Esan West LG Poll: Elect Trustworthy Candidate – Aspirant.

Julius Udin reports.

BENIN CITY-A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Prince Kelly O. Udebhulu, on Tuesday, urged Esan west local government residents to elect only candidate that is ready to work with the people into office in the yet to be announced local government elections in the state. He expressed sober concern on the deplorable road and other infrastructural decay in the local government area especially the dilapidated roads around Ekpoma, the headquarter of the council.

Kelly Udebhulu, a chairmanship aspirant in the council area, told the newsmen in Benin city that politicians, especially at the grassroots, must be passionate about the plight and welfare of the people. He said that the welfare of the people and security remained the primary responsibility of any leader in government.

“Government at the grassroots must listen to the yearnings and demands of the people and find ways to actualize them “We need to be taking everything back to the drawing board with the people. We need to develop people from the grassroots.

“It is not good to sit in our offices not knowing what happens in various communities, not inviting the people concerned —  the immediate community, to ask what are their needs,” Udebhulu said.

The aspirant said that if the party leaders and the people gave him the opportunity to serve as the chairman of the council, he would be committed to their needs. The avoidable infrastructural decay around Esan west local government areas would be issues of the past.

According to him, no decision affecting communities should be taken without recourse to the people.
 “I am coming to make Esan west local government a home for all, where everybody will belong and benefits from whatever comes from the government.

“I have seen and studied the local government in and out, the external and internal generation of revenue, its problems and solutions, so I know what it is to be a chairman in Esan west Local Government,” he said

he aspirant urged party stakeholders to ensure that exposed and capable candidate is fielded in the election once the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) fixes date.

POLITICS: I am in politics to serve my people as planned by God — Udebhulu.

Kelly O. Udebhulu

 EKPOMA-Kelly O. Udebhulu is a trained  Investigative Journalist, an alumnus of CEDAG and a prolific writer, a blogger, a known socio/cultural crusader, a politician and a businessman. Born to the family of Chief A. A. Udebhulu of Ohon-Urohi, Esan West L.G of Edo State, Nigeria. Married with children and a christian. Chairman/President, Vicuma Nigeria Limited, a construction & Investment Services Firm.

Excerpt:

Why did you go into the murky waters of politics in Nigeria?

 My main motive of going into politics is to serve my people; to bring about the dividends of democracy to the doorsteps of the people. I have seen the plights of my people and my personal or private material wealth cannot do as that from the government directly if we have workable representative in government.


So you think the person representing the constituency now is not doing enough? 

The truth is that our past and present representatives have actually done their best but I am offering myself for service to consolidate on their past achievements though their achievements are not visibly enough for the people.

How do you hope to bring government closer to the people?

 I am a young person, traveled far and wide and I feel this is a clarion call for all the young persons to come together. If we can all come together, we can make a difference. We are young in our age and this is our time. Our past leaders have done their best, let us come and let’s see what we can actually do to bring about even distribution of economic goods and services. As a politician aiming to represent my people in the next election, there are certain things I cannot do and there are certain things I can do. I hope to provide for our people, the basic infrastructure that are lacking in our communities and make our people happy.

What exactly do you want to do for your people and how will you go about it?

 I want to empower our people, build schools etc. As lawmakers, although it is not in our power to build schools but what I will do is to be in a good working relationship with the authorities in charge so that the basic social amenities required by the communities will be provided. I will ensure that the artisans, vulcanizers, hairdressers etc., are empowered with the needed tools and enabling environment to work with.

 I believe that governance should be all about the people, those who put them there. If voted into power, I hope to work with colleagues harmoniously to ensure that the welfare of our people is taken care of. Like I said earlier, our past and present representatives have no doubt done their best but their best is obviously not enough. Much still needs to be done. If you go to my community, Urohi,  it is in a sorry state, there is no development at all in the area.

What are your messages to your people?

My message to my people is that there is hope. We can achieve the better part of the dividends of democracy if I am chosen to represent in the next election. They should not use the eyes of the old politicians look at me, am a new breed of politician who have seen life and widely exposed to advanced infrastructure and amenities. I shall deliver by God's grace.

Herdsmen Attack: Tears trail the Governor Obaseki visit to Ewu.

Gov. Obaseki

Prince Kelly O. Udebhulu reports.

Ewu-Tears trail the visit of Governor Godwin Obaseki to Ewu, Esan central ocal government area of Edo state, as he tried to consoled the bereaved people from the atrocious acts of the Hausa/Fulani herdsmen and the army that shot one of the protesters in the area.

