Edo 2024: Is Edo Central Senatorial Zone Able To Manage The Success of Esan Agenda?
By Adolphus Arebanmhen Aletor
The Esan agenda which was a socio-political concept used to persuade political parties to zone their party tickets for the Edo state Governorship election which comes up on September 21, 2024, to Edo central senatorial zone, has come and gone with the senatorial zone recording 2 tickets out of the 3 major political parties. Though they expected a 100% response to their requests, they consider the current position a successful exercise. Before the party’s primaries, individuals and groups of Esan extraction had applied several strategies of making courtesy visits to political, religious, and royal fathers across the state to seek their support while groups like Esan Okpa, an umbrella of Esan professionals and socio-cultural groups attempted to harmonize political interest among Esan aspirants. The essence of this was to ensure that an ESAN aspirant became their party candidate; their emergence devoid of a rancour capable of derailing the project. It was also to ensure that the candidates were accepted widely and, by this, eliminate the bitterness usually associated with politicking for the exalted office.
The question in the mouth of many in the last few months since the conclusion of the primaries that saw 2 notable Esan sons emerge from APC and PDP is if this achievement will guarantee a safe and peaceful political exercise. The political gladiators, Dr. (Bar) Asue Ighodalo from Esan South East LGA representing the PDP and Senator Monday Okpebholo popularly known as Akpakomiza from Esan Central LGA representing the APC are both illustrious sons from Edo central senatorial zone and have been nominated through their party primaries to fly the party flag in the forthcoming election.
While this outcome would have guaranteed a topical politicking and a polite electioneering since the senatorial zone has got what it wanted, the recent disposition of Edo citizens especially those of Esan extraction has been far from being strategic. Observers say that their action is tantamount to self-destruct. Others have questioned what the Esans want with the frequent propagation of hate amongst themselves after other senatorial regions have conceded the opportunity to produce the next governor to them. Many people are worried in silence about the recent verbal attacks on the candidates mostly coming from the Esan indigenes.
In the last Presidential and National Assembly elections, Esan overwhelmingly voted for Senator Monday Okpebholo as their Senator representing Edo central region. His victory was not challenged by opposition, as was the case in most places. He not only defeated a two-time sitting senator to clinch the victory but also one who had the backing of the ruling party in the state. He became the first opposition party member to be elected in a region that is traditionally the enclave and stronghold of the PDP. The victory was loud, clear, and emphatic. Esan knew what they wanted. You cannot mess with them. It is, therefore, disheartening that some Esan people would turn around to undress their Senator in public for issues of no substance. Issues around English language proficiency, semantic substitution of words like Museum and Zoo, castigation for current academic background and achievement, which many consider as issues that were resolved before his ascension to the senate.
The office of the Senator is an exalted office, and that is why they are addressed by the title “Distinguished.” The word distinguished is used to describe person’s that are very successful, authoritative, and commanding great respect, including being noble in appearance or manner. The distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo ticks all these boxes as there have not been any dissenting voice specifically concerning the above areas. Among a generation where it is common to see young men with shady background, none of the common societal vices can be associated with him. He is described as a successful businessman who has conducted himself in a noble manner, loved and respected by his people, which was why his victory was resounding. Esan cannot afford to undress their son outside and expect him to gain the respect of outsiders. Washing your dirty linen in public will spell unfavorable implications on their sons when any eventually finds his way to Osadebe house.
Esan people, therefore, need to be circumspect in their conduct and utterances. The world can only see and respect your sons through your eyes and how you treat them respectively and accordingly. Remember that part of the drivers of the Esan agenda was the claim that there was no credible Esan indigene, qualified to manage the affairs of Edo state. It is therefore not a consistent behavior to reaffirm that your son whom you overwhelmingly voted to the senate is unfit to govern Edo state because he would not speak English like a professor whom you all bypassed to vote as Senator. You cannot be seen to bully your own and cry foul when others join in your conduct. Be wise!
Esan people should be united at this point. All Esan should replicate the actions of those who propagated Esan agenda by moving from one region to the other to express their appreciation for inclusivity and promise good governance on behalf of their sons who presently hold their party tickets. This is the time for Esan Okpa, religious, royal father, and political leaders to jointly market both candidates to the admiration of others. This is a golden opportunity for the Esan people for all good intents and purposes. How this process is managed will go a long way in determining the success of the final Victor. The Esan adage that says that you do not for the sake of one child beat the other should guide the conduct of every Esan person at this auspicious time.
