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Response to the Article from the Office of the Honourable Member Representing the Good People of Apa-Agatu Federal Constituency

In a counter Response, Comr Paul Edoh responded to Olikita Ekani, the media aids to the hounarable house of reps (Hon. OJOTU OJEMA) over his reaction to the Comr on his call for accountability on OJEMA titled negligence to security issue of Apa/Agatu.

His response goes this:

**Response to the Article from the Office of the Honourable Member Representing the Good People of Apa-Agatu Federal Constituency**

 

I am compelled to respond to a recent article that was poorly constructed and misguided, which appears to have originated from the office of my Honourable member

It is disheartening to observe that the office of my lawmaker has been diminished by the actions of a legislative assistant who seemingly lacks the qualifications necessary to manage such a crucial aspect of his public image. This reflects not only on the individual but on the professionalism of the entire office.

I have made sincere efforts to engage with the office of the lawmaker over the past two weeks, seeking constructive dialogue and clarification on pertinent issues. Unfortunately, it is regretful that no substantial response has been forthcoming.

In the interest of transparency, accountability, and respectful communication with the constituents, I hope that moving forward, the office will prioritize constructive engagement and uphold the dignity expected of their position.

The result of employing quacks in managing sensitive offices is beginning to unveil itself.

Compared to other legislative aids in the 10th assembly, Olikita is really an embarrassment to the core.

Chief Olikita Ekani, who serves as a chief in the Ejaha community of Makurdi, Benue State, has claimed to be an indigene of Apa. However, research reveals that Chief Olikita is neither from Agatu nor from Apa. Further investigation indicates that the seven original roots of Agatu; Adogoji, Agbaduma, Achega, Ologba,Abugbe,Epe and the Non – Indigenes.

Fact has it that: they do not have any recorded ties to Olikita’s origin. Moreover, of out of eleven wards in Apa, there has yet to be any trace of Olikita’s genealogy to any community.

While the village he claimed to come from could not identify the exact location of his ancestoral grave.

Flipping through Apa’s history records, Olikita’s great ground ancestors have not traceable roots as speculated but migrated from Guma and one could wonder why Ojema chooses to surround himself with clowns who migrated from far away Eminchi community.

How can these individuals genuinely think about the progress of our land when they are not rooted in any community? It’s no surprise that Chief Olikita leads a group of blind followers in celebrating the construction of a borehole on the very day a community in Apa was ransacked by suspected Fulani herdsmen. No reasonable son of the land would celebrate while Akpete is in distress; our genuine sons of the land carry respect and compassion for their homeland.

Similarly, there was an aide of Ojema who once paraded himself as a true son of Igah-Okpaya until I exposed the truth about his origins, revealing who truly belongs to our land, separating the chaf from the weeds, One must wonder why Ojema, a recognized chief, would allow himself to be surrounded by outsider who never meant well for our dear constituency, out of mercy various communities harbored this strangers.

Chief Olikita is celebrated and holds a palace in the river areas of Benue State, but such title and name (Olikita Ekani) do not equate to genuine roots in our communities.

We extend our gratitude to our ancestors, whose procreative efforts have led to the emergence of offspring in distant lands, often through their relationships with Tiv girlfriends in the ages. This legacy explains the presence of Idoma and Agatu-speaking villages in Guma today.

 

 

If Olikita claimed not to have migrated from Guma as stated in various versions of our oral history, why then is his holding a chieftency traceable to his roots in a land other than where he is currently being paid stipends as salary.

In Olikita’s write up, he clearly stated how some persons he claimed to have related to me in one way of the other left me in the campaign of columny.

Chief Olikita should noted it that, I don’t work with any team, he may not have known me too well because he is not part of our constitutuency but for record purposes, I have been on the forefront of holding leaders accountable while he was battling with other carry over courses in Benue state university, if he Olikita had privileges to flip through national dailies of that time, he would have appreciated how my work of Art helped in shaping communities, he might not know because he was struggling to graduate.

He and his co-travelers must understand that I have always worked independently; I have never engaged in joint writing with anyone. Anyone who has fabricated stories about me collaborating in the past does so to mislead him and maybe swindle him and his team, as my name has always made headlines on its own.

I am grateful to the honourable member for clearly stating his honorable decision to address the issues I brought to his attention on the floor of the house. However, I want to emphasize that if he does not fulfill his promises, I will continue to speak on behalf of the people who elected him, without intending to harm him personally or undermine his office.

In your disorganized and poorly composed piece titled “Olikita Rejoinder to Paul Edoh,” you claimed that your boss visited the Nigerian Navy brass to solicit the establishment of a naval base in Agatu. Is it that the honorable member does not know how to present this as a bill before the House? Why is he soliciting support when he is already an elected lawmaker?