Governor Obaseki reportedly could not hold back his emotion as he tried consoled the bereaved families and friends.

Along with the governor during the condolence visit yesterday were the Chief of staff to Edo state government Mr Akenrele Taiwo, APC State party Chairman Bar. Anselm Ojezua, and Honorable member representing Esan central local government, Chief (Hon) Victor Edoror.

It is on record also that Chief Francis Inegbeniki, the Uzoya of Esan land and an APC chieftain visited the people of Ewu shortly after the ugly incidence and assured the people of government determination to put an end to the herdsmen's atrocities in the state.

It will be recalled that on Monday, 22nd May, 2017, Ewu inhabitants and friends were thrown into sober mood following the rape and murder of two women by the Hausa/Fulani herdsmen and days later, another young boy, shot on his leg by the army who was drafted to the scene of the peaceful protest organized by the Ewu youths to express their angers and concerns.

During the Governor`s speech, he revealed that the issue of herdsmen is a national security matter which needs holistic approach and assured the community that such nefarious act won't happens again as the state government already put up mechanisms to deal with the menace of Fulani/herdsmen across the state.

The Governor is highly commended by the people of Edo central senatorial district ( Esan people) for his condolence visit to the zone and his fatherly act in writing off the medical bill of the young man who was shot at the leg by the army and promised to provide assistance accordingly.

In one of the comments:

"This government of Edo state has demonstrated capacity, capability and the will to tame any and all kinds of monsters in our state. …it is high time the government directs its energy and attention to the menace of herdsmen all over Edo state.

"Our people have become hostages in their ancestral homes. They can't go about their farming businesses anymore especially at a time like this when government is encouraging people to farm",

"For the young man who was shot on the leg. You are a hero because you did not hide in one beer parlor shouting nothing “dey” happens. You came out and stood with your people. You are a hero and a reference point, your spilled blood on Ewu soil bears testimony of your gallantry and bravery. You are the real man and deserved to be celebrated" he concluded

Edo Politics- Let’s stops the blame game and face reality- Arc. Austin Ilenre Emuan.

Prince Kelly O. Udebhulu reports.

EKPOMA- Arc Austin Ilenre Emuan, advises Edo central political leaders to stop what he described as “blame game and face reality” as regards the bad state of the Edo central senatorial development and political representation.

He asserted this moodily as he dashed out from the recently held Esan hall of fame awards and summit where he was expected to deliver a lecture as Special Guest Speaker but declined to present it for reason among other reasons that the Esan traditional rulers and major stakeholders in Esan land who were his main targeted audience were conspicuously absent.

He asserted that unless political leaders abandon their political affiliations and come together to confront the challenges and fix the complains of our people, Esan people will continue to groan, adding that though things are generally difficult due to imprudence of the past, Edo central senatorial district still has many comparative advantages second to known that they can leverage if only they can focus rather than duel in cynicism occasioned by unbridled misanthropy. This according to him,

is breeding leadership crisis in different spheres which must be eradicated to allow for developmental initiatives to take root and take People from 'Poverty to Purpose'

His words: “Edo central political leadership; though experiencing difficulties because of warped and maladjusted political ideologies, still has potentials equal to known to birth a new order that will put Esan people on the path of prosperity. It is only what you read in the papers that bothers you, but most other districts are worse than Esanland but you hardly hear them groan and complain. Yes! We have our own problems but let’s join hands irrespective of political affiliations, salvage our economy and be All that we can be!

“We have the potentials, our people; particularly the youths are vibrant, daring in pursuit and resilient in goal-setting and are ever ready to excel. They should not be used as thugs by political cowards during elections, our University graduates are in dire need of jobs, our only University here needs attention greatly. My visit to the school today reveals a pitiable giant in limbo. We need good political representation. We must all work for that to happen. We cannot fold our arms, complain, criticize and do nothing. The days of armchair criticisms are over.

“We know our problems as created by the widening and compromised cohesion amongst us. We must begin to dialogue and build bridges to resolve them. Nobody should blame anybody, let’s stop the blame game and face our realities with a view to re-aligning them in tandem with our aspirations.

Breaking News! Ewu Kingdom bans cattle rearing, ask all Hausa/Fulani people to leave the land with immediate effect.

victim

Prince Kelly O. Udebhulu reports.

