By Amb Princess Asha Okojie
My name is Princess Asha Okojie, and I am an aspirant for the Edo 2024 gubernatorial election. I would like to begin by extending my heartfelt condolences to the families who tragically lost their loved ones in Koko junction on Nigeria's Independence Day.
Each life lost in that incident was a brother or sister, a father or mother, a son or daughter. These deaths are senseless and preventable, leaving behind a void that can never be filled – missed birthdays, school days, work, anniversaries, and all the moments that should have been. This tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the perilous state of our roads. Without delving into political discourse, we all recognize the harsh reality we face.
I wish to draw attention to the fact that as Edo people, we have become somewhat desensitized to the prevailing mass psychosis and self-denial that plague our state. It's high time that we, as mothers, unite in a collective voice to fight for the welfare and well-being of our families, our children, and our parents. We must cease playing politics with the lives of our citizens.
Our children are perishing or falling victim to violence on a daily basis. Their futures are being pawned off to the highest bidder, and their hopes and dreams are being cut short by inadequate leadership. Regrettably, we have become our own obstacles, stifling our own destiny. Edo people deserve better, and I firmly believe that we can achieve better.
I aspire to be a governor for all, irrespective of political affiliations. In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., "We are all tied together in the single garment of destiny." Together, we can do better for the people of Edo state. In my administration, I will prioritize the repair of all state and federal roads to eliminate the death traps that plague our citizens. I will foster open lines of communication with both federal and local levels of government to build mutually beneficial relationships for the betterment of Edo people. During my first term, there will be no bad roads, and a culture of maintenance will be established.
I challenge you to be your brother's keeper, to rediscover your conscience and empathy. We find ourselves in a metaphorical mental asylum, and Edo state is on life support. Our society has lost its empathy, and our government appears to be in a state of inertia.
Why do we harbor hatred for one another? Why do we revel in each other's misfortunes? Why do we oppress our fellow citizens? Our ancestors fought for a better generation, but instead, we have been divided and conquered, a division that was sown during colonization long before our time. Democracy was designed to ensure transparency and accountability but has been turned against us by our oppressors.
We are losing a generation before our very eyes, and today, I plead with the people of Edo state. Whether it's your current home or the home for those who left in search of better lives, let us collectively work towards restoring Edo to its former glory. It is in this spirit that I urge caution in choosing the next governor. We need a leader with character and a strong will, someone who understands the needs of Edo state.
We must not be blinded by the belief that lavish spending is the measure of a good leader. Some of the greatest leaders in history were selfless individuals who changed the world through their actions, not their possessions. Jesus, Mother Teresa, and even Barack Obama, whose father hailed from Kenya, did not have grand homes but left indelible marks on the world by impacting lives.
While some of our ignorance can be attributed to hunger, poverty, and illiteracy, we must remember that it takes a village to raise a child, for we are a resilient people. In this upcoming election, character, trust, transparency, integrity, empathy, loyalty to the people of Edo, compassion, selflessness, and kindness are all on the line, as well as the future of our children.
I firmly believe that together, as resilient, caring, and hardworking individuals, we can overcome these challenges. It is time for a new direction, a new vision, and a commitment to building back better.
Post a Comment