SENATORIAL MANIFESTO of Egheomhanre
Emmanuel Eyieyien: PDP Senatorial Aspirant for Edo Central District 2015
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1. WHY I AM RUNNING FOR SENATE IN 2015
I believe the Legislature is the
Bedrock of Democracy and provides an untapped opportunity to make a positive
difference through people-centric legislation and effective oversight of the
Executive arm of government which will engender the rule of law, prosperity,
equity, justice, progress, peace and true national unity.
But the enterprising, vibrant, intelligent, resourceful and good-natured people of Edo Central Senatorial District (who are Esan) have not been well represented in the Senate since 1999. This is unfair and a disservice to my people. Consequently, by God's Grace, I am presenting myself to my people in Edo Central Senatorial District for election into the Senate in 2015.
But the enterprising, vibrant, intelligent, resourceful and good-natured people of Edo Central Senatorial District (who are Esan) have not been well represented in the Senate since 1999. This is unfair and a disservice to my people. Consequently, by God's Grace, I am presenting myself to my people in Edo Central Senatorial District for election into the Senate in 2015.
My campaign will be based on issues
with emphasis on economic development, empowerment of the people through
education and economic opportunities, accountability and integrity in
governance (zero-tolerance for corruption). We need a New Way of Politics in
Edo State and Nigeria. Sitting in the shadows and lamenting from the flanks
will not bring the change we all yearn for.
Most people worry about people they perceive as "good" going into politics because of the lure of money. And, indeed, many have fallen and joined the plunderers of our nation. By God's Grace, I overcame the Money Trap a very long time ago. Money does not motivate me. It is merely a tool for good. Mammon has no hold on me. This for me is about service; selfless service unto God and the people of Esanland. And there is Grace for this race.
Most people worry about people they perceive as "good" going into politics because of the lure of money. And, indeed, many have fallen and joined the plunderers of our nation. By God's Grace, I overcame the Money Trap a very long time ago. Money does not motivate me. It is merely a tool for good. Mammon has no hold on me. This for me is about service; selfless service unto God and the people of Esanland. And there is Grace for this race.
It will be well with Esanland. Esan di fure!
2.
AN INTRODUCTION: WHO I AM
My name is Egheomhanre Emmanuel Eyieyien. Most people know me as Eghes.
I grew up to find that my Mum had shortened my first name, which in the Bini
language means “My Time Has Come”, by adding an “s” to the first four letters.
I was born on 29th April, 1967, in St. Camillus Hospital, Uromi, in the
then Midwest Region (now Edo State), to late Deacon Fidelis Ewaleifo Eyieyien
of Uhondughe Clan of Egbele, Uromi, and Mrs Martha Eroboman Eyieyien (nee
Ogbodaga) of Uzenema Clan of Arrue, Uromi. I am the first of two sons.
I am the Group Chief Executive Officer of Pharez Limited. I founded the
Company in April, 1998, with the support of six other promoters and we have
since grown to have subsidiary companies involved in Ratings, Business
Consulting, Human Capital Development and Training, and Investments.
I had my primary education in Government School, Uromi, from 1972 to
1974 and St. Patrick's Primary School, Yaba, Lagos, from 1974 to 1978. I
attended King’s College, Lagos, from 1978 to 1983 and read Accounting at the
University of Benin from 1983 to 1987.
I did the statutory National Youth Service in the 1987/1988 service
year. My place of Primary Assignment was the Lagos State Ministry of Finance,
Alausa, Ikeja, from where I was seconded to the Accounts Department of the
Lagos High Court, Igbosere, Lagos. I passed the qualifying examination to
become an Associate member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria
(ICAN) in May, 1989, and I became a Fellow of the Institute in year 2000. I am
also an Associate Member of the Nigeria Institute of Management.
I joined the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) as a pioneer
staff in August, 1989, as an Assistant Bank Examiner (equivalent of an
Assistant Manager) and I served for eight years resigning in October, 1997, as
a Senior Bank Examiner (equivalent of a Senior Manager) to establish Pharez
Limited. The Company was incorporated in January, 1998, but we formally
commenced business operations on 16th April, 1998.
I have extensive experience in bank examination, operations,
restructuring and failure resolution having led various assignments covering
several financial institutions. And I acquired international exposure
through a work-study attachment with the Division of Resolution of the United
States’ Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) in 1993.
I served as the Executive Director, Operations and Corporate Services,
on the Management Board of Merchant Bank for Africa (Nig.) Ltd., which is now
defunct, as an appointee of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigeria Deposit
Insurance Corporation between September, 1995 and August, 1997. While at
NDIC, I was formally recognised for outstanding performance as a “High Flyer”
in 1996 by the Management under the leadership of late Mr. John Ebhodaghe, the
pioneer Managing Director and Chief Executive.
Between October, 2005, and February, 2006, I took a leave of absence
from Pharez to serve as the Executive Director, Operations and Retail Banking,
on the Interim Board of Allstates Trust Bank Plc as an appointee of the Central
Bank of Nigeria.