EWU-On Monday, 22nd May, 2017, Ewu inhabitants and friends were thrown into sober corners following the rape and murder of two women by the Hausa/Fulani herdsmen. Following the raping and killing of these two women by Hausa/Fulani herdsmen, the good people of Ewu Kingdom have placed a ban on cattle rearing/grazing and ordered all Hausa/Fulani people to leave the land with immediate effect!

 Landlords/Landladies have been directed to evict Hausa/Fulani people living in their houses. No more cattle market, cattle rearing and cattle grazing in Ewu.

The decision was unanimously reached by the people of Ewu kingdom as series of meetings by all communities that make up Ewu kingdom after the herdsmen raped and slaughtered two women in the farm of Ewu, Esan central local government of Edo state some days ago and another lad shot on his leg by the army who was drafted to the scene of the peaceful protest organized by the Ewu youths to express their angers and concerns.

The unarguably reasons for this decision as spelt out by vast majority of the inhabitants of Edo central in Edo state are as follows:

1. They are raping our wives, Sisters and Mothers.
2. They are killing our people.
3. They are destroying our farmlands and farms.
4. They are robbing our people.
5. They are kidnapping our people for ransom.
6. Our security is threatened.
7. The peace we have been enjoying in Esan is gradually being taken away by these terrorist disguising as herdsmen.
9. We are tired of losing our people to Fulani herdsmen.

Esan people are ancient militaristic, highly homogeneous vibrant agro-fishery and Edoid-speaking people living in the Edo State, South-south geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Esan people are said to be positive in outlook, creative, industrious and highly educated and are one of the Nigeria`s major ethnic groups and live primarily in Edo Central Senatorial District in Nigeria. They love peace but never dare them for a fight back mechanism; they may seem calm in time of oppression but militaristic at the right timing.

So be it throughout Esan communities against Hausa/Fulani herdsmen that make life miserable for farmers mostly.

The Genuine Children of an Esan woman and Traditional Burial rites.

Reviewed by Prince Kelly O. Udebhulu.

Esan cultural norms frown at a child that predeceased her own parents. It is often refer to as "egbakhuan"

The culture is dialectic; it imposes duty on both parents and offspring. While parents owe a sacred duty to nurture children to adulthood, it is the corresponding obligation of adult children to stay alive to celebrate their parents and conduct them through the lonely path home. That was the hint inherent in the wish of every mother to be celebrated at death, as was her grandmother's.

Esan culture has in-built flexibilities. Like every culture, Esan's culture is dynamic and admits refinement. The full panoply of requirements for burial rites are not unknown except to an alien child. For the purpose of the yet born and unborn offspring of an Esan woman, the culture requires the eldest male child, accompanied by his siblings to lead his mother home, celebrate her life and do her deserved honor. There is no exception, no waiver and no compromises expected or allowed. Instead, it is understood that a child who cannot do honor to his mother is worthless; he enjoys scant regards among his mates. civilization permits deserved cultural honor towards parents.

The flexible freedom imbued in Esan culture and which admits of extenuating factors is truly reflective of the human condition. Thus, if the right things are done, an Esan woman could rest in a convenient place, whether in his first son's house or anywhere else in the world. The persuasive argument for her interment in such an otherwise foreign land, is founded on a valid request to that end; a consideration sought and obtained by the rightful person - the first male child of the deceased Esan woman.

He may be accompanied by his age mates together with some uncles who may also be advised by coevals of the deceased. An older person to the deceased woman has no place in the delegation. An appeal to the deceased mother's people that he be granted the dispensation or permission for the remains of his mother to rest in a convenient place. It is a rare request, an exception but culturally assured that it is never refused. With due process, the mother's family would concede a few things. To refused or prevent the family this honor of consenting to the interment place amounts to disrespect and traditionally suicidal which has adverse consequences. They would certify that the convenient place is ideal. They would inquire if the convenient place is the first son's own house or not. They would not grant permission for her burial in his husband's house where his first son is not apparent heir or in the bush or dustbin.

It is worthy to note that in Esan culture, a husband does not discuss the burial rites of his late wife. It is strictly between the first male child and those younger than the deceased. Elders do not partake in all the talks about burials and do not plan the attendant cultural ceremonies.

The Grand Burial of the Century live PHOTOSPEAKS

Kelly O. Udebhulu reports.

OPOJI-Opoji in Esan central LG of Edo state stand still as High Chief (Dr) Francis Inegbeniki (Uzoya of Esan land) buries his late father, Deacon Peter Inegbeniki Idiake (aka Village "Pastor) this day.

May his soul rest in peace.