At 58, Edo State Secretary to Government Prof. Julius
Ihonvbere stands before the mirror of history.But, what the future holds
for him is more important as the succession battle rages in the
Southsouth state. MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE reports.
As Secretary to Edo State Government Prof. Julius Ihonvbere marks his 58th birthday today, he is on the weighing scale.
To many people, the political scientist from Owan West is a
professional in politics. Ihonvbere is one of the patriotic Nigerians
whose pro-democracy activities heralded the restoration of civil rule in
1999. Thus, the NationalDemocratic Coalition (NADECO) chieftain has
paid his due as a university don and activist. When he joined the
government, his past activities continued to shape his post-1999
intervention in socio-political affairs of the country.
The eminent teacher has rubbed shoulders in intellectual output with
his contemporaries in the advanced world-Canada, United States of
America andAustralia. But, in answering the call to duty, he decided to
return home to contribute to nation-building.
Today, he is the rallying point for the political class in Owan.
Ahead of 2015, the people have urged him to indicate interest in the
Senate. They believe that he will add value and make impact in the Upper
Chamber. Although there are some elements in Owan who loathe his
towering profile, the support he has also garnered from Esan Local
Government has silenced his detractors who are jealous of his popularity
and track record. A lawyer from Esan Local Government Area, who
wondered why a prophet is not honoured at home, said: “Since they don’t
know his value, Esan people need him in the next world to come”.
Grassroots politicians in the two councils have been paying homage to
Ihonvbere for his leadership qualities. Among them are councillors,
supervisors, legislators and other party leaders.
A stakeholder from Sobe, Mr. Joseph Uwaifo, said: “The number one
person we are following is Professor Julius Ihonvbere. I am from Sobe
and we know the value of good people like Ihonvbere.
Our future will
never be the same again, if we follow the right way, which is where we
are now.”
A politician, Obazee Osuma from Ward One, said that it in the
interest of Owan and Edo State that scholars like Ihonvbere should
constitute the intellectual structure of governance. Lauding the SSG for
his loyalty to a rational cause. He advised Ihonvbere to develop a
thick skin to the activities of detractors. “The divisive tendency of
our people cannot stop us. Our youths are looking up to us.
Professor
Ihonvbere is our leader. I want to appeal to him to forgive those who
may offend him.No matter the degree of offence, please ,we want you and I
personally want to beg you to take such persons as prodigal sons and
forgive them.
“Owan West cannot remain like this. But, I sympathise with you; you
are not supposed to be born here. You are supposed to be born in places
like Canada, America, Australia, but today, you are born into Owan West
and some people do not respect you or know your value. You have helped
so many of them, but they are paying you in bad coin.”
To Prince Osomaye Monday, the Majority Leader of Owan West
Legislative Arm, the SSG has the support of the local All Progressives
Congress (APC) chieftains. He said: “We are proud of our Professor.
Nobody can take him away from us to America or Canada. We are G7
Councilors out of 10 and we are solidly behind Professor Julius
Ihonvbere.”
A lawyer from Esan, Mr. Enereba, advised the people to see ihonvbere as a role model and mentor to the younger generation.
But, a politician Hon. Peter Ologun, said that the younger generation
should imbebe his ideology of progressivism. Progressivism, he said,
“is the political attitude that favours change or reforms in
governmental action; it is the act of enforcing ideas that oppose
elitism, subjectivity, conservatism and reactionary governance.
Ihonvbere believes in this school of thought.”
Ologun added: “One character that fits this bill in the contemporary
Edo State politics is Ihonvbere. He is a man of the people, a
philanthropist, teacher and a progressive politician, who has not
betrayed the trust and confidence reposed in him.”
A Senior Special Assistant on Media to Governor Adams Oshiomhole,
John Mayaki, said: “Professor Ihonvbere represents different things to
different people. To some, he is a rare writer who has authored many
books that have served and still serving the needs of readers, a
respected public commentator, opinion leader, a teacher and mentor.
“To others, he is intelligent and very bold. He is such an enigma and
a hugely successful public servant with an uncommon courage and
deter-mination to succeed.
“Professor Ihonvbere is among the few in public office who has
shunned opulence and personal aggrand-isement. He left a legacy of
honour and integrity at the Ford Foundation and the Presidency.
He is
one man who sees public office as potent weapon for social change. He is
committed to the good of the society. He is the friend of the masses.
Describing Ihonvbere as a man of the future, he advised him to be
focussed, honest and loyal to the government and people of Edo State.
“As John Maxwell, the world acclaimed authority on leadership, in his
book; The Right to Lead, asked : What gives a man or a woman the right
to lead? He provided the answer: the right to lead is not gained by
election or appointment.
Having position, title, rank, or degrees does
not come automatically from age or experience either. No, it would be
accurate to say that no one can be given the right to lead, the right to
lead can only be earned. Ihonvbere has earned the right to lead.”
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