Edo South Lackluster Representation Didn’t Start with Senator Neda Imaseun

By Midwest Herald

The ongoing discussions surrounding late retired Col Paul Ogbebor’s estate in Life Camp, Abuja, has again, thrown up the age long controversy and worries of the Benins over the inconsequential legislative representation, especially by their Federal Legislators.

It is an undeniable fact that, those that have scored them poor are right, considering the comparative performances of their peers from the two other senatorial districts of Central and North. Save for few at the ‘Green Chambers’, none can compare to their contemporaries in the other two districts.

It is difficult also to defend them against the back drop of their ‘Political Nepo Babies’ and the perils of hereditary democracy in Edo South.

Considering the recent studies that shed light on the pervasive phenomenon of hereditary democracy, especially in the developing democracies around the world, the present agitation by Edo South stakeholders is a welcome development that must be sustained.

Back to the revocation of land belonging to Col Paul Ogbebor, one of the distinguished Benins of Edo South Senatorial District extraction, by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike.

Col Ogbebor fondly referred to as 001, was a distinguished soldier and the first cadet to graduate from the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) as part of Regular Course 1 (RC1).

With other prominent young military officers like Mamman Kontagora, Alison Madueke, and Aliyu Gusau, the late Col Ogbebor played a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s military history.

Understandably, the incumbent Senator Neda Imasuen has come under the radar for wrong reasons of the revocation notice and perceived unconvincing empowerment program.

Some have said that Senator Imasuen could not speak against the decision by the FCT Minister to demolish the estate and praised Senator Ireti Kingigbe who moved the motion on the floor of the senate that eventually stopped the minister and the rampaging bulldozers, which gave rise to an investigation committee.

What is unknown however, to the public is the role of diplomacy that Senator Imasuen has deployed in negotiating with other senators, especially, Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing Federal Capital Territory.

Midwest Herald’s check points to a fact that Senator Imaseun actually conscripted his colleague senators, including Senator Kingibe (Labour Party), for tactical reasons to achieve result and stop the bulldozers that were fast advancing to the estate.

The estate in question is located in Abuja which falls under the jurisdiction of Senator Kingibe who has oversight responsibility for FCT. Unknown to many, Senator Imaseun is gradually but silently, discharging his assignment as a consummate legislator.

Legislators play a key role in the development of a country by representing the interests of citizens (in this case, Edo South) and overseeing the executive arm of government, representing citizens as a voice by bringing their concerns to the government and ensuring that they are heard at the national level.

In our local and survivalist challenge, we can charge legislators with the role of prospecting for opportunities and ensuring members of their constituents benefit from them.

During the period under review, Senator Neda Imaseun, representing Edo South has demonstrated an understanding of his office and his role as a federal legislator. What is needed now, is a general support to enable him adequately represent the people of Edo South.

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