We Must Hold Politicians Accountable – Barr. Iyawe At Edo National Convention

Los Angeles – By Alltimepost.com

Edo National Association Worldwide (ENAW) Council of President Chairman, Barrister Dickson Iyawe has called on all Edo people to hold politicians accountable for their stewardship to the state.

Barr. Iyawe made the call in his welcome address at the three-day annual Edo National Convention, attended by several dignitaries, including Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State in Los Angeles California, United States of America on Saturday August 5, 2015.

He told the gathering of Edo people from various parts of the world that they can no longer sit on the fence and stressed the need for them to take a strong stance on the caliber of people that are elected into public offices.

Barrister Iyawe urged everyone to get involved in the political process of the state wherever they are, with special focus on the upcoming election in the state, saying: “If we do not, then we have no business complaining about what they do or did not do.”

“Fight for elections and not selections. Fight for an election that is free of fraud and intimidation. Fight for “One Man One Vote, he advised.

“The election of officials that will govern and represent Edo State is a big deal and your involvement in it will help elect the right leaders.

“You can do this by staying involved and getting your friends and family members to get involved. Study the subject matter and provide advice as needed.”

With reference to the struggle for Nigeria’s independence, he told Edo people in the Diaspora that they have the power to affect elections in Nigeria irrespective of where they live.

“His words: Remember that the fight for the Independence of Nigeria started on the campuses and streets of London and it spread to Nigeria. You can do the same here.

“Tell your people to vote. Tell them to listen and participate only in a politics of hope for all Edo people; “all of us must pay attention to the discussions and we must hold politicians accountable.”

He commended Convention Committee Chairman, Mr. Sonny Okundolor, President of host club, NEDOYE, Nosa Enobakhare and all members of Edo Association of Southern California “for hosting the Council of Presidents meeting in April and now hosting all of us in the convention.”

He also thanked the National President of ENAW, Mr. Franklin Omoruna and his executive for an excellent job and all members of the Council of Presidents for their commitment and unwavering support for ENAW.

Barr Iyawe enumerated the achievements of ENAW over the past few years of the current administration in the face of series of challenges.

“The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant….”

He reminded ENAW members of the sacrifices and perseverance in steering the organization’s ship in the right direction and the need to not only sustain, but consolidate on such achievements.

“ENAW has endured a lot over the years and “we must ensure that the successes and stability created by the current administration in the past 3 years are not squandered.

“We must get past the ills of yesterday and focus on the promise of tomorrow.”

He advised those who will seek offices next year in the organization to medicate seriously on their ambitions with a lot of consultations to be better prepared for the enormous challenges of leadership ahead.

“The next time I see a lot of the members of the Council of Presidents and other leaders of ENAW, we will be holding elections for various positions.

“The task of running this great organization will be left in the hands of a few of you. For those who are seeking office, I ask you to think about what you are trying to get into because the challenges are enormous and you are about to take on an organization like no other.

“Consult with your family first because you will need their support daily. Talk to your friends, solicit their support.

“Come up with a strategy on how to do the job that you are seeking and display a character that will show that you can govern.

“This, rather than a strategy to win the election will be a better path to get you elected. Your character will always come out at some point.

“Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without the strategy.”  This, according to him, is what ENAW need.

Barr. Iyawe stressed the need for all Edos so see ENAW as an umbrella organization for all people of Edo extraction and appealed to them to come together and work with the organization for the advancement of the state.

“Our destinies are inextricably woven together and that dictates that we must come together. Our history tells us that our origins are tied to Edo Kingdom and we were Edo people long before States were formed.

“ENAW has reached out as an organization and we must continue to talk and iron out any and all differences.

“Our elders and traditional leaders have called on us to do this and I place a clarion call for all of us to sit down and address any issues that we might have.

“This is a legacy that we must leave for our future leaders. Do not let this opportunity pass us by. We are one people and shall remain one,” he said.