By Odi Okojie Media Team
At the dawn of the present democratic dispensation in 1999, Esan leaders from all the political parties sat down to put down structures to regulate the sharing of political offices within Esan land. They all agreed that the Senatorial slot should be rotating between the old Agbazilo and Okpebho federal constituencies. They also agreed that the Senatorial seat will further be micro zoned to the local government areas making up Agbazilo and Okpebho when taking their turns. Esan leaders went further to agree that the House of Representatives seat for Agbazilo federal constituency shall also be rotating between Esan South-East and Esan North-East local government areas, while that of the old Okpebho federal constituency shall also be rotating between and among Esan Central, Esan West and Igueben local government areas.
This is what is referred to in Edo Central Senatorial District as the “Ebakota Agreement”. This Ebakota agreement is still very much alive inspite of efforts by certain political elements who thought they’ve become very powerful and can kill it. The good news however is that these politicians got their fingers burnt while trying to dismantle the Ebakota accord.
As we speak, it is the turn of Agbazilo federal constituency to produce the Senator representing Edo Central Senatorial District and by micro zoning the lot has fallen on Esan North-East local government area to occupy the position now that the spirit of Ebakota has again spontaneously aligned providence to make the seat vacant after the last occupant, Senator Monday Okpebholo, now Governor of Edo State who, while seeking the position assured that he’s going to lunch himself into the governorship race and would vacate the position on assumption of office as Governor.
Now that Governor Okpebholo has fulfilled his promise, it is only right and just that Esan North-East be allowed to occupy the vacant seat.
Edo people displayed equity, fairness and inclusiveness by ceding the governorship position to Edo Central Senatorial District. Edo Central Senatorial should also replicate this by ceding the now vacant Senatorial seat to Esan North-East Local government area, its rightful place to domicile now.
This is where Hon. Odi Okojie, member representing Esan South-East/Esan North-East federal constituency in the House of Representatives comes in. So far he’s the only one aspiring for the position from Esan North-East local government area. When Hon. Okojie is occupying the Senatorial seat, the House of Representatives seat for Esan South-East/Esan North-East in the House of Representatives will become vacant and the people of Esan South-East can negotiate to have that.
This way, the unity and peace which the Esan political forebears laboured to erect structures to build and maintain will be sustained. This is truly the pathway to peace, unity, oneness and progress in Esan land.
Nominate and vote Hon. Prince Odi Okojie for Senate.