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  OPINION: Sobe People Deserve an Apology for the Speaker's Statement By Hon. Daniel Asekhame The reported response credited to the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, telling a concerned citizen to "go and contest if you want to fix the light" after an appeal over the prolonged blackout in Sobe is deeply disappointing and, if accurately reported, deserving of an apology. Public office is built on service. Citizens have every constitutional and moral right to draw the attention of their elected representatives to the challenges confronting their communities without being ridiculed or dismissed. Asking for electricity, good roads, quality schools, or employment opportunities is not a political offence—it is a legitimate expectation of governance. For years, Sobe has struggled with inadequate infrastructure and other developmental challenges. The community deserves empathy, engagement, and practical solutions, not comments that could ...

  Opinion: The Growing Political Realignment in Edo State and What It Means for the Future Recent political developments in Edo State continue to demonstrate that many citizens and organized groups are rethinking their political choices. The courtesy visit by the Arewa community leadership to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is one such development that deserves attention. Beyond the symbolism, it reflects a growing desire among Nigerians to identify with political platforms they believe can provide credible leadership and a better future. What stood out during the engagement was the emphasis on inclusiveness. Rather than encouraging political activities limited to a particular ethnic or regional group, the ADC leadership advocated for a broader approach that accommodates every segment of society. This is the kind of politics Nigeria needs—one that builds bridges instead of walls and unites people around common values and shared aspirations. The discussion on fairness, equi...

Iuleha: A Community of Rich Heritage, Royal Aspiration and Enduring Political Influence By Hon. Daniel Asekhame Owan West, Iuleha Nestled in the heart of Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Iuleha stands as one of the most historic and vibrant communities in the Owan axis. Rich in history, tradition and communal values, Iuleha has long been recognized as the largest conglomeration of communities in Owan West in terms of size and population, and has played a significant role in the socio-political, cultural and economic development of the area. The story of Iuleha is one of resilience, unity and identity. Oral traditions trace the origins of the people to Irimo, whose descendants established the three major sub-clans of Eruere, Aoma and Okpuje. Through shared markets, festivals, age-grade institutions and ancestral ties, these communities developed a strong sense of common identity that has endured through the centuries. At the heart of Iuleha's traditional institution is ...

  Opinion: Nigeria Cannot Build Democracy on Political Contradictions By Hon. Daniel Asekhame Nigeria stands at a defining moment in its democratic journey. If we truly desire a nation built on justice, accountability, and progress, then we must first be willing to look beyond our personal interests and commit ourselves to doing what is right. One of the greatest contradictions in our political system today is the disturbing spectacle of two individuals laying claim to the same executive position within a political party. Such situations have become increasingly common, creating confusion within party structures and leaving ordinary Nigerians wondering whether the political class is genuinely committed to democratic principles. Leadership is about setting examples. When politicians engage in prolonged battles over positions that should be clearly defined by party constitutions and internal democratic processes, they send the wrong message to citizens. It reinforces the percepti...

  Nigeria's Judiciary at a Crossroads: When Conflicting Judgments Raise More Questions Than Answers By Hon. Daniel Asekhame The judiciary is often described as the last hope of the common man. It is the institution entrusted with the responsibility of interpreting the Constitution, safeguarding the rule of law, and ensuring that justice is dispensed fairly and impartially. However, in recent years, a growing number of Nigerians have expressed concern over what they perceive as inconsistent judicial decisions, particularly in politically sensitive cases. Across the country, court judgments involving political parties, party leadership disputes, candidate nominations, and election-related matters have often generated intense public debate. In some instances, courts of coordinate jurisdiction have delivered seemingly conflicting decisions on similar legal issues, creating uncertainty among litigants, political parties, lawyers, and the general public. These developments have raised im...

Opinion: Endless Court Battles Are Weakening Nigeria's Democracy By Hon. Daniel Asekhame Nigeria's democracy is under increasing pressure, not only because of economic hardship but also because of the endless internal crises consuming many political parties. Today, several major political parties are facing leadership disputes and legal challenges. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has experienced internal disagreements that have found their way into the courts. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has also witnessed prolonged leadership and congress-related litigation in different parts of the country. Likewise, the National Democratic Coalition (NDC) has faced legal disputes over internal party matters. These cases are often accompanied by court orders, appeals, and, in some instances, conflicting judgments from courts of coordinate jurisdiction. Such situations create uncertainty, confuse party members and the public, and delay the resolution of political disputes. This hi...

  2027: Nigeria at a Crossroads—What Every Voter Must Consider Before Casting a Vote By Hon. Daniel Asekhame As Nigeria gradually approaches the 2027 general elections, the political atmosphere is becoming increasingly charged. Political parties are strategizing, alliances are being formed, old rivalries are resurfacing, and new contenders are emerging. The race has effectively begun. Yet, beyond the noise of political campaigns lies a more important question: What kind of Nigeria do we want to build? The answer does not rest solely with politicians. It lies in the hands of millions of Nigerian voters who will ultimately decide the nation's direction. For decades, elections have often been influenced by ethnicity, religion, political sentiments, and, regrettably, vote-buying. These factors have contributed to the election of leaders who sometimes fall short of the expectations of the people. If Nigeria is to move forward, voters must embrace a new culture of informed and respo...