I am a Fellow of the Africa Leadership Initiative West Africa (ALIWA) of
the Aspen Institute, Colorado, United States of America. I was recognised by
Financial Standard Newspapers among its Top 50 Nigerian Corporate Achievers in
2003 and by Thisday Newspapers as one of its I-Pod Generation of 40 Under-40
Young Nigerian Achievers in 2005. And, yes, I would love to add that I had the
distinction of being the Best Student in Economics in the 1983 Graduating Class
of King's College, Lagos. I still have the Economics book I was given by the
School; duly signed by the Principal, Mr. A. A. Ibegbulam. It is
unarguably my most treasured Award till date.
I initiated Stand Against Corruption and Kleptocrats! (SACK!), a
people-driven anti-corruption campaign and it was launched in Lagos in October,
2011. I presently coordinate SACK! I am a Public Affairs Commentator, Public
Policy and Social Analyst, Speaker and Writer. I am frequently a Guest Analyst
on several radio and television programmes in Nigeria focused on Banking and
Finance, the Economy, Politics and sundry societal. My articles on topical
issues are well published in the print media and are available on my blog:
http://eghes.blogspot.com.
I am a member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria's
Sub-Committee on Strategy, Research and Advocacy and a Volunteer Business
Mentor of Fate Foundation. An ordained Pastor, I minister in the office of a
Teacher/Prophet, especially in the market place.
I am passionate about national transformation and committed to playing
my part in the renaissance of Nigeria and Africa, in righteousness, with
integrity and excellence. I am very happily married to Awesiri Nwaji Eyieyien
(since 5th September, 1992) and we are blessed with a son, Omoseona Isaiah
Chukwuyenumkekanma Tobore Onyekachi.
3. MY POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY
My Political Vision is to build Nigeria
into a genuinely united and prosperous nation where peace, justice, equity and
righteousness reign.
I am a social democrat with
conservative values founded on my strong Christian faith and ethos. My
Political Philosophy is based on the CREST
Principles:
COURAGE
I am committed to
consistently stand by my values, principles and convictions. I am not afraid of
confrontation, if need be, in defence of what I believe in.
RIGHTEOUSNESS
My faith in God, my Fear of
God and my personal relationship with Jesus Christ are the bedrock of my life.
I am committed to seek the Will of God in all situations and live in obedience
to Him. Integrity and transparency are my watchwords. I represent a New Godly
Order. Righteousness is what exalts nations. And righteousness will exalt
Nigeria.
EQUITY
I believe equity and social
justice are fundamental to building a good society. All men are equal before
the law and should have equal opportunities to pursue their life purpose and
dreams with freedom.
SERVICE
Public office is about
service to the people. I am committed to offer selfless service to the people
and to promote legislation, policies, programmes and actions which advance
their welfare and protect their best interest.
TRUTH
I believe truth is sacred.
Truth is liberating. The truth people know is what sets them free. I detest
deception, duplicity and hypocrisy. I will uphold and promote truth in my
public service.
4. EDO CENTRAL SENATORIAL DISTRICT:
Edo Central Senatorial
District comprises five Local Government Areas: Esan Central, Esan North East,
Esan South East, Esan West and Igueben.
4.1 HISTORY OF ESAN PEOPLE
A total of thirty four
kingdoms (large villages/townships ruled traditionally by monarchs) make up
Esan and many of them seem to have their own oral versions of the origin of
Esan as well as its own starting point in history. One of the most popular of
these is the one advocated by the group much of which constitutes the now
defunct Agbazilo, one of the two former local government administrative units
in Esan.
According to the Agbazilo
group, made up mainly of Uromi and Uzea, Esan came into being when one of the
children of Bini’s Queen Oakha and Ojiso Owodo, Prince Uzia Asokpodudu (Ojiso
Owodo’s crown prince and heir apparent) founded Uzea in about 1188 AD after
they fled their father's (the Ojiso's) palace following the death sentence
passed on their mother, Queen Oakha, who was alleged to have committed adultery
with a Bini chief, Ovior. The duo of Ozogbo and Oigi, Asokpodudu's younger
brothers, escaped along with him and the mother. It is believed that not only
did Prince Asokpodudu (the founder of Uzea Kingdom) escape with the mother,
Oakha, relations and some palace servants, he also left with his father’s (the
king's) royal trident, ‘Uziziẹnghain’, the Ojiso’s heir
loom.
The Uziziẹnghain
used to be the royal regalia with which the Ojiso dynasty was founded. Ozogbo
later left Asokpodudu in his base in what is today known as Uzea to found Ẹgbele in
present-day Uromi while Oigi went and establish a settlement with his mother,
Oakha, which is today known as Ẹkperi (outside Esan land).
