, voting is a vital piece of the democratic process. Exercising your right to vote during each election cycle demonstrates your commitment to democracy in our country and is a profound way to model that commitment to your neighbours and community. Voting allows you to support the candidates and ballot measures that most align with your beliefs and your hopes for the future of our community. Not exercising this right can have real and severe consequences. I will be blunt here, take this as a piece of advice and assurance that “your account will be credited soon”. Vote our beloved son SUNDAY EKPETIKA AKIOTU “EKPESON”. At this point, jettison political party affiliation and forget about sectional differences in our community. Ekpeson has the capacity to turn things around in Etsako East. This is my candid advice my people.
I am truly honoured and humbled to write this epistle and I shall again congratulate Ekpeson after the election by the special grace of the Almighty. May the good Lord grant you the Wisdom of King David and Alexander De Great to defeat your opponent, the wisdom of Solomon in the Bible to lead the Good People of Etsako East and the wisdom of Nelson Mandela of South Africa who chose the part of reconstruction, reconciliation, rehabilitation, and national rebirth above the tempting choice of prolonging the horror of racial segregation and political discrimination.
Thank you and kindly accept my best regards.