Keep up with the latest news and be part of our weekly giveaways and airtime sharing; follow our WhatsApp channel for more updates. Click to Follow us

In the dynamic political landscape of Delta State, the true meaning of “capacity” is often lost in the noise of political rivalry and media drama. In this discourse, I, Mone Oris, find it crucial to address the misguided attack on Dr. Collins Oritsetimeyin Edema, a man whose leadership stands as a beacon of competence and service. The recent remarks by Mr. Emiko Oghomienor seem more like an attempt to diminish the light of someone who has spent years building his own path, rather than following in the shadows of others. Such attacks only serve to distract from the real issue at hand: what true leadership looks like for the people of Warri and the Itsekiri Nation.

Dr. Collins Edema has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the people of Warri, particularly during the last general election. While many sat comfortably in offices, waiting for instructions, Dr. Edema was out in the streets, working tirelessly to ensure the success of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. He was in the heart of Warri, connecting with the people, providing real solutions, and using his personal resources to ensure victory. In contrast, Mr. Oghomienor’s political career is grounded solely in his loyalty to Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi, with little to no independent track record to speak of. How, then, can someone with no proven leadership experience claim to lecture Dr. Edema on the concept of capacity?

As we approach the 2027 elections, the conversation surrounding leadership must be centered on what truly matters—results. Leadership isn’t about loud rhetoric or flashy appearances; it’s about measurable impact and the ability to bring about meaningful change. The people of Warri deserve more than empty promises and unfulfilled potential. They need a leader who will advocate for their interests with competence, integrity, and dedication, someone who can take them out of the shadows and into the light of true representation.

THE BURDEN OF CAPACITY: A REJOINDER TO THE UNWARRANTED ATTACK ON DR COLLINS EDEMA: WHY WARRI DESERVES CAPACITY OVER CLOUT

In the evolving landscape of Delta State politics, the word “capacity” is often tossed around by those who understand its spelling but not its weight. A recent public attack by Mr Emiko Oghomienor against Dr. Collins Oritsetimeyin Edema serves as a perfect case study of this phenomenon. It is a classic scenario of a man who has spent his career in the shadows of another attempting to dim the light of a man who has built his own path.

If we are to measure “capacity,” we must look at where a man stands when the stakes are highest. During the last general election, while many were content to wait for instructions in air-conditioned offices, Dr. Collins Edema was in the trenches. From the bustling markets of Warri to the riverine reaches of Warri North and South-West, he deployed his personal resources and energy to secure victory for His Excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

Contrast this with his critic, Oghomienor, whose political resume begins and ends with being a loyalist to Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi. While loyalty is a virtue, it is not a substitute for a track record. One wonders how a man who has never held an independent position of responsibility can feel qualified to lecture a PhD holder and a proven grassroots mobilizer on the meaning of capacity.

The real tragedy in this discourse is the attempt to distract the public from the elephant in the room: the legislative scorecard of the Warri Federal Constituency over the last eight years.

Leadership is not defined by the volume of one’s insults or the frequency of media drama; it is defined by measurable impact. The Itsekiri Nation deserves more than a “docile” presence in the National Assembly. We deserve advocacy that is heard on the floor of the House, representation that translates to federal projects, and a voice that does not struggle to communicate its achievements. When those in office fail to provide a visible scorecard, they often resort to using loyalists to attack anyone who represents a “New Dispensation.”

Dr. Collins Edema remains too focused on the bigger picture of the Itsekiri interest to descend into a mud-slinging match. He understands that the future of Warri must be built on competence and unity, not bitterness or the insecurities of those who see themselves as failures and expect others to follow suit.

To Mr Oghomienor and his ilk, the challenge is simple: instead of refining words to attack personalities, refine your efforts to serve the people. If the current leadership has truly performed, let the scorecard speak. Until then, silence would be a more dignified response than attacking a man whose capacity has been tested and proven, from the leadership of NAIS and NAIG to the hallowed halls of the NNPC and the Palace.

The people of Warri are wiser than they are given credit for. They can distinguish between a leader who brings value to the table and an “errand boy” who merely clears the plates. As 2027 approaches, the conversation will not be about who can shout the loudest, but who has the vision to lead the Itsekiri Nation out of the shadows and into the light of true representation.

Please don’t forget to “Allow the notification” so you will be the first to get our gist when we publish it. 
Drop your comment in the section below, and don’t forget to share the post.