Sir: Nigeria as a country is at a crossroad once again. This crossroad could be the aftermath of the 2023 general elections or the seemingly lack of genuine attempt to balance the economic burden recently induced by the exchange rate of the Naira and make the country a productive nation.  The crossroad could also be the demand for or rational recognition of the quick fix to taking Nigerian citizens to the desired point and impact them positively with the much elusive dividends of democracy since 1999.

In the present Nigeria for example, there is the duplicity and prevailing predicament of weak institutions and infrastructure. On one hand, there is the section of inactive population intermittently wailing for change. On the other hand, there is a depressing, irregular, irritating and weak value of the Naira currency suffocating the involuntary import dependent Nigerian masses. These predicaments are coupled with irreversible but damaging compromise and corrupt practices in high places boldly staring everybody in the face.

Unlike the Malaysian experience under Liquan Yew for instance, Nigerians have been vexed, agitated, pleaded and have continued to struggle, begging for who to politically take the bull by the horn and make Nigeria and its nationalities a working project. Consequently therefore, we as a people with unique time-honoured values must do the needful to change the narrative beginning from Edo State. Edo because, we are fortunate to have off-season elections, and have equally been opportune to see the devastating fallouts from the February 2023 General Elections, which as at today is not blowing anybody any good.

On this premise, particularly on the burning desire to make Edo truly great and enduring project, we must demand critically examination of the forthcoming 2024 Governorship Elections and its projected outcome in the state.  To start with, Edo State in the last seven years for instance, has seen observable, substantial and certain indices of specific and ensuing direction in the area of ICT. There is also evidence of developmental ability and dependable power supply from Ossiomo Power Plant to energise society and governance.

In the area of certain policies, there is institutional sustainability drive such as Egov, EdoJobs, EdoHIS and EdoGIS as well as functional infrastructure like the Edo State Government backed Modular Refineries at Ologbo.  These and many more are part of the judicious legacies brought to life by Governor Godwin Obaseki. Edo people must not allow them to prevaricate.

To reinforce the above, Edo State citizens, irrespective of the divide, must anxiously look forward to September 2024 when we can elect Obaseki’s successor and the competent candidate who can lead Edo, based on tested theories of politics and universal welfarism.

From the foregoing therefore, Edo needs competent candidate with character, integrity and global appeal to generate for instance, agro-allied facilities that are practicable. As a state, we need functional alternative energy, enduring infrastructure, healthcare as well as social services with new technologies and production.

Above all, Edo State must be made an inclusive enclave by all and sundry, irrespective of political, social and religious beliefs. This is particularly compulsory in the formulation of legislations, policies and deterrent sanctions.

This will enable a lasting peace and prevent discretional implementation of rules, principle and theories of government agenda. Only on these sacrifices can Edo State continue to climb the hierarchy of advancement so desperately desire by its people. All these put together are part of the assignments for Obaseki worthy successor starting from November 2024.

• Oboh Sylvester is the director of Media, Edo State Ministry of Communication and Orientation.