By Comrade Mayor Samuel
Akoko-Edo LGA of Edo State boasts an unparalleled history of loyalty, honesty, and peaceful coexistence. Despite its large population, abundant resources, and extensive landmass, we have consistently supported our neighbors in Edo North. We hold the likes of Etsako politicians, businessmen, and other influential figures in high regard, respecting their traditional institutions.
In Edo Central, politicians and residents alike have our unwavering support. In Edo South, we have also shown wholehearted support. Yet, we have been unjustly treated by our closest neighbors, the Etsako. Under Oshiomole’s leadership, we endured humiliation through political appointments and party candidacies. As we are still reeling from these inhumane treatments, Philip Shaibu, Oshiomole’s blood brother, has continued the dehumanization of our people. What is our offense? This question remains unanswered, except by Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu.
I have always believed that loyalty pays, serving pays, and reliability pays. If there is any race, ethnicity, or group with the same heritage and geographical placement that has shown unwavering loyalty to the people of Etsako and Edo State in general, it is the people of Akoko-Edo.
Even though we are not born as slaves or second-class citizens, out of love and respect, we have served the Etsako in Edo North and across Edo State. Why, then, would anyone continue to mistreat those who have refused confrontation, even when provoked? Why do Oshiomole and Philip Shaibu believe it is the birthright of Etsako to determine the destiny of Akoko-Edo, Owan, and Esan people? We have tolerated so much, and it is time to say, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.
Yes, we may not be as blessed as Estako, which has all the supposed decentralized government institutions spread across Owan, Akoko-Edo, and Estako, but all politically centralized in Etsako. You have reduced us to mere monkeys, throwing us bananas whenever you feel like it.
You callously prevented Deacon Obende Domigo from going to the Senate when you, Oshiomole, was the governor, Philip Shaibu was in the House of Reps, and Estako had a minister, only to replace him with another Etsako man. As if that was not enough, you delivered the final blow, appointing Philip Shaibu as Deputy Governor, Senator, and Minister, all from the same LGA in Estako. Today, the same enemies of Akoko-Edo are senators and ministers, yet they are doing everything possible to strip us of the only remnant we have been left with by a benevolent power. This must stop. Nothing must happen to our brother. Akoko-Edo has long paid its dues, and we deserve to be happy, even if just once.
At this critical moment, I call on all sons and daughters of Akoko-Edo, at home and abroad, to rise in defense of our son, our brother, and our first-ever executive position. I urge sociocultural and political groups to issue press statements. This is not the time to be party loyalists because, to see light in this provocative moment, we must come together, irrespective of party affiliation.
Comrade Mayor Samuel
Son of the Soil – Enwan
Akoko-Edo LGA, Edo State.