'Ikhio' is an annual feast celebrated in Uzea in remembrance of Oakha. While
Queen Oakha and her children fled northward of Bini, Chief Ovior, her alleged
lover, fled eastward to a settlement he established, which is today known as
Obior (probably a corruption of 'Ovior'), near Asaba, Delta State capital.(1)
This is believed by some to
be the very beginning of Esan, though the Irrua group may not readily accede to
this historical contention. The very name 'Esan' was not applied to this people
until the arrival of other emigrants from Bini, who fled Oba Ewuare's brutal
reign. The Oba (Bini monarch) had decreed: "No making of fire to cook; no
cleaning of homes; no procreation; no washing of clothes." Unable to abide
by these rules, many natives fled the Bini Kingdom. When the king sought to
know where many of his subjects had gone, he was told, "Ele san fia"
("They have fled"), thus giving rise to 'E-san-fia' and later 'Esan'.(2)
In other words, the name
Esan was never borne by the earlier group until the arrival of the later
groups. Other groups, such as Ekpoma, left Bini later to establish bases where
they occupy presently. Except some historical contention to the effect that
Esan has always been where they are presently, or that Bini in fact migrated
from Esan to its present abode, Esan in this sense is a group/tribe of
'fled/jumped away' people from Bini for various reasons and at different
periods in history. Esan largely remains a migrants' settlement just like the
New World. This position has made some historians to argue that the Agbazilo
group, Uromi and Uzea, are a pre-Esan group which has decided to coexist under
the same banner of Esan. It was within this same group, in Uzea, that Oba
Ozolua met his waterloo and was buried in Ugboha's Otokhimhin, originally
called 'Oto-ukhimhin' (the land of Ukhimhin tree). This is the origin of the
popular saying among Esan that "Oba ii de Esan, Ozolua ii ri Edo"
meaning, "A Benin monarch does not visit Esan just as King Ozolua (of
Benin) will not return to Benin."
4.2 GEOGRAPHY
OF ESAN LAND
Esan land is bordered to
the south by Benin City, to the south-east by Agbor, to the north and east by
Etsako, to the west by River Niger. From Ewu to Benin City, the State capital,
is 100 km long. No accurate demographic data of the people is available
and the various local governments in Esan appear to lack reliable information
in this direction. The people populate areas such as Uromi, Ewatto, Igueben, Irrua, Ubiaja, Ogwa, Ebele, Ekpoma and Ewu in central Edo State, South-South Nigeria. It has a
flat landscape, lacking in rocks and mountains, and good for agricultural
purpose.
Geographically, Esanland is
on a plateau, surrounded by slopes down to the lower Niger river, the valley
and wetland towards Etsako, the Kukuruku Hills and the plain around Benin city
the state capital. The tableland though reddish-brown in colour, is a fertile
land for farming, which is the main occupation of the Esan people. There is a
dense thick forest, nutritionally rich in economic crops and herbal plants.
However, it is suffering from bush burning, and wood felling for timber and as
a major source of fuel (which is in high demand) for the increasing population
of the Esan people.
Rubber tree (used for the
production of plastic products) and palm tree rank highest among Esan trees.
The land's variety of fruits range from mango, orange, grape, pineapple, guava,
cashew, banana, plantain, black pear, avocado pear, lime to walnut and even
