It was the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who introduced “èmi lokan” – a Yoruba phrase that literally translates as “it is my turn” – into the Nigerian political lexicography.
The phrase has become handy in the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, otherwise known as ENONE, especially Ado Local Government which is expressly favored by the age-long zoning arrangement to retain the House of Representatives seat of the constituency beyond 2023.
It’s on record that, of the three local governments that made up Enone Federal Constituency of Benue State namely; Ado, Okpokwu, and Ogbadibo, only Ado has been systematically denied/robbed of completing her tenure in the House of Representatives consistently. The Reps from Okpokwu and Ogbadibo always do two terms of eight years, while Hon. David Attah and the outgoing, Dr. Francis Ottah Agbo from Ado only served a tenure of four years each.
The cheaters are plotting to deprive Ado of her right to a second term again, having systematically remove the incumbent, Ottah Agbo from the way. But unfortunately for them, High Chief Philip Agbese, the Okanga Isinabo 1 of Agila, and Osoyenta of Ijigbam; the Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Enone Federal Constituency election is right on time to save his people this time.
People like High Chief Philip Agbese epitomize what God is like clothed in human skin. God has come down through Chief Agbese to save Ado from her political enemies; those that say Adolites don’t deserve equal rights with their other brothers in Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, those that always shortchange Ado, and those that want to relegate Ado from Enone political theatre.
Regrettably, the cheaters always cheat Ado with the support of some Adolites. Already, some Ado political jobbers and judases have started drumming for them again! With the 2023 general elections on the horizon, the political vultures have taken that part again without minding the fact that Ado is yet to complete her tenure at the green chamber of the National Assembly.
Interestingly, this time around the people is wiser. Both Adolites and other members of the constituency who believe in equity and justice, from across party lines, have resolved to support the APC candidate. This justified alliance has given rise to the term ‘Ado’Lokan’ which is currently sweeping like a tsunami across the Enone political firmament.
The non-partisan movement is being fueled by Agbese’s track record as a performer of excellence and a renowned philanthropist.
Chief Philip Agbese is guided by a vision of social justice, a world in which all individuals, states, communities, and people work toward the protection and full expression of their human rights; are active participants in the decisions that affect them; share equitably in the knowledge, wealth, and resources of society; and are free to achieve their full potentials.
He believes that political movements are built upon collective leadership, strong institutions, and innovative, often high-risk ideas.
These approaches have long distinguished him and from records, he had a profound cumulative impact on the people of Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State.
Going by his antecedents and quintessential credentials, the UK-trained lawyer and human rights activist (Agbese) is a breath of fresh air for Adolites. Ado will no longer be a laughing stock. No more shall Adolites be treated like second-class citizens in the Enone constituency.
Adolites, irrespective of dialects, political parties, or self-aggrandizement must unit now more than ever to defeat a common enemy; the monster of political cheating in Enone Federal Constituency that has long pummeled Ado solely.
Furthermore, all lovers and believers of peace and justice in Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency must join hands with their Ado brothers to cast the political demon of godfatherism, hoodlumism, and cheating into the abyss.
Ogbadibo in particular must reject the Greek gift thrown to it by the destabilizer, for the sake of justice, brotherliness, equity, and fairness. (It is not our turn. Even if it was Ogbadibo’s turn, it’s not the turn of Otukpa district where the PDP candidate, Aida Nath is from. It is also not the turn of Okpokwu LGA where the Labour Party candidate, Raphael Otobo is from).
It’s an onus on all of us (the long-suffering people of Enone) to prove at the polls that our collective vote is more powerful than bottom power by voting overwhelmingly for Okanga Philip Agbese, the divinely ordained next Rep member of Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency.
Sunny Green Itodo, a Public Affairs Analyst & Newspaper Columnist writes from Otukpa, Ogbadibo LGA, Benue State.
