3 hours ago
22
By Zika Bobby
Right Honourable Friday Obomezele Itulah was a speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly and a two-term member of the House of Representatives. He started off in active politics as a councillor. He ventured into politics after serving the presidency between 1989 and 1990 as a Social Mobilisation Officer in the defunct Directorate of Social Mobilisation (DSM), MAMSER, during the transition programme of former military President, General Ibrahim Babaginda (Rtd).
In this interview, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aspirant spoke on why he believes he is the most reputable and qualified among those contesting to represent Edo Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly, in the 2025 Senatorial by-election. He said his constituents will benefit from his quantum of representation based on his vast experience and plans to be very visible in the Red Chamber. He spoke on other issues of interest.
Excerpts:
What makes you stand out among the contestants for the senatorial seat in the forthcoming by-election?
Without the fear of sounding immodest, I stand head and shoulder taller than anybody else, figuratively speaking in the race today across the major political parties in terms of legislative experience. I was a councillor in the local government legislative council, I was a two-term member and speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, a legislative house, and two- term member of the House of Representatives.
Again, the number of bills and motions I sponsored and moved in these legislative houses are numerous and there for perusal by anyone. I attracted numerous projects across all sectors and sub sectors across my federal constituency and beyond. Again, these are also there for anybody to verify. Section 4 of the Nigeria Constitution, 1999, as amended, established the National Assembly with the powers to legislate for the country as a whole or any part thereof. I am a philosopher, public administrator, and lawyer. All of these put together stand me out in this race to fill the vacancy for the senatorial by- election for Edo Central Senatorial District, occasioned by the election of our current governor, who was the last occupant of the seat.
What are you going to do differently from those who were there before you, and what do you think are the crucial needs of the people of Edo Central Senatorial District?
Experience, they say, is the best teacher. I have keenly followed the representation of the district by those who have been there before now. I have been very familiar with all of them since the beginning of this 4th Republic viz: Senator Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor (1999-2007), Senator Magnus Odion Ugbesia ( 2007-2015), Senator Engineer Clifford Akhimiemona Ordia (2015–2023) and Senator Monday Okpebholo (2023 -12th November 2024). I am conversant with the records of their achievements and I also know the areas where improvements can be made and having lived in the Senatorial District all along.
I make bold to say that I know the problems of the district and I will strive relentlessly to attract the dividends of democracy to the senatorial district. Roads, bridges, and other infrastructure will be given priority. Other areas such as portable water supply and the environment will also be topmost on my agenda. Health, education, agriculture, and security will also be prioritised. In the area of poverty alleviation, we shall double our efforts to provide the enabling environment for industrialisation, which addresses the issue of mass unemployment, a very sore area. Industrialisation will usher in mass employment for our young unemployed graduates and even school leavers alike.
I will be very visible in the Parliament in terms of lawmaking, which is my primary duty. I will contribute immensely to debates on national issues from day one and I will ensure the district is not shortchanged. I am aware that lobbying is a potent weapon in legislative business, therefore, I will deploy the skills to strategically place the district at an advantage all the time.
Under a free, fair, and transparent election, do you think you stand the chance of emerging victorious at the poll?
Yes! I will emerge victorious at the poll. In my previous outing as a member of the House of Representatives, the people really benefitted greatly from my representation. The dividends of democracy were in abundance and they were evenly distributed in my constituency. Owing to my good representation, the people have since been yearning for another opportunity to have me represent them again. This is so because my representation was devoid of discrimination on party affiliation, religious belief, place of birth, or the likes. My representation will be colour blind. Rich or poor, everyone will want to have Itulah again. So, to that extent, I am confident that I will be victorious.
What is your stand on the Agbazilo and Okpebholo agreement of power rotation? Why is the agreement no longer working in your thinking, and what is the best way forward?
The unwritten power rotation in the Edo Central Senatorial district should be encouraged. I say so because such an understanding breeds harmony and unity in the district. The principle of federal character is embedded in it. The agreement is working. This was brought to bear in the meeting held at Chief Tom Ikimi’s residence in Benin City on the 14th of December, 2024 which resulted in the ceding of the senatorial by election seat to Esan North-East Local Government Area, Uromi vide a motion moved by Sen. Magnus Odion Ugbesia, which was unanimously supported.
How will you score Okpebholo’s 100 days in the office?
I plead to be spared in responding to this question. As a partisan politician, my assessment will not be perceived as unbiased.
Why, in your opinion, do you think the tribunal has to be taken to Abuja, and is it right for it to be taken to Abuja?
Well, I believe the tribunal sitting was relocated to Abuja for obvious security reasons.
Can you describe the security challenges in Edo State presently, especially the kidnapping, cult war, etc?
The security challenges in our dear state are still very daunting and should be of concern to all. I see the recent law enacted by the Edo State House of Assembly titled: The Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition Law) 2025, as a right step in the right direction in addressing this issue if vigorously implemented. It is one thing to make a law and another to implement same.
Can you take us through your achievements as a lawmaker that makes you think you are deserving of a comeback to the National Assembly?
My achievements span across Edo Central Senatorial District, and they are verifiable. They include Eko-Ibadin Electrification Scheme, building of primary school at Ukpeko Ebhoyi, building and donation of Comprehensive Health Centre at Obeidu, electrification of Uzea community, donation of vehicles to security agencies across my constituency, donation of transformers to communities, construction of a block of classrooms, VIP toilet and furniture at Okhuesan Primary School, Esan South East council, and provision of 110 laptop computers with e-learning facilities at the prestigious Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, provision and donation of 110 computers to Girls Model Secondary School, Ubiaja, Esan South East, provision of Solar Street lights at Ewohimi ward 2, Esan South East, provision of borehole at Ohordua, Esan South East, provision of borehole at Ewatto Esan South East.
Apart from all the above, I have moved motions on the deplorable condition of the Ewossa-Ekpon Axis of the Uromi Agbor Road in Igueben and rehabilitation of Ewu-Uromi Road, Esan Central/Esan North East LGAs, among others. I am the man for the job.
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