2023: Fallacy of thought, No written agreement, regard Orhionmwon/Uhunmwonde zoning, Hon. Ativie's 2019 adventure as a witty case study

Do you know that Uhunmwonde has produced two Senators since 1999, Orhionmwon cannot boast of one?

*By: Goodluck Osama Ogbeide

Setting the record straight on the purported contentious zoning arrangement between  constituents of Uhunmwonde and Ohrionmwon, which in synergy constituted the Orhionmwon/ Uhunmwonde Federal Constituency and the allegations that it's the turn of Uhunmwonde. 

 No doubt, we respected the view of other stakeholders in the constituency for making their position known, but it is also imperative to do justice to the allegation, most especially as the 2023  National Assembly election draws near.

This article is a personal response, to a recent publication birthed by a fellow colleague, Hon. Raphael E. Onaiwu, where he used the  exclusive interview granted by Uhunmwonde born Elderstateman, Hon. Charles Idahosa in 2019, during the last National Assembly elections as a case study. 

It is expedient to clear the air, that mutual understanding which existed between landlords and tenants cannot stand in lieu of Law of tenancy.  There was absolutely no written document which backs the acclaimed running/ zoning consensus in Orhionmwon and her sister Local Government, Uhunmwonde. 

Let me quickly remind the General Public that the mutual understanding was not only for House of Representatives, but also for Senate. That particular year (1999) of  the mutual understanding,  Orhionmwon's Rt. Hon. Pius Egberamwen Odubu finds his way to the House of Representative, between (1999-2003),  while Senator Roland Owie of Uhunmwonde where in the Senate seat. between (1999-2003), Hon. Samson Osagie of Uhunmwonde (2007-2011)  Don't forget, Senator Daisy Ehanire Danjuma was also a Senator from Uhunmwonde who represented Edo South Senatorial District between (2003 to 2007). Our question is simple, which of the Local Government Area is supposed to have produced a Senator, following the Population, geographic landmark. It will be fair and just for Orhionmwon who have not gotten a glimpse of Senate to continue from where Rt. Hon. Patrick Aisowieren (2011-2023) stops. This is because you cannot compare the marginal profits of the Senate to the House of Representatives. 

It's obvious Orhionmwon has been sidelined and marginalized. Orhionmwon does not forbid the Senate Crown, hence,  Orhionmwon is fit to produce both the Senate and House of Representatives.

No doubt, the duo are siblings of same flesh with mere understanding for years, until Uhunmwonde born, Hon. Elizabeth Ativie reminded the duo about the unwritten agreement. For the record, that Hon. Charles Idahosa reacted and countered Hon. Elizabeth Ativie in 2019 with the video running down social media, doesn't mean that there was an agreement, it was only an understanding of purpose and Orhionmwon which remains one of the largest Local Government Area in Edo reserves the right to contest in the nextdoor  National Assembly election. We have: Uhunmwonde, Orhionmwon South and Orhionmwon East constituency. Uhunmwonde produced Rt. Hon. Samson Osagie, Orhionmwon East produced Rt. Patrick Aisowieren and it's the turn for Orhionmwon South.

For Hon. Ativie to have contested in the Primary of the last National Assembly election was a sign and crystal clear indication that there was nothing like written agreement, which automatically makes it a prerogative for both aspirants of Orhionmwon and Uhunmwonde to contest the primary election to produce the next candidate for the sake of equity, fairness and justice in the next door 2023 National Assembly election. It didn't just end there, Uhunmwonde did not stop challenging Orhionmwon, Uwamose also went to the Supreme Court challenging the victory of Aisowieren. With this fact, was there no zoning? And how many people called them to order that it was Orhionmwon's position.

The answer to this question will automatically seal this topic, "If Hon. Ativie had won 2019 National Assembly primary as keenly contested when Rt. Hon. Patrick Aisowieren secured the party's ticket via primary polls, what would had been the fate of other aspirants like Rt. Hon. Aisowieren? The answer is simple, she would had simply go ahead to represent the party as the flag bearer. No cause for alarm, because it was a mutual agreement and was not binding"

As buttressed by Hon. Raphael Onaiwu, when he said "In recognition of the historical affinity and the need to foster peace and unity among the two LGA's,the then political leaders from both LGA's met in 1999 and entered into a mutual agreement that the House of Representatives seat for Uhunmwonde and Orhionmwon Federal Constituency should go to Orhionmwon LGG where Hon Pius Odubu was elected by the firm supports from Uhunmwonde and Orhionmwon people. Following the agreement between this two LGA's,it is only wise for equity, fairness and Justice and etceteras"

Without mincing words, such statement is not supposed to have been unveiled in a society where intellects dwells. Mutual understanding remains a verbal discussion outside law, and not binding, except the writer or advocate of this assumption, have a written document to ascertain their proof and I however challenge them to tender the documents for Public perusal.

One vital aspect that some members of the public are not aware of is that Orhionmwon is a big Local Government Area, which is divided into two constituencies; Orhionmwon South and Orhionmwon East, unlike Uhumwonded  whose size, landmark and population is smaller in all ramifications. 

For the sake of clarity of purpose, I am not concerned whether Orhionmwon South nor Orhionmwon East must have the slot, but as a man who believes in the principles of justice and fairness, I am of the standpoint that all aspirants should wear a 'tug of war' mindset ahead of the primary, where the strength and capacity x_ rayed in the field determines the winner. 

Furthermore, I urge all aspirants to keep convincing the electorates with issue based technique via verifiable and compelling achievement and not tongue lashing to twist arm the brain of the electorates, as the people of Orhionmwon and Uhunmwonde are wiser to distinguish between 'Mr. Project and Mr. Talk'

2023 is not a year to accommodate noise makers who cannot lobby  to attract projects home. It's a year to choose vibrancy, sagacity, intellectuality and goal oriented individual full of effective deliverables. 

It is often said that those who are not fit for position or trust their capabilities will rely on fetish excuses like zoning and brainwashing. The people of Orhionmwon and Uhunmwonde are ready to vehemently oppose any form of redundancy and embrace vibrancy.

_I am Goodluck Osama Ogbeide, a Nigerian Author, Journalist and Public Affairs Analyst,  former Chairman of Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Edo State Chapter_

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