By EMEKA NWAGWUNA
As campaigns leading up to the September 28th Edo gubernatorial election reaches feverish pitch, so many factors will definitely determine the outcome. Prominent among them is the number of registered Igbo voters in Edo state.
INEC’s record reveals that the number of registered Igbo voters constitute about 48% of total registered voters in Edo. The implications of this figure are copious and have the capacity of determining who emerges winner in the September elections.
Igbos in Edo must be united in a concerted effort with other Edo progressives to take advantage of this demography so that the candidate that will best serve their interest emerges victorious. For instance, it is true that Igbos are kings of trade and commerce in Nigeria. Therefore any government whether state or federal that neglects this existential fact by not making plans for trade and commerce to thrive is directly marginalizing Ndigbo. This is the exact state of affairs which has over the years become the lots of Igbos in Edo.
In Edo of today there is nothing to show that the outgoing APC government invested anything in the areas of trade and commerce. Markets across the state are like pig style. There is hardly anything to show that government collects levies from these places. No running water, no medics, no light, no access road. This is indeed the state of all markets in Edo. From Ebvareke market to new Benin market, Ekiosa to Uwelu, the story is the same. From Ekpoma to Uromi, Oredo to Ikpoba Oka, all bear the same governmental neglect for a sector that contributes more than 40% in Edo IGR.
Indeed, it is only in the area of taxation that government remembers this important sector. A look at the implementation of Edo tax law by this government leaves much to be desired. People are over taxed without corresponding social amenities to justify the tax burden. In fact the opinion of Igbo traders in Edo is that the APC government is emasculating potential business expansion by its wicked regime of multiple-taxation. This in part forms the reason for the high rate of unemployment in Edo. How can the people be employed when small and medium scale enterprises which in advanced climes form the fulcrum of employment generation is not encouraged to thrive. National bureau of statistics was not wrong when it reported that Edo ranks 7th among the 10th states with highest unemployed persons. What is however wrong is that APC government failed miserably to change the tide. The social malaise caused by unemployment is huge and can only be rectified by visionary leadership at the helm of state affairs.
As September 10th draws close, Igbo traders and their progressive associates in Edo must make a statement by a united vote for someone who will address the pains currently experienced.
Earl Osaro Onaiwu, the APGA flag bearer is that man with a progressive mind set to address the many challenges faced by the community of traders in Edo. Onaiwu is the only one with a development agenda that targets the sector the Igbos are known for.
In a social contract document called SEVEN PILLARS of SOLUTION, Onaiwu carefully allots one pillar to trade and commerce. This is in direct appreciation for the role Igbos play in the development of the state. In the document, Onaiwu details how he will build and renovate markets with modern facilities like access roads, parking lots, primary health centres and even water and electricity to reinvigorate the sector and gives it a pride of place.
He also further notes that there will be incentives like tax exemption for new businesses with certain employment figures.
On the vexed issues of multiple-taxation, Onaiwu has already put up machinery in place to appraise the current tax regime with a view to stopping all forms unwarranted taxes and levies once he comes into office.
To be sure this document does not alienate the facts on ground, Onaiwu has gone round virtually all the markets in Edo in his grassroots campaigns to assess the state of things for himself.
In the area of agro business, another area of interest for Ndigbo, Onaiwu is already discussing with his brother governor, the performing Anambra governor
Emeka Nwagwuna Writes From Lagos, Nigeria.
