In the normal course of human progress and development, the forthcoming 2023 general elections ought to be our finest moments so far. In assessing our journey towards 2023, some valid assumptions must be made in line with what we have achieved. A concerned citizen of ONA ARA Local Government, Mr. Binyameen Ridwan sent a newsletter to Freshvoice Newsmedia regarding the coming general elections in 2023 as affected a federal constituency in Oyo State. Egbeda/OnaAra Federal Constituency in review.
Here is the report:
In an era of fervent campaign for equity and equality like ours, spread of power among geopolitical shareholders is important and inevitable for social integration and inclusive governance.
Critical review of power rotation between Ona-Ara and Egbeda Local Governments in the Federal House of Representatives shows a disturbing trend that calls for sincere debate among independent thinkers and lovers of democracy. For instance, in the 24 years of political representation of Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency so far, only 8 years went for Ona-Ara. But if it truly takes two to tango, how do we then proceed from here?
Meanwhile, in communities where polyandry is practiced, such exclusory one-sided rationing pattern could only mean one thing; that the marriage had long departed the joint venture it ought to serve. Even the highly religiously heterogeneous and ethnically diverse Nigeria – despite not constitutionally enshrined – did introduce zoning formula to boost the spirit of comradeship among citizens, preventing power from being domesticated in zones with domineering advantage.
Also comes to mind is the federal character that has remained a unifying guide for federal appointments in order that Nigerians can enjoy nearly equal opportunities at the centre. Not to talk of now that every stakeholder precinct now chants “Awa lokan” slogan to further collective actions or ambitions in what is perceived a rise in feeling of political entitlement and slot campaigns among marginalized communities. If sociopolitical harmonization is possible and maintained at central level, how much more of the mere two-dimensional legislative entity now fast becoming abusively unilateral without an end in sight!
That said, and for reference sake – at least before you begin to whip up sentiments – kindly find below the list of honourables for Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency since return of democracy in 1999:
√.Hon. Jenrade Kareem. Ona-Ara 1999 – 2003
√.Hon. Adegoke Fawole. Egbeda. 2003 – 2011
√.Hon. Olayemi Sikiru. Egbeda. 2011 – 2015
√.Hon. Taiwo M. Akintola. Ona-Ara. 2015 – 2019
√.Hon. Akinola Alabi. Egbeda. 2019 till date
By the way, a fellow might claim the people of Ona-Ara had simply been unlucky to secure desired stakes. Another might also suggest that Ona-Ara was historically politically weak probably from burden of unmatched population with Egbeda, low class politicians, or some other yet-to-be identified factors that have conspired against its electoral victory.
Whichever way the explanation goes, I am least interested in digging out details about the sinful factors, at least for now. For the record, however, and without an iota of pretense, I stand for social, economic and infrastructural development of Egbeda and Ona-Ana alike. I am delighted to lay open that Ona-Ara now boasts of a seasoned politician and philanthropist in the person of Hon. Akinjide Kazeem Akinola.
Suffice to say that going by years of political hegemony, I would assume the people of Egbeda have enjoyed plentiful dividends of democracy and now sojourn in the comfort of high-tech infrastructures, education supplies, clean water sources, electric power transformers, modern road networks, state-of-the-art facilities in public habitations like schools and hospitals among other basic amenities appropriated for by the federal government in the constituency allowances. But how true can my assumptions be in the light of reality and current situations in Egbeda Local Government?
Ironically, on-the-spot assessment shows there is practically little to prove for the huge federal allocations; squandered or hoarded for personal use. In fact, quite a chunk of the Egbeda residents are tired of their own political class having continuously reaped them of delegation benefits. This only means we are all in together with a collective core responsibility of upturning the bad trend and supporting the moving train of Hon. Akinjide for new face building and rebuilding of our dear constituency.
Akinjide is a well accomplished business man, accessible to commoners, with vast experience in leadership and public resource management. A military veteran and a security expert we crave at this time of complex predominant fear confounded by waves of uncertainties in the land. Measured and cultured, his beaming contagious smile is filled with fairness and hope that conveys peerless intellectual aristocracy. For all his campaigns, he vowed to provide equal opportunities and quality representation we never have witnessed in the past administrations which perpetually kept us stagnant and redundant.
Together we can rewrite the history of our constituency. Keep in mind that the name is Hon. Akinjide, the platform is ACCORD PARTY and the elective position is Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal House of Representatives. Your votes count as long as you do.