Asekhame Condemns Kidnapping on Nigerian Roads, Calls for Urgent National Action By Samson Prime News Desk  Friday, July 3, 2026 Former Chairman of Owan West Local Government Area and community leader, Hon. Daniel Asekhame, has strongly condemned the increasing wave of kidnappings and violent attacks on Nigerian highways, describing the development as a serious threat to national security, economic growth, and the safety of citizens. Speaking during an interaction with journalists, Asekhame expressed concern over the growing insecurity across the country's road network, noting that many Nigerians now travel with fear due to the activities of armed kidnappers. According to him, a nation cannot attain meaningful development when its highways are unsafe and citizens are constantly exposed to criminal attacks. > "Our roads should unite us, not become paths of fear. Enough is enough. Government at all levels must take decisive action to end the menace of kidnapping and restore p...

 Nigeria's Democracy Under Siege: When Politics Becomes a Struggle for Power, Not Progress Nigeria is passing through a troubling period in its democratic journey. The confusion surrounding our political system has reached a point where the legitimacy of our democracy is constantly being challenged by conflicting court judgments, endless appeals, and political battles that seem to have no end. Almost every day, Nigerians wake up to fresh legal disputes over political parties, elections, leadership positions, and now even the deregistration of political parties. Instead of strengthening democracy, these endless courtroom contests have created uncertainty and weakened public confidence in our institutions. One day, our children will ask us what truly happened to Nigeria's democracy. They will ask why so much energy, money, and time were spent on political struggles while millions of Nigerians battled hunger, unemployment, insecurity, poor healthcare, and failing infrastructure. W...

Democracy Requires Responsible Opposition, Not Endless Agitation By Hon. Daniel Asekhame Democracy guarantees every citizen the constitutional rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and legitimate protest. These rights are fundamental and must always be protected. However, with those rights comes a corresponding responsibility to exercise them in a manner that promotes national stability, strengthens democratic institutions, and advances the collective interest of the nation. As a believer in rapid and sustainable development, I hold the view that once elections have been concluded, all legal challenges have been exhausted, and a President or Governor has been duly sworn into office, every patriotic citizen should place the country's progress above political differences. Constructive engagement should replace endless political confrontation. This is why I do not support the style of opposition politics associated with Omoyele Sowore. In my opinion, frequent calls for p...

  Akara Is Not an Economic Policy: A Response to the First Lady's Remarks By Hon. Daniel Asekhame The recent suggestion by Nigeria's First Lady that recipients of her grants should establish akara businesses has generated widespread debate across the country. While there is nothing dishonorable about selling akara—indeed, it is a respectable means of earning a living—the statement raises deeper questions about the direction of economic leadership and the scale of solutions being offered to Nigerians facing unprecedented hardship. Nigeria is grappling with soaring inflation, high unemployment, rising food prices, a weakened currency, and growing insecurity. Millions of citizens, including university graduates and skilled professionals, are struggling to survive. In this context, presenting akara trading as a major pathway to economic empowerment risks appearing disconnected from the realities confronting ordinary Nigerians. Entrepreneurship is important, and small businesses des...

  Nigeria's Highways of Fear: A Nation Under Siege By Hon. Daniel Asekhame There was a time in Nigeria when the mere mention of notorious armed robbers sent fear across the country. Names like Dr. Ishola Oyenusi and Lawrence Anini became synonymous with violent crime. Their exploits dominated newspaper headlines, and their eventual capture gave Nigerians hope that law enforcement could prevail over criminality. Today, however, the security landscape has changed dramatically. The fear that once centred on a handful of armed robbers has evolved into a nationwide crisis involving armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, and attacks on innocent travellers. For many Nigerians, embarking on a journey by road has become an exercise in faith rather than a routine means of transportation. During the 1970s and 1980s, armed robbery was the country's greatest security concern. Criminals such as Dr. Ishola Oyenusi and Lawrence Anini terrorized communities and highways, but their...

Why Nigeria Needs Stronger Security Measures to Defeat Insurgency and Kidnapping Nigeria is facing one of the most serious security challenges in its history. Across different regions of the country, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and the abduction of school children have created fear, disrupted economic activities, and weakened public confidence in government institutions. The protection of lives and property is the primary responsibility of any government, and extraordinary threats sometimes require extraordinary responses. One of the strongest arguments for a more security-focused state is the need to restore law and order. Criminal groups have exploited weak enforcement mechanisms, porous borders, inadequate intelligence gathering, and limited coordination among security agencies. As a result, terrorists and kidnappers have been able to operate in many communities with relative ease. Strengthening state authority would enable security agencies to act more decisively a...

  kidnapping of school children has become one of the most disturbing security challenges facing Nigeria in recent years. What was once considered an isolated criminal activity has evolved into a recurring national crisis that threatens the safety of children, weakens public confidence in government, and undermines the country's educational system. Across different parts of the country, particularly in northern Nigeria, armed groups have repeatedly targeted schools, abducting hundreds of students at a time. These incidents have created fear among parents, teachers, and students, forcing many schools to close temporarily or permanently. The result is that thousands of children have been denied access to education, further worsening the problem of out-of-school children in the country. The trend has also exposed weaknesses in Nigeria's security architecture. Many schools, especially those in rural communities, lack adequate protection and are vulnerable to attacks. Criminal group...