more. Cassava, yam, cocoa yam, sweet potato, pepper, okra and rice are some of
its farm produce.
SOURCE: Wikipedia
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esan_people)
The towns of Edo Central
Senatorial District (Esanland) and their villages are as follows:
EBELLE
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Ebelle
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Eguare
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Idumowu
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Okpuije
·
Okuta
·
Ologhe
EGHORO
·
Eghoro
·
Amede
·
Oraede
·
Uwenebo
·
Eghoronaoka
EKPOMA
·
Abia
·
Akhahia
·
Ebhoakhuala
·
Ebhokpe
·
Ebhordiza
·
Ebhorua
·
Edueki
·
Eguare
·
Eholen
·
Eko-illeh
·
Ekunalen
·
Emaudo
·
Emuhi
·
Enogban
·
Idumeakon
·
Idumebo
·
Idumegan
·
Idumelua
·
Idumigun
·
Idumoza
·
Idumuegbede
·
Idumnegbon
·
Igor
·
Igor-ore
·
Ihiro
·
Ihumudumu
·
Ikhin
·
Ileh
·
Imule
·
Iruekpen
·
Ogbomo
·
Oke
·
Udo
·
Ogodin
·
Uguoben
·
Uhiele
·
Ujemen
·
Ujoelen
·
Ukhiodo
·
Ukpenu-odia
·
Ukpenu-neka
·
Ukpen-udia
·
University
village
·
Uvue
·
Uwehimi
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EMU
·
Akhiomen
·
Auma
·
Eguale
·
Eke
·
Eko-ojemohin
·
Emu
·
Emu-Ibhiadu
·
Emu-Nekhua
·
Emu-Orankhuan
·
Emu-Usulo
·
Emua
·
Idi-Oise
·
Obodigbon
·
Obodogun
·
Obolo
·
Odogbe
·
Okede
·
Okpogho
·
Udor
·
Uneme
EWATTO
·
Aburu
·
Eguare-Ewatto
·
Ewatto-Ogbe
·
Ide-Negbon
·
Idi-Agbor
·
Idi-Eka
·
Idi-Ijie
·
Ide-Ima
·
Idi-Iyasele
·
Idi-Uromi
·
Idi-kue
·
Idumu-Iselu
·
Ogbokpa
EWOHIMI
·
Agadaga
·
Asarobo
·
Ewohimi
·
Idi-Arebun
·
Idi-Ebun
·
Idi-Elo
·
Idi-Ojomo
·
Idi-Orio
·
Idi-Magbo
·
Idumagbor
·
Idumije
·
Idumisaba
·
Idumbo
·
Idumuguokha
·
Ikhekhe
·
Ikomu
·
Iselu
·
Odoghu
·
Ogbe
·
Oghu
·
Okaigben
·
Okede
·
Olenokhua
·
Omhen
·
Uboko
·
Uhaekpen
·
Uzebu
·
Uzoguo
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EWOSSA
·
Idumu-Arebun
·
Idumu-Iyase
·
Idumu-Ojewa
·
Idumu-Oweran
EWU
·
Eguare
·
Eko-Ojemen
·
Eko-Ori
·
Idumuagbodor
·
Iduwele
·
Ihanlen
·
Ihemven
·
Ukhiodo
·
Uzogholo
IDOA
·
Afokolo
·
Atologa
·
Ebhoigbon
·
Iwere
·
Ofie
·
Otaika
·
Ubi
·
Urhobo-Alamu
camp
IFEKU
·
Adagwu
·
Ajakpa
·
Ajularo
·
Alla
·
Ifeku
·
Iyegbe
·
Okpatawo
·
Okuoshimili
·
Owoli
·
Ukpodo
IGUEBEN
·
Afuda
·
Egbeka
·
Egbesan
·
Egbiki
·
Eguare
·
Ekekhen
·
Idigun
·
Idiohon
·
Idumedo
·
Idumegberan
·
Idumakpon
·
Idumogho
·
Idumoka
·
Idumomon
·
Idumo-oyomon
·
Idumudogbor
·
Idumukebho
·
Idumuotutu
·
Iyekogbe
·
Oke
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ILLUSHI
·
Ega
·
Illushi
·
Odumu
Camp
·
Ofuloko
·
Okowede
·
Oparu
INYENLEN
·
Akagba
·
Edward
·
Inyenlen
·
Iyaku
·
Izugi
·
Odokor
·
Oka
·
Olise
Camp
·
Ugbolo
IRRUA
·
Afuda
·
Agwa
·
Akho
·
Atuagbo
·
Eguare
·
Ekillor
·
Eko-akhalu
·
Eko-abhalu
·
Eko-iyobhebhe
·
Eko-oguanlen
·
Eko-uwaya
·
Eko-Obhiosa
·
Ibhiolulu
·
Ibore
·
Ididigba
·
Idinegbon
·
Idinobi
·
Idumebo
·
Idumoza
·
Idumu-Oghodo
·
Ikekogbe
·
Ikekato
·
Imaruigho
·
Kakulu
camp
·
Ohe
·
Okhoromi
·
Otoruwa
·
Udomi
·
Udowo
·
Ugbokhare
·
Ugbalo
·
Ughenokhua
·
Uhaekpen
·
Ujiabhole
·
Uneah
·
Usenu
·
Uwessan
·
Uzebu
OGWA
·
Eguare
·
Eha-Iyekeki
·
Ikekogbe
·
Lower
Izogen
·
Ukpogo
·
Upper
Izogen
OHORDUA
·
Abumere
Camp
·
Adolor
Camp
·
Eguare
Ohordua
·
Ibhiedu
·
Idi-akhanmhogie
·
Idi-okhae
·
Isiekuba
Camp
·
Ogboligbo
Camp
·
Ohordua
·
Ologua
·
Orekhe-ishide
·
Orere-Camp
·
Orhikie-biele
·
Ozeyen
·
Uokhuen
·
Uvwa
OKALO
·
Eguare
·
Idumikhile
·
Idumogo
·
Idumisawe
·
Omhan
·
Uhaekpen
OKHUESSAN
·
Braimoh
Camp
·
Eguare-okhuessan
·
Idehuana
·
Idiobo
·
Ikeken
·
Ikiala
·
Okhuessan
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ONOGHOLO
