Edo 2024: Why Every Single Edolite Must Key Into The Esan Agenda

Edo 2024: Why Every Single Edolite Must Key Into The Esan Agenda

With the conclusion of the presidential and national assembly elections, all eyes would be on the 2024 Edo State Governorship election, by which time Godwin Obaseki’s tenure would have come to an end after an eight-year ride.

Edo State has always been a distinct state due to its peculiarities and political sophistication, and by the looks of things, it may continue to be so, and may even be the most sophisticated liberal state in Nigeria today.

If we look back at recent democratic history, which begins in 1992, we can see that several democratically elected governors have occupied Dennis Osadebe Avenue.

We have had John Oyegun who presided over the catastrophic IBB transition, and Chief Lucky Igbinedion who took over in 1999 after democracy was restored.

Then there was Oserheimen Osunbor, whose tenure was cut short by a court ruling that declared his victory null and void,Adams Oshiomhole was the receiver of the decision and served for eight years before handing over control to the present Godwin Obaseki.

Since 1992, Edo South has had the longest rule overall, lasting 17 years altogether, starting with Oyegun’s one-year term and continuing through Lucky Igbinedion and Obaseki.

Then there is the Edo North district, which was in charge for eight years under Adams Oshiomhole, while Edo Central has only been in charge for one year under Oserheimen Osunbor.

Aside from justice and fairness in power distribution, which has resulted in deafening clamour for power shift, Esan Central has performed a unique and spectacular role that merits universal praise.

The Esan people, you see, have always sacrificed their desire for the peace and unity of the state, making them the stabilizing factor throughout both Edo South and Edo North’s term as governors.

They have always been the deciding factor when these two regions compete for supremacy, which is strange but true. Every governorship race in Edo State eventually comes down to who the people of Edo Central supports.

For instance, a cursory examination of Oshiomhole and Obaseki’s government clearly demonstrates that the  interests of the Esan people were not taken into account, yet they supported Oshiomhole and returned him for a second term, as well as Obaseki, because they believed in fairness and justice.

Edo Central has not only demonstrated the highest level of maturity, but it has also proven to be a good team player in regards to governance and stability, thus with Edo North passing over a successful tenure to Edo South, it is only fair that a loyal partner assumes leadership by default.

Over the years, Edo Central has shown steadfastness, dedication, honesty, trust, and support to the good people of Edo state and the two other Senatorial districts, and this loyalty merits them the right of first refusal in respect to the state’s 2024 governorship election.

While there is widespread support in the national political system for a power shift to the south, Edo State should not be disregarded, as Edo Central has been a prominent actor in the Edo Project.

May God grant us long life and good health as we embark on the journey towards a greater Edo State.

Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah is the Editor in Chief of iReporteronline and a stakeholder in project Edo State.

Source iReporteronline.