  Former Owan West Chairman Says Time Has Come for Owan and Akoko-Edo to Pursue a New Political Direction By Staff Reporter Martin ogunsuyi A major political realignment may be unfolding in Edo North as Hon. Daniel Asekhame, a two-term former Chairman of Owan West Local Government Area, has called on the people of Owan and Akoko-Edo to unite and pursue a new political direction aimed at securing greater inclusion, representation and influence in Edo State politics. Speaking on the evolving political situation in Edo North, Asekhame said the time has come for Owan and Akoko-Edo communities to reassess their political relationships and forge stronger alliances that will guarantee fairness and equitable participation in governance. According to him, the people of Owan East, Owan West and Akoko-Edo have remained loyal and dependable partners in successive political struggles over the years, contributing significantly to electoral victories and party-building efforts across the s...

  Nigeria’s political atmosphere today is charged with confusion, tension, uncertainty, and deep distrust among the citizens. Across the country, many Nigerians are asking difficult questions: Who truly represents the opposition? Which political platform can genuinely challenge the ruling establishment? And is there still any ideological direction left in Nigerian politics? The growing debate around the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the emerging influence of the NDC has further exposed the unstable nature of opposition politics in Nigeria. While the NDC has experienced a sudden boost following the association of Peter Obi with the movement, the ADC continues to quietly expand its grassroots presence across many states of the federation. Daily, more Nigerians frustrated with the traditional political order are aligning themselves with alternative platforms in search of hope and inclusion. However, the desperation by many politicians to secure power through shortcuts rathe...

  Chief Tony Alile Emerges as ADC State Chairman: A New Chapter for Edo Politics The emergence of Chief Tony Alile as the State Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Edo State marks a significant turning point in the party’s journey toward consolidation, unity, and electoral success. His emergence is not only timely but also reflective of the party’s commitment to strong leadership rooted in experience, loyalty, and grassroots connection. Chief Tony Alile is no stranger to governance and political coordination. Having previously served as Deputy Chief of Staff in Edo State, he brings with him a wealth of administrative experience and a deep understanding of the inner workings of government. His track record in public service has demonstrated competence, discipline, and an ability to navigate complex political landscapes with tact and purpose. Beyond his experience in government, Chief Alile is widely recognized as a grassroots mobilizer of uncommon capacity. Over ...

  OWAN WEST DRAWS THE LINE: NO ROOM FOR THIRD TENURE POLITICS In a decisive move that is already reshaping political conversations across Edo North, leaders and stakeholders in Owan West have collectively resolved to reject any attempt by politicians to pursue a third tenure in elective office. This position, firmly articulated under the leadership of Hon. Daniel Asekhame, reflects a growing demand for equity, fairness, and respect for established political understanding within the constituency. The resolution, which cuts across both the State House of Assembly and the Federal House of Representatives, sends a clear and uncompromising message: Owan West will not support, endorse, or vote for any candidate seeking to extend their stay in office beyond two terms. According to community leaders, this is not merely a political stance but a moral and democratic obligation aimed at preserving balance and opportunity within the political space. For years, Owan West, like many other par...

  The Third Tenure Syndrome: A Threat to Democratic Balance in Owan Politics In every thriving democracy, the strength of its institutions is measured not just by the ability to win elections, but by the willingness to respect agreements, uphold fairness, and promote equitable power rotation. In Owan politics, a troubling pattern is beginning to emerge—what can best be described as the “Third Tenure Syndrome.” This phenomenon reflects a growing tendency among political actors to overstay their welcome in positions of power, often at the expense of established understandings and the collective will of the people. At the center of this unfolding debate is Julius Ihonvbere, whose reported interest in seeking a third tenure has sparked concern across the Owan constituency. For years, there has been a widely acknowledged political understanding within the Owan bloc: a two-term limit that allows for fairness, inclusion, and the opportunity for fresh leadership. This informal yet respe...

Building a United Political Front: How to Successfully Organize a Coalition Party like the African Democratic Congress (ADC) In the evolving landscape of Nigerian politics, coalition-building has become an essential strategy for parties seeking relevance, strength, and electoral victory. The emergence and growth of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a platform accommodating diverse political interests highlights both the promise and complexity of coalition politics. While unity offers strength in numbers, it also requires deliberate structure, fairness, and discipline to sustain peace and progress. At the foundation of any successful coalition lies a clearly defined ideological direction. A coalition cannot thrive on convenience or shared opposition alone; it must be anchored on a common vision. Parties coming together under the ADC must agree on a minimum agenda that reflects shared priorities such as good governance, economic development, security, and democratic accountabil...