Recall that last year, Hon. Emeka Idu, the representative for Onitsha North/South Federal Constituency, moved a motion for the absorption of Nigerian Military School (NMS) graduates into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA). Hon. Ojema was passionate about this motion, as he was seen contributing significantly on the floor and stating the necessity for NMS graduates to be integrated into the NDA, you are not aware of this because you hardly stay within the complex.

Since Hon. Ojema loved this idea, he should have also channeled this muscle to lobbying for the enlistment of Apa-Agatu youths into NDA by influencing his fellow colleague, honorable chairman house committee on Nigerian army,

but he never thought it wise.

In light of his alleged visits to Affected community and various security chiefs and the distribution of handouts labeled as relief materials, he should have instead utilized this opportunity to engage with the chairman of the House Committee on Army, proposing a budgetary provision to establish a permanent Nigerian Army base in the Apa-Agtu Federal Constituency. What is the significance of his visits to soliciting for the establishment of a naval base? if he has not communicated any plans for addressing the heinous crimes committed against our people on the appropriately and using the same platform to call for budget allocation for the establishment of an army base.

Recall that his close associate, Hon. Martins Esin, organized a joint military task force last year, where local vigilantes were actively involved. During that town hall meeting, he established a committee to address security challenges and donated patrol vehicles to facilitate their movement. In stark contrast, Hon. Ojema has been reported to have donated a walkie-talkie to the Nigeria Police rather than providing patrol vehicles to enhance security in our community.

I never meant any harm on the image of the distinguished lawmaker when I compared him with his colleagues.

In the heart of a cherished community of Enone, a transformative change is taking shape gradually, thanks to the relentless dedication of Honourable Philip Agbese. Honourable member representing Ado/Obadigbo/Opkokwu.

His visionary leadership and commitment to the health and well being of the residents of Enone have culminated in the establishment of a new maternity hospital, a monumental achievement that promises to enhance healthcare accessibility for countless families.

This new facility is not merely a structure; it represents hope, compassion, and a brighter future for many expectant mothers and their newborn. With comprehensive maternal and child healthcare services, the maternity hospital stands as a sanctuary for those navigating one of the most critical phases of their lives. Honourable Agbese’s unwavering commitment to improving healthcare outcomes in the community is a testament to his deep understanding of his community needs due to his constant town hall meeting with them.

 

By investing in healthcare infrastructure, Honourable Agbese is not only addressing immediate health concerns but also laying a strong foundation for healthier generations to come. His determination to provide quality care right in Enone signals a commitment to ensuring that every mother and child benefits from the best possible medical services, this is what I desired for Apa-Agatu.

 

As we celebrate this remarkable achievement, we also recognize the potential for further positive change in these community. It is in this spirit that I kept calling upon Honourable Ojotu Ojema, a fellow first time lawmaker, to take inspiration from Honourable Agbese’s exemplary leadership. The opportunity to enhance our community lies before us, and I urge Ojema to explore initiatives that address the pressing needs of our constituents.

 

Honourable Ojema has made commendable strides through initiatives like the 400 Education Support Scheme for students in Apa-Agatu. While Ojema’s effort is admirable, there is an opportunity to expand upon the successful model established by Honourable Agbese’s 1,200 Back to School Support Program, a testament to inclusivity and equal opportunity in education. By ensuring support reaches all children, regardless of their family’s circumstances, we can uplift our entire community and cultivate a brighter future for our youth by emulating other visionary leaders.

While Ojema’s aid is busy celebrating the gift of N50 stipend to students who sings praises of the honourable member daily on Whatsapp, Agbese is busy donating HP laptop to students of his constituency and empowering them with modern skill in the world of ICT.

Regarding my age, I find it quite shameful for a lawmaker’s office to stoop so low as to engage in personal attacks rather than focusing on the pressing issues at hand. This behavior reflects a significant degree of incompetence on the part of his media handlers, who seem more interested in deflection than in engaging in meaningful discourse.

From your vacuous media response, you explicitly claimed that nobody stands with me. Allow me to clarify: I have never for once work as part of a formal team, and any group that claims affiliation with me is doing so with the intent to mislead and deceive you and your boss. It is crucial to understand that my voice in this matter is solely that of the constituents of Apa-Agatu.

I represent the people who braved inclement weather, be it rain or the scorching sun to fulfill their civic duty and vote, you see why is not easy to buy me over Like the rest?

 

I stand independently, advocating for the needs and concerns of the Constituency. My singular focus is on the welfare of my constituents, and I have always acted in their best interest without the backing of a so called team. It is the collective voice of the people that I amplify, not the agendas of any organized group.

Therefore, I urge the representatives of the media and my lawmaker to engage in constructive dialogue rather than resorting to personal attacks. By doing so, we can collectively address the real issues affecting our constitutioncy and work towards effective solutions that will benefit the people we serve.

 

I still remain comrade Paul G Edoh Jr. Mnst Aispon, Mnapps.

A constituents member and the chief. Advocate of Power Rotation in Apa-Agtu federal constituency of Benue

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