By Oseni Momodu
Whereas elections into elective offices are still faraway from February 2027, body language of politicians and their political parties tend to remind electorate another election circle is just getting nearer. Political banners, posters, commentaries, rallies, defections, permutations, and other insignias have taken center stage of national discourse.
In Etsako Federal Constituency in Edo state, the atmosphere is even more electrified giving the widespread calls from electorate that the incumbent, Hon. Anamero Dekeri deserves to be re-elected for the next dispensation. Accordingly, others are allegedly raising funds to purchase for him, Expression of Interest Form. Much so because he is loved by his people and has performed beyond expectations and speculations. Furthermore, they point to numerous projects executed by the Honorable Member. They further assert that DANCO has delivered nearly all the campaign promises made to the people of Etsako in Edo north in 2023.
These gargantuan performances both legislatively, infrastructurally, and empowermentally made people to robustly argued that Anamero’s performances in just less than 3 years in office perhaps surpasses the entire work done in a given life span of 8 years in office when compared with his predecessors’, stressing that facts exist to substantiate their assertions.
While the debate over Anamero’s score card ranges, the House of Representatives Member has assured, his best is yet to come, emphasizing that he poised to doing more. From 2022 until now, over 100 projects have been completed, jobs facilitated, multiple empowerment successfully accomplished, and more still ongoing, albeit factual evidences.
Only last week, l read in some segments of the media that “about 8 aspirants lined up to unseat the man DANCO”. A man many acknowledged has not only performed wonderfully well sealed and delivered. I then asked myself- could this be true?. Does it makes any logical sense for these appalling figures of aspirants vying for the seat still occupied by an incumbent under same political party (APC) after visible testimonials of his stewardship? Should Etsako continued enriching the treasury of the party (APC) every election year; whereas same could be given out in charity to their immediate loved ones who desired help?
With the greatest respect to all potential aspirants (known and apparent), it is my humble suggestion that you take a second look at your aspirations. As someone knowledgeable in relevant provisions of the law having regards to their rights to vote and be voted for, l do know they’re eminently qualified to constest the office by all standard. But for the healthiness and standing order in the polity, allowing incumbent continue and complete tenure of office seems to me, the very best safeguard.
Different opinion polls around Etsako aptly favoured Anamero Dekeri’s for second term. This position is further reaffirmed by his recent endorsement by the APC leaders and party structure in the Federal Constituency on 28th December, 2026. I therefore strongly advise the party should maintain that statusquo as a caveat against any other aspiring aspirant for the race. This will douse tension and sustain stability.
Going forward, the incumbent will require to do more to close ranks. Like in law, relevancy is crucial. That is what every politicians desires too. Honorable DANCO must play the good man, massage their egos and play his cards well for smooth ride to the Green Chamber for second term by 2027. Aside the ideas adduced above, continous interactions with central and zonal leaders of the Federal Constituency is crucial towards gaining all inclusive support before party primaries. These are my candid viewpoints as an insider whose ears and eyes directly connect with the people in Etsako politics.
Listening to a disolate voice of a secondary school student appreciating the generosity of Anamero’s Annua WAEC Scholarship Enrollment program, it was overwhelming to learn that beyond the Scholarship comes with emotional reliefs for those without balls. “Thank God for DANCO, my parent could not afford enrollment fee for me and my siblings”. As a clash of history, even the Rep. Member, Honorable Anamero Dekeri himself once confirmed this at the 2023 edition of the Scholarship scheme at the Foundation’s headquarters in Ogute Oke Okpella when he narrated “that his late father could not register him for WAEC as and when due owing to inability to pay enrolment fee at Ogute Oke Secondary School in Okpella”.
This emotional trauma, according to the Rep. Member significantly shaped his philanthropical orientation, culminating in the incorporation of humanitarian Foundation-Anamero Idofe Anamero Foundation. The organization is notable for its numerous initiatives such as annual WAEC Enrollment Scholarship, empowerment for farmers, teachers, market traders, building infrastructure, final supports schemes, donations of amenities to communities across Etsako. The foundation also prioritizes welfare for the less privileged and the physically challenged throughout Edo State with main attention in Etsako.
Since 2011, Anamero Foundation has offered over 50,000 WAEC Scholarship enrollment to students with the current year being 5,000 enrollment. That is not all. Over one million (1 million) writing materials have been distributed to students of primary and secondary schools across the state during same period; while students from higher institutions have equally benefited through disbursement of tuition fees and other financial, humanitarian assistance.
May it not be that our (Etsako) “thank you” only serves momentary value without reciprocity whist we rebuke the benefactor soon afterwards. Even God our Creator reprimands us to show gratitude for His multitudinous mercies upon us. If Hon. Anamero Dekeri could demonstrate resilience in serving the good people of Etsako amidst odds, his he not entitled to a right of first refusal as it is being done in other climes? Etsako people should pause, and reflect over this.
Okpella people appreciates the rare privilege to represent Etsako at the Green Chamber. That, we have never taken for granted until present as captioned in my widely publicised press briefing on Saturday 25th February, 2023, when l took the liberty (on behalf of OkpellaAPC) as erstwhile Campaign Director on Media & Communication to deeply extend appreciation to the leaders including comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Alhaji Abubakar Akokhia, Mallam Gani Audu, Alh. Jim Garba, Alh. Shamac Okwilagwe, Chief Richard Lamai, Barr. Muhammed Okpafi, and other eminent leaders of APC Etsako Federal Constituency for the massive turnout of voters on election day. I also personally commended Engr. Abubakar Momoh, Hon. Godwin Esheshi, Aremiyau Mbakwe, Hon. Johnson Oghuma, Muhammed Bawa, all of whom had contested the primaries with Hon. Anamero Dekeri some months earlier. With utmost humility and respect, l’m still reaffirming that appreciation today to every APC leaders in their respective order within Etsako federal constituency to allow OKPELLA continue and complete their tenure until 2031 (Insha Allah).
To say there are no figment of resentments may be illusionary. But in politics, we disagree to agree. Leaders manages the rest. While l must appeal to the conscience of the very eminent sons and daughters who now seek to contest the Etsako House of Representatives with the incumbent (as it were in 2022) in exercise of their constitutional and legal rights, it is my respected submission the aspirants que behind OKPELLA (Anamero Dekeri) for Second Term. This will help consolidate his blueprint for the constituency. This approach, not only will it benefit the APC, but save individual’s scarce resources, build cohesion and strengthen political bond to confront any opposition by February 2027.
May the Almighty offer us the fortitude to console and heal ourselves.
Embassy- Oseni MOMODU
LFP, B.A, LL.B. writes from Abuja, Nigeria. He can be reached via osenixyz@gmail.com or +2348120567606