Edo North 2015: Ihonvbere, Momoh, Obende battle for Senate

As the people of Edo North Senatorial District prepare for the next general elections, Correspondent OSEMWENGIE OGBEMUDIA examines the strengths and weaknesses of the senatorial aspirants in the zone.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has not lifted the ban on political campaigns. But, aspirants for the Senate in Edo North District have designed other methods to sensitise and mobilise the people, ahead of the next general elections. Consultations are going on. Aspirants are organising campaigns through town hall meetings, village square meetings, visits to traditional rulers and community leaders and public rallies.

Many factors will shape the senatorial contest. They include the popularity of the political parties, the antecedents of the contestants, their performance on their present assignment and zoning. The aspirants include Senator Domingo Obende, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, Hon. Abubakar Momoh, and Francis Alimhikhena.

Obende

Senator Domingo Obende was elected in 2011 on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). He is now a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He is seeking a fresh term. Obende is the first senator from Akoko-Edo, Edo North. The other important blocs in the district are Etsako and Owan. The senator is campaigning, based on his achievements in the last three years. He said that he has attracted some projects to the area, sponsored Christians and Muslims on pilgrimage to Jerusalem and Mecca and organised skill acquisition training for some constituents. In particular, Senator Domingo also said that he is not a bench warmer in the Upper Chamber. He has sponsored the bill, which criminalised same sex marriage in the country.

Many stakeholders are grumbling that Obende is scheming for a second term. It appears that they are not impressed by his performance as a lawmaker. This is evident in the way the Akoko-Edo political leaders and stakeholders boycotted the meeting he called at his residence recently. It has been alleged before the meeting that the senator is not accessible. Although his supporters pointed out that he attracted some projects to the district, critics have saod that the projects were sited in his local government of origin, leaving the remaining five councils in the cold. They have also questioned the quality of the work done by the senator’s project contractors.

Stakeholders have also rejected the argument of Obende’s supporters that Owan (East and West) and Etsako (Central, East and West) axis have at one time or the other produced senators. But, this argument is true. From 1999 to 2007, Senator Kasim Oyofo from Etsako was enjoyed the slot. From 2007 to 2011, Senator Yisa Braimoh from Owan also served in the National Assembly. But, powerful politicians are still ganging up against Obende, who a source said, lacks the backing of Governor Adams Oshipmole for a second term.

Momoh

Abubakar Momoh, an engineer, is a member of the House of Representatives. He is representing Etsako Constituency, which consists of Etsako Central, Etsako East and Etsako West. The story of Abubakar Momoh is very well known to stakeholders in Edo North. He is a popular politician and he has grassroots support. He is also perceived as a rich person.That may be the reason he is seeking promotion to the Senate. Momoh took off as a Supervisory Councillor. Later, he served as the Chairman of Etsako East Council. For eight years, he was a member of the House of Assembly. But, his opponents believe that he has not performed very well in the Lower Chamber. In fact, they have alleged that he is playing the ethnic card. This may be a vague reference to the meeting of the Etsako people he hosted in Auchi, along with Alhaji Usman Shagadi, for the purpose of selling the “Etsako Agenda”. The agenda is to mobilise the people of Etsako to endorse him as the consensus candidate. The Shagadi/Momoh calculation is that the Etsako are more in population than other three local governments-Owan East, Owan West and Akoko-Edo.

Critical stakeholders, including top party leaders his Etsako East, have pointed out that playing the ethnic card amounted to mediocrity. They also accused Momoh of selfishness. Only a few school blocks, according to them, have either been built or renovated in the last three years by Momoh in the three local government areas he represents. Even in Etsako, stakeholders say the federal legislator lacks the support of his people in Etsako East where another aspirant, Francis Alimhikhena, has been tipped for the position.

Alimhikhena

A retired soildier and lawyer, Francis Alimhikhena is in the race for the third time. He is therefore, a veteran aspirant. He has built political structures, which he can rely on in the APC. He is popular in Etsako East. Alimhikhena may enjoy the sympathy of some critical stakeholders.

Ihonvbere

An economist and political scientist, Prof. Ihonvbere is the Secretary to the Edo State Government. He was the Special Adviser, Project Monitoring and Evaluation to President Olusegun Obasanjo from 2003 to 2007 during which period he developed a wide network of contacts locally and internationally. An accomplished and erudite scholar, Ihonvbere was student union leader and has remained a life member of the student union government. He is a teacher, researcher, human rights and pro-democracy activist.

The Professor changed platform in 2012 after he was short-changed by the PDP in his quest for the governorship ticket of the party. He was indeed the front runner in the race for the ticket. Coming over to the APC, Prof. Ihonvbere brought with him thousands of supporters to swell the ranks of the party. His ability to communicate, integrity, accessibility, selfless disposition and political ability have become assets not only for the prosecution of his ambition but also to the party.

Prof. Ihonvbere, has set up the Julius Ihonvbere Foundation, has to give a helping hand to the needy in Edo North. Many youths and women have benefitted from the educational and empowerment programmes. Stakeholders say Ihonvbere is a tested and trusted politician, who is prepared for the task of representing the district. This is why it was easy for him to secure the endorsement of four local government areas. These are Akoko-Edo, Owan East and Owan West. He also has the backing of some leaders in Etsako Central, East and West. His credential place him above other aspirants to the senatorial seat.

Edo North 2015: Ihonvbere, Momoh, Obende battle for Senate