The Hunger For An Emerging New Leader In Edo State And The Prospects Of An Emerging Economy: Prince Clem Ikanade Agba On The Searchlight -By Dokpesi Timothy Adidi

It has become important at this point of our history in Edo State to decide on the path of greatness towards the realization of our own emancipation as a people. The fact that politics in Nigeria has really brought about a divide and rule situation that has climaxed into ethnic, tribal and religious challenges which has affected the psyche of an average Nigerian; there is no better environment that accommodates people within and outside its own locality like the Edo people. The kind of situation we are faced with today in Edo State that seems to present the Edo people as hostile to themselves and the environment is largely tied to politics. Politics in Edo State calls for serious attention and concern or else we might still not get it right. Edo State is blessed with so many natural resources such as Bitumen, Clay, Dolomite, Phosphate, Glass-sand, Gold, Gypsium, and Iron-ore. Amongst the Agricultural resources the State and its people are blessed with agriculture such as yams, cassava (manioc), oil palm produce, rice, and corn (maize) which are the major subsistence crops, while rubber, timber, and palm oil and kernels are cash crops.

There is a need to cultivate a value in our polity that will cleanse the politics of bitterness in Edo State. The absence of morality in the politics of Edo State calls for serious concern. A politics and polity that is characterized by a do or die syndrome; a politics that is truncated electoral crisis and hijacking of ballot boxes; a politics of pain and sorrow is what has threatened the political developments of Edo State and has affected the economic stronghold of its people. It has affected planning, it has affected policies, it has affected the lack of investment in public service; as well as a constant breakdown in law and order orchestrated by high prevalence of unusual human trafficking.

Yet, the Edo people through its leadership under the current administration seem not to be getting it right. In fact, according to Business Day the Edo people are a population of around five (5) million, a GDP of approximately $11.89 billion, a total land area of 19,187 square kilometers, and a per capita income of $3,623, Edo state is one of the most populous states in Africa; yet, not meeting up to expectations. According to the current Governor of Edo State Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki with this it would have been expected that the people of Edo State in alignment with the vision 2050 the state is to be one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing economies and one of the largest economies on the African continent. I do not know how sustainable this Vision 2050 will be realizable considering the fact one has to understand the dynamics of the current situation in order to project what the future will be. A prophet is not someone who sees the future. My understanding of a biblical prophet is one who interprets the current situation and projects what the future will be. Hence, the statements, phrase and comments of every biblical prophets in the period of the Old Testaments were always conditional in nature. It is in the light of this situation one will seriously ask fundamental questions as to the current political situation in Edo State.

It is important to note that I do not intend to undermine the current leadership in Edo State under the personality of Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki (Edo State Governor). I know the Edo State people can decide for themselves and evaluate what the Governor of Edo State has brought to the table. Every Governor in a State will definitely have their challenges; as such, one valid question will be how has His Excellency Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki been able to manage the challenges? In Nigeria, one of the most difficult aspects of our political leaders is the fact that they hate when questions are asked. This is also very common amongst its followers; this is largely because often times many see questions as a threat to their status quo. The current status quo have more questions to answer; but that is not the onus of this article.

The onus of this article is to ensure that in the next election the Edo people should begin to understand and inteprete the signs of time; we must begin to adopt the aggiornamento culture by leaving up to date in a climate were politics should go beyond just party politics. The Edo people should advance a new outlook for an emerging leader and an emerging economy. This article does not promote a political party as the author belongs to none of the political parties in Nigeria as a registered member; but, my membership to any political party is not tied to voting a party; but, to vote credible leaders. We hope that soon the Independent Candidature of an individual will begin to sell marketably in a clime were party politics has overshadowed and overwhelmed the rationale behind an Independent candidate vying for an election. It is most likely that if Mr. Peter Obi pulls out of Labour Party today as an Independent candidate the narrative would change considering the fast political relevance he has garnished for himself.  Unfortunately, in a clime call Nigeria the Political Party platform as of today is the viable platform.

The emergence of a new leader does not necessarily bring about an emerging economy; nonetheless, for there to be an emerging economy the people have to be emerging in thinking. We must look beyond tribal, religious sentiments to search for a leader that has an emerging personality. The Edo people should begin the searchlight for the next election by profiling, researching and identifying an emerging leader. We cannot wait until the time for election draw near before we begin to identify who should lead us. One of the greatest challenges of Edo politics is God-fatherism. This God-fatherism has either positively or negatively impacted on the Edo State polity; but, it seems to me the negative impact carries more weight than the positive. It is against this background that the projection of an emerging leader in the person of Prince Clem Agba Ikanade has become vital towards the realization of an emerging economy. Prince Clem Agba Ikanade who is the current Minister of State Budget and National Planning came into the limelight as a search for an alternative. A one-time Commissioner in Edo State whose relevance in the Comrade Adams Oshiomhole led government strategically gave that administration a great deal of relevance.

The Edo State born Minister of State Budget and National Planning despite his Ministerial appointment did not desert the Edo people. He has continuously contributed to the galvanization of the infrastructural development of the State just to ensure that the Edo people feel at home while at home. No doubt, he is very much incapacitated as just been a Minister and not the Governor of Edo State; yet, his contributions cannot be undermined. The Honorable Minister is much interested in hospitals, road networks, schools and basic infrastructure. One basic leadership nutrients of Prince Clem Agba Ikanade is his Bipartisanship spirit. Most times I forget to put in my memory that he is a member of the All People’s Democratic Party due to his ability to discern appropriately when to speak partisan or bipartisan. Despite this, he has never been found wanting of anti-party activities due to his focus on good governance.

Prince Clem Ikanade Agba is on the Searchlight from the grassroots; although, he is a product of Divine Providence considering his emergence into politics. Nonetheless, the Honorable has been spotted. I hope that the Edo people will look beyond all odds for an emerging new leader in the realization of an emerging economy.