·
Eguare-onogholo
·
Ibo
Camp
·
Idi
Abora
·
Idi
Akhanmlogie
·
Idi
Okhae
·
Idi
Odogbo
·
Onogholo
OPOJI
·
Eguare
·
Ekhu
·
Iki
·
Ikiewanlen
·
Ikinaogo
·
Oghagbo
·
Okohore
·
Ujosalen
·
Uzebu
ORIA
·
Ega
·
Eguare-oria
·
Ifade
·
Igo
·
Isolo
Camp
·
Itoya
Camp
·
Johnsmike
Camp
·
Ogbokpa
·
Okoyomon
Camp
·
Okodudu
·
Omuakun
·
Oria
·
Thomas
Camp
·
Ukpowada
OROWA
·
Chika
Camp
·
Eguare
Orowa
·
Ididiha
·
Idohin
·
John
Camp
·
Okojie
Camp
·
Orowa
·
Ukpoke
UBIAJA
·
Eguare-ubiaja
·
Eko-bekor
·
Erhomosele
Camp
·
Evbohen
·
Evbovobanosa
·
Idigun
·
Idohanelen
·
Idomehen
·
Idumebor
·
Idumogbo
·
Idumoshodin
·
Idumosoh
·
Idumo-wemhen
·
Igbira-camp
·
Iru
·
Lepper
Settlement
·
Obeko
camp
·
Ogan
·
Ogbeor
·
Oghein
·
Oko-eseme
Camp
·
Oruen
·
Oruhen-udai
·
Ossiomo
·
Owa
·
Oyomon
·
Oza
·
Ozigbo
·
Udakpa-ogbenye
·
Ugbenin
·
Ugbo
Camp
·
Uhe
·
Ukhualen
·
Ukaja
·
Uokha
UDO
·
Eguare-udo
·
Eko-okukpon
·
Eko-ugbodu
·
Eko-utomhin
·
Idumhuan-khinmhin
·
Udo
Nera
|
UGBEGUN
·
Eko-ariofolo
·
Eko-ehonor
·
Eko-imolamen
·
Ididigba
·
Idumigun
·
Idumiyasele
·
Idumoeguole
·
Idumogo
·
Idumu-ohege
·
Idumuele
·
Idumuoli
·
Idumuoma
·
Iduogbale
·
Iguizi
·
Odogbe
·
Ukekogbe
·
Ukpabolele
UGBOHA
·
Amalu
·
Ekebho
·
Eko
Abadin
·
Eko-alighiame
·
Eko-okhala
·
Idemudia
Camp
·
Inemen
·
Odijie
Camp
·
Ogbeide
Camp
·
Okosun
Camp
·
Okpere
Camp
·
Otokhimhin
·
Ugboha
·
Uzogbon
·
Ugun
UJIOGBA
·
Ebute
·
Eguare
·
Idi-Awan
·
Idi-Esi/owe
·
Idi-oboh
·
Idi-ogoh
·
Idi-honsi
·
Oaikhena
camp
·
Ukpato
·
Ukpoke
UKHUN
·
Afokhian
·
Ebhoigbon
·
Eguare
·
Lepper-settlement
·
Oderie
·
Uen-Ejiekhine
·
Uen-ogbete
·
Uen-okola
UROH
·
Eko
·
Ekperu
·
Eneniha
·
Idiojele
camp
·
Igbamaka
·
Ocheche
·
Odegume-ogwe
·
Odegume
ubi
·
Odia
akaba
·
Odiutor
camp
·
Ogemeri
·
Okpokolo
·
Onwubuke
·
Oku-uron
·
Uroh
·
Yesufu-udogo
UROHI
·
Aghoukhuere
·
Akugbe-okenuwa
camp
·
Eguare
·
Ekhuele
·
Eko-Ebutemeta
·
Eko
omigie
·
Oghegho
·
Oviawele
camp
·
Urohinagho
UROMI
·
Amedokhian
·
Arue
·
Awo
·
Efandion
·
Egbelle
·
Eguare
·
Eko-ibadin
·
Eror
·
Ewoiyi
·
Idumoza
·
Ivue
·
Obedu
·
Onewa
·
Ubierumu
oke
|
5. MY LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
ISSUE NUMBER ONE:
ZERO-TOLERANCE FOR CORRUPTION IN NIGERIA
CORRUPTION IS
THE BIGGEST THREAT TO NIGERIA'S POSTERITY. IT IS MUCH DEADLIER THAN EVEN BOKO
HARAM!!
Corruption has had a great toll on our economy, our infrastructures, our people and our institutions. The economic and social costs of corruption in the public and private sectors of Nigeria since attaining political independence in 1960 is possibly well over US$2Trillion!! It is a monstrous cancer that continues to erode our nation, our psyche and our potentials. It is a blight on our nation and a threat to the future of our children and generations yet unborn.
By God's Grace, when the good people of Edo Central Senatorial District (Esanland) choose me to represent them as a Distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2015, I shall be a Champion of Zero-Tolerance for Corruption.
Nigeria's anti-corruption laws are too weak and mild. Today, a pick-pocket who manages to steal a few Naira and gets caught would go to jail for a very long time if successfully prosecuted while someone who steals billions of Naira, even if convicted, may not stay in jail for more than six months. I will initiate legislation to amend our laws to give teeth to the agencies which are supposed to fight corruption. Our laws are not strict enough to ensure that sentences are stiff for fraudsters and looters even when conviction is eventually achieved.
