ESAN LAND IN WANT OF TRUE LEADERS –Omo-Ojugo
By: Oriaifoh Godwins
Most political leaders in Nigeria, Edo state and particularly, Esanland, lack accountability, integrity, transparency and availability, as many are involved in corruption and several other illegal activities. This assertion was made by Prof. Matthew Omo-Ojugo in a paper he presented, titled; "EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP AND UNITY IMPERATIVES FOR ACTUALISATION OF ESAN AGENDA", on the occasion of the inauguration of “Esan Akugbe for Good Leadership Forum,” an event that held at Esan west secretariat council hall in Ekpoma on Saturday, the 24th of September, 2022.
Professor Omo-Ojugo said; ‘…political leadership should enhance and actualize strategic developmental goals in Esanland…’ A political leader, he said, is a public servant who works for the betterment of the society. He is a person who is elected by the members of the society by votes. He requires statesmanship, as opposed to just being a “politician”. According to him, it means the political leader must have integrity and be willing to stand up for what is right, even if it means resigning a position in government or losing an election.
Continuing, Professor Omo-Ojugo avered that, ‘…a political leader is one that works for the growth of the society and should value his citizens…’ Unfortunately, he said, ‘…we have observed in Esanland, how political leaders resort to the use of hired political thugs to unleash mayhem and destruction on innocent citizens that they are supposed to lead…’
Professor Omo-Ojugo went further to add that, a political leader is expected to be a highly responsible citizen in the society. Saying, citizens ought to elect leaders who are considered fit and capable to make a difference and add value to the society.
Self-discipline, trustworthiness, courage, humanness and intelligence are all the sterling qualities, he said, that political leaders are expected to have.
Quoting a former President of the United States of America, Franklin D, Roosevelt who said, “The future lies with those wise political leaders who realize that the great public is interested more in Government than in Politics”, Professor Omo-Ojugo said; ‘… the statement should remind us about governance and politics in Nigeria today where insecurity, unemployment of youths, corruption, armed robberies, ritual killings, lack of good roads, lack of portable water, lack of electricity and lack of accountability constitute the order of the day…’
Those present at the event, are traditional rulers across Esasanland, including the Onojie of Igueben, Onojie of Ubiaja, Onojie of Ewosa, Onojie of Okalo and a host of others. Also present were Chief Ulifun who was the Chairman of the event, Hon. Godsent Akhabue, aka Joefel, a onetime Chairman, Esan West Local Government area, Hon Joel Aidamabor, the Proprietor, Mindcast Hotel, Ekpoma and others.
Highlight of the occasion, was the giving of awards to several eminent Esan outstanding personalities including, Late Professor Ambrose Alli, Late Admiral Augustus Aikhomu, Late Chief Anthony Enahoro and Late Dr. Christopher Okojie Gbelokoto. Others that were given awards of distinction, include Professor George Akpede, Professor Sylvannus Okogbenin, Bishop Matthew Okpebholo, Sir Chief Francis Ulinfun, Chief Tom Ikimi, Rt. Hon. Sergious Ogun, Professor Agnes Uduebor, Dame Christiana Okojie, and Dr. Dorry Okojie.
