An Open Letter to Barr. Olumide Anthony Akpata
Dear Barr. Olumide Anthony Akpata,
I trust this letter finds you well. As a fellow Edo State indigene and a member of the Labour Party in Ogbona Ward, Etsako Central LGA, I feel compelled to share some observations and concerns regarding your gubernatorial candidacy for the 2024 Edo State election.
While your tenure as President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) was remarkable, managing an association of legal professionals is vastly different from governing an entire state. State governance involves a broader spectrum of issues that require different skills and experience. Also, don’t forget that _Olumide nor be Obi o!_
Your rise to the presidency of the NBA was facilitated by a zoning arrangement. The north zoned it to the south. It is contradictory for you to dismiss the importance of zoning in Edo State politics when you benefited from such an arrangement in Abuja. Ignoring this principle risks alienating significant portions of the electorate who feel it is their turn to produce the next governor. This is Edo Central turn, no amount of English you speak now will change that.
Your recent marriage, which ended within three months, raises concerns about your judgment in making decisions that affect millions of Edo State residents. Leadership requires stability and sound judgment, qualities currently in question given your recent personal experiences. If it took you 50 years to choose a partner yet within 3 months you discovered it was a wrong decision, how them do you want to convince Edo people that you can make good decisions for us? _Think am na!_
Inconsistencies regarding your name raise doubts about your integrity. Your case is in the court right now where you rejected “Osaigbovo” as your middle name, fighting that “Anthony” is your middle name. You denied Osaigbovo in court yesterday but suddenly for election purposes to hoodwink our Edo South brothers, you suddenly sneaking Osaigbovo through the backdoor. Authenticity and honesty are non-negotiable traits for any leader, and such discrepancies do not inspire confidence in your candidacy.
Your candidacy appears to lack a viable pathway to victory in this election and might only split votes, potentially aiding a less competent candidate. It might be more prudent to step aside, allowing power rotation and giving yourself time to resolve personal issues and gain more political experience. To whom brain is given, sense is expected.
In conclusion, while your intentions for Edo State might be noble, the timing and circumstances are not in your favor. Stepping aside now would be an honorable act, allowing you to build a stronger foundation for future political endeavors. Edo State needs leaders who can unify, inspire confidence, and bring about tangible progress.
Yours sincerely,
Osikhena Abu
Labour Party Member,
Ogbona Ward,
Etsako Central LGA
0 705 483 3452