I will also initiate legislation on Assets Forfeiture which places the onus on an accused person to prove that he/she rightfully earned the income with which he/she acquired properties which appear to be beyond his/her legitimate resources. If a public official cannot account for how he/she earned enough money to own companies, shares in quoted companies, a fleet of cars and other assets, such properties should be forfeited to the Federal Government by a Court Order at the instance of ANY NIGERIAN INDIVIDUAL OR AGENCY after due investigation mandated by the court.
Corruption has had a great toll on our economy, our infrastructures, our people and our institutions. The economic and social costs of corruption in the public and private sectors of Nigeria since attaining political independence in 1960 is possibly well over US$2Trillion!! It is a monstrous cancer that continues to erode our nation, our psyche and our potentials. It is a blight on our nation and a threat to the future of our children and generations yet unborn.
By God's Grace, when the good people of Edo Central Senatorial District (Esanland) choose me to represent them as a Distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2015, I shall be a Champion of Zero-Tolerance for Corruption.
Nigeria's anti-corruption laws are too weak and mild. Today, a pick-pocket who manages to steal a few Naira and gets caught would go to jail for a very long time if successfully prosecuted while someone who steals billions of Naira, even if convicted, may not stay in jail for more than six months. I will initiate legislation to amend our laws to give teeth to the agencies which are supposed to fight corruption. Our laws are not strict enough to ensure that sentences are stiff for fraudsters and looters even when conviction is eventually achieved.
I will also initiate legislation on Assets Forfeiture which places the onus on an accused person to prove that he/she rightfully earned the income with which he/she acquired properties which appear to be beyond his/her legitimate resources. If a public official cannot account for how he/she earned enough money to own companies, shares in quoted companies, a fleet of cars and other assets, such properties should be forfeited to the Federal Government by a Court Order at the instance of ANY NIGERIAN INDIVIDUAL OR AGENCY after due investigation mandated by the court.
I will also propose legislation on Whistle-Blower
Protection that would ensure that when an Asset Forfeiture case is initiated
and successfully prosecuted at the instance of an individual, such a person would
be placed in a protection programme by the Federal Government to ensure that
he/she and his/her family are not exposed to any negative repercussions whether
physically, economically or psychologically. The Whistle-Blower
Protection Act shall protect the identity, safety, security and economic
well-being of bona fide whistle-blowers in both the private and public sectors.
The law would also have provision for punishment for false or malicious
whistle-blowers to deter abuse by persons who may have scores to settle with
those whom they wrongfully accused of corruption.
ISSUE NUMBER TWO:
FREE AND QUALITATIVE PUBLIC EDUCATION UP TO THE TERTIARY LEVEL FOR QUALIFYING
STUDENTS
As one whose father endured
great hardship to give himself an education culminating in his being a 1973
graduate of History of the University of Ibadan and being a beneficiary of his
immense sacrifice to give me the best education available at the time, I know
the value of a qualitative education.
All my formal education was
in public schools: Government School, Uromi, Edo State; St. Patrick’s Primary
School, Yaba, Lagos; King’s College, Lagos; and the University of Benin, Benin
City. The tragedy is that, today, I would not like my children to attend the
same great schools I attended because they would not get the same quality of
education I received in my days.
Education is the foundation
for a great future. Education is empowerment to succeed in an ever-increasingly
challenging world. Education should not be a privilege. Education is a basic
right. I believe that very Nigerian child should be educated by the Nigerian
state at the expense of the state up to the tertiary level for those students
who meet the admission criteria for our universities and polytechnics.
As a matter of
priority, I will sponsor a bill in the Senate for the reform of our educational
system to ensure that Nigerian children are given free and qualitative
education up to the tertiary level and that Nigerian teachers are both well
trained and well paid for the great task they are burdened with: the education
of our posterity.
In addition, one
free meal shall be provided during school hours to all children of public
primary and secondary schools across the country while the students in the
tertiary institutions would be paid bursary by the Federal Government
equivalent to the 50% of the official national minimum wage. I will initiate an amendment of the Nigerian
Constitution to make funding for education a first-line charge on the nation’s
consolidated accounts and to ensure that it represents at least 20% of the
Budget of the Federal Government.
I am convinced that Nigeria
has the financial resources to meet the additional costs this new education
policy would entail. The problem is not the dearth of funds; the problem is LACK
OF POLITICAL WILL TO MAKE QUALITY EDUCATION ACCESSIBLE TO ALL NIGERIANS, THE
MONSTER OF CORRUPTION and GROSS SYSTEMIC INEFFICIENCIES which create leakages
such that the billions of Naira voted annually for education by all levels of
government never actually get used for the budgeted purpose. We can
and we must secure the future of our youths by guaranteeing them first class
education that would make them world-beaters!
