-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –By Austen AKHAGBEME:

In Edo state today, hearts are truly beating in irregular and uncoordinated rhythms. The political gladiators are having a field day, firing salvos from all angles all aimed at undoing the perceived enemy as the gubernatorial elections in the state draws near.

The hitherto devastated opposition are not resting on their oars; they are truly up ‘ in arms’ waiting for a slip from the slippery, dangerous and intriguing fireworks coming from the ruling party. And this is very interesting.

But the real game and the game changers are more on the side of the APC , the Party that produced the likes of the humble erstwhile Deputy Governor, Dr Pius Odubu, Charles Airhiavbere, Ebegue Amadasun, Ehiozuwa Agbonayima, Solomon Edebiri, Saturday Uwilekhue, Chris Ogiemwonyi, Pastor Ize Iyamu, the esteemed Governor Godwin Obaseki and the populist Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

These array of men, are tested grassroot politicians with their individual competencies, contacts and catchments. Little wonder that the echoes reverberating the political landscape now, is coming from the very “hearbeat” of the nation; Edo state that is.

Even though this parade of political varieties is healthy for our Democracy as it affords the people a wide range of choices, it is equally disconcerting and disheartening to know that nobody is talking too much about time tested policies and programs that will bring Edo state out of the wood. The focus has been selfishly tilted towards removing a perceived enemy or consolidating incumbency, to the detriment of Edo state and her People. This is arrant nonsense! Yet the drummers and political jobbers are rolling out their wares and beating hard for the controversial gladiators to dance to.

Up until now, no gladiator nor their sponsors or foot soldiers, not even their social media urchins can, in a split second, articulate the cardinal objectives or policies and programs that these aspirants are bringing to the table. While we’re clapping for them and taking sides, we must equally and dispassionately ask what Edo state stands to benefit from each person’s candidature.

Let Edo politics and politicking, for once, go beyond politics of over bloated ego, Godfatherism and questionable personalities to that of issues, based on people oriented desires, goals and aspirations. The fight-to- finish, thuggery and mayhem that is often associated with electioneering process in Edo must stop this time around. Let us discuss issues. Let us talk solutions and remedies. Let us put the politicians to task on progressive development paradigms and eschew primordial politics of greed, avarice and favouritism. The time for Edo to move forward is now!

• – Austen AKHAGBEME is a Columnist with Blank NEWS Online