ISSUE NUMBER THREE:
QUALITY PUBLIC HEALTH CARE
A few months back, I saw an
advertisement in one of our national daily newspapers which underscored for me
how really bad things have become in our health care system: an Indian hospital
was advertising its services in Nigeria for Nigerians! The hospital wanted to
be the first choice of Nigerians who were going to India for sundry medical
reasons. India has become the place to go for all types of surgeries, organ
transplants, treatment of various cancers and other diseases which had defied
solution in our numerous University Teaching Hospitals and other “tertiary”
medical institutions. And India is a developing country.....like Nigeria.
As has been the case since the United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP) started publishing the Human Development Index
(HDI), Nigeria’s 2013 HDI statistics and the World Health Organisation’s World
Health Statistics 2013, tell a woeful story about our health sector:
v
Expenditure on
health, public (% of GDP): 1.9%
v
Under-five
mortality (per 1,000 live births): 143
v
Maternal
mortality (deaths of women per 100,000 live births): 630
v
Life
expectancy at birth (years): 52.3
v
Population
without access to improved drinking water: 39%
v
Population
without access to improved sanitation: 69%
v
Medical
personnel per 10,000 people:
Physicians: 4; Nurses and Midwives: 16.1; Dentists: 0.2; Pharmacists: 1.
Physicians: 4; Nurses and Midwives: 16.1; Dentists: 0.2; Pharmacists: 1.
In summary, Nigeria is presently one of the worst places to be born and
to live in the world. Our infants are dying needlessly; our young mothers are
dying too. It is a true miracle when a woman survives child-birth and has her
baby alive!
The World Health Organisation noted in its World Health Statistics 2013 Report that unsafe water supplies and inadequate levels of sanitation and hygiene are two of the main preventable risk factors that are associated with increased mortality and morbidity in developing countries such as Nigeria. It stated in the report that “unsafe water supplies and inadequate levels of sanitation and hygiene increase the transmission of diarrhoeal diseases (including cholera); trachoma; and hepatitis”. Consequently, it is essential that there be synergy between our National Health Policy and our National Water Policy. The provision of safe drinking water nation-wide must be a critical element of our health care strategy.
Nigeria must improve funding for health care and ensure that we not only retain our medical professionals but attract those in the Diaspora who left the country in search of greener pastures.
As a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I will advocate and push legislation to ensure that at least 15% of the Annual Budget of the Federal Government is devoted to the health sector. The increased funding that shall become available shall be used in improving facilities at public hospitals and to enhance the remuneration of our medical personnel so as to ensure parity with their peers who have similar qualifications and experience in western countries. I shall also promote the provision of safe drinking water nation-wide as an imperative for the good health of our peoples.
Like India is today, Nigeria can become the preferred destination for medical tourism within the next ten years if we commit ourselves to build and maintain world class hospitals and bring back our numerous medical professionals who are the leading lights in many health-care facilities in Europe and North America.
We can do it.
The World Health Organisation noted in its World Health Statistics 2013 Report that unsafe water supplies and inadequate levels of sanitation and hygiene are two of the main preventable risk factors that are associated with increased mortality and morbidity in developing countries such as Nigeria. It stated in the report that “unsafe water supplies and inadequate levels of sanitation and hygiene increase the transmission of diarrhoeal diseases (including cholera); trachoma; and hepatitis”. Consequently, it is essential that there be synergy between our National Health Policy and our National Water Policy. The provision of safe drinking water nation-wide must be a critical element of our health care strategy.
Nigeria must improve funding for health care and ensure that we not only retain our medical professionals but attract those in the Diaspora who left the country in search of greener pastures.
As a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I will advocate and push legislation to ensure that at least 15% of the Annual Budget of the Federal Government is devoted to the health sector. The increased funding that shall become available shall be used in improving facilities at public hospitals and to enhance the remuneration of our medical personnel so as to ensure parity with their peers who have similar qualifications and experience in western countries. I shall also promote the provision of safe drinking water nation-wide as an imperative for the good health of our peoples.
Like India is today, Nigeria can become the preferred destination for medical tourism within the next ten years if we commit ourselves to build and maintain world class hospitals and bring back our numerous medical professionals who are the leading lights in many health-care facilities in Europe and North America.
We can do it.
ISSUE NUMBER FOUR: JOB
CREATION THROUGH EMPOWERMENT OF INDIGENOUS ENTREPRENEURS
Nigeria has suffered the paradox of economic
growth without development for many years. Many economists often lament what
they have come to describe as our “job-less growth”. While all macro-economic
indices point to an economy which is truly growing and there is noticeable
improvement in our public infrastructure, especially power and roads,
unemployment still remains a challenge. With our huge population comprising
mainly youths, this is worrisome and a great threat to our posterity. Nigeria needs
to achieve a quick-win solution that ensures that most of our employable
citizens are gainfully engaged. We must harness the innovative spirit and
entrepreneurial acumen of our people in our battle against unemployment. We must
empower our entrepreneurs to be in the position to create jobs on a large scale.
Nigeria’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
are faced with many challenges which have stunted their growth and development.
Some of these challenges are poor infrastructural facilities, inadequate
funding and lack of access to capital, weak managerial and entrepreneurial
skills, limited demand for their products and services, and competition from
foreign products. Among these challenges, the most restricting is the
inadequacy of funds and lack of access to capital. Indeed, most of the other
problems could easily be resolved with sufficient finance. Our financial institutions typically wait for
entrepreneurs to become successful before they take any serious interest in
their businesses. However creative and innovative they are, these entrepreneurs
often cannot meet the strict credit risk acceptance criteria of banks.
The solution is really simple: Venture Capital;
which I like to call patient equity funding.
I will initiate legislation for the establishment
of a Venture Capital Corporation which will be a vehicle for the empowerment of
indigenous entrepreneurs to be the drivers of employment creation in our
economy as is the case in fast-growing economies such as China and Israel.
6.
SENATORIAL CONSTITUENCY
PROJECTS
The
focus of my Senatorial Constituency Projects shall be:
1. Economic Development; and
2. Human Development.
Esan Land has remained virtually stagnant economically
in the last thirty years since the exit of the former Governor of Old Bendel
State and a great son of Esan, Prof. Ambrose Folorunsho Alli. Prof. Alli’s
founding of the State University in Ekpoma was crucial as it became the catalyst
for the socio-economic upliftment of Esan Land with Ekpoma being the hub. Sadly,
successive State Governments have paid little attention to Esan Land since
then.
v
INFLOW OF INVESTMENTS
As a Senator, I shall leverage my position and strong
connections in the international business community to attract investments to
Esan Land especially in the area of agriculture and agro-allied industries
which will utilise crops like cassava, yam, cocoyam, plantain, pineapple,
oranges, banana, rubber, and oil palm which thrive well in our area. The establishment of agro-allied industries
will be a major avenue for job-creation for our people; thereby limiting the
rural-urban drift of our youths.
v
ACCESS TO CAPITAL
Access to capital funds has been extremely difficult
to Esan entrepreneurs. The banks rarely lend. Their focus is essentially to serve
as Foreign Funds Remittance Agents for the sons and daughters of Esan Land who
are based in Europe and America. As part of my Legislative Agenda which I have
already articulated above, I shall work towards the establishment of a Venture
Capital Corporation in the country which shall be a vital vehicle for the financial
empowerment of visionary entrepreneurs, including Esan businessmen. These
empowered entrepreneurs shall be employment generators for our people.
v
ACCESS TO PORTABLE WATER
Access to portable water has remained a major problem
in Esanland. Most of our people still depend on rain-water collected in
concrete receptacles dug into the ground. During the dry season, water becomes
an even rarer commodity for the poor who cannot afford to buy water delivered
to the receptacles by tankers. Expectedly, this problem of scarcity of water
also affects the health and personal hygiene of our people. Who knows how many
of our people have died because of poor hygiene and water-borne diseases?
It has been almost three years since the Federal
Government's multi-billion naira Obhu River Dam Water Project located in Ugboha
was to have been commissioned by the Vice President, Arc. Namadi Sambo. Surprisingly, while the project is located in
Ugboha, the project did not cater for the provision of water to the community
in the first phase. So, understandably, the community protested and took the
matter to court. Till date, the issue is still unresolved. The water is not
flowing. As a Senator, I will work with the project’s
host community and other stakeholders to bring a win-win resolution of the
issues at dispute. I will also work with relevant agents of the Federal and
State Government to ensure that more of such water projects are executed in
other viable locations in Esan Land. The problem of access to portable water in Esan Land shall become
history during my tenure in the Senate by God’s Grace.
v
ENTREPRENEURIAL DEVELOPMENT
Esan people are
very industrious. Entrepreneurship comes naturally to the average Esan person.
However, we have not properly harnessed our entrepreneurial energy and enhanced
our capacity to build major indigenous businesses to become world-class. Our
young people graduate and become job-seekers when they could be employers
themselves.
Having been a
business entrepreneur myself and having been a resource person in several
training programmes for entrepreneurs, as a matter of priority, I shall establish
a world-class academy for the training and development of young Esan entrepreneurs.
It shall be a centre of excellence which others would want to emulate.
7. CONCLUSION
This is the beginning a New Righteous Order in Nigeria’s Polity. With
humility, and by God’s Grace, I arise to build a nation which shall become the
Pride of Africa. A new vista has opened and our posterity can be different. We
can bequeath a great destiny to our children. We can ensure that it will be
well for Esan Land in particular and Nigeria in general.
I ask for your support in this Assignment.
God bless you.
God bless Esan Land.]
ESAN DI FURE!
God bless Nigeria.
NIGERIA DI FURE!
Yours faithfully,
Egheomhanre Emmanuel
Eyieyien, FCA.
CONTACTS:
Twitter:
@egheseyieyien
Website: www.eyieyienforsenate2015.org
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