Figo-Connect Media

06/09/2026

*THE ATIKU PETITION: ACCOUNTABILITY OR A POLITICAL CALCULATION?*

*By Comrade Ikhuenbor Felix Igbinevbo (Mr. Figo)*

*September 6, 2026*

I have followed with keen interest the recent petition by Hon. Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar. Frankly, I find the development difficult to understand without considering the political circumstances surrounding it.

I say this with genuine respect for Hon. Agbonayinma. He is someone I have always respected, and I do not question his right to petition the EFCC where he believes there are grounds for investigation. If credible evidence of wrongdoing exists, it should be examined, regardless of who is involved.

My concern is the timing, the political context and the possible consequences.

The matters reportedly raised in the petition are not new. They date back many years. Yet they are being revived at a time when Atiku Abubakar is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), an opposition party positioning itself strongly ahead of the 2027 elections.

That alone makes the timing worthy of public scrutiny.

The question becomes more pertinent when considered alongside Hon. Agbonayinma's own political journey. He was previously associated with the APC before moving into the opposition and eventually becoming a member of the NDC. He is also directly involved in the political contest surrounding the NDC's Edo South senatorial ticket.

Again, these facts do not establish improper motive. But they provide the context in which legitimate questions can be asked.

Edo South is already witnessing a fiercely contested senatorial race. The emergence of the APC candidate has been accompanied by considerable controversy and resistance in sections of the electorate, while the ADC's candidate, Hon. Matthew Aigbuhenze Iduoriyekemwen, has emerged as a serious contender.

This is where the wider political implication becomes difficult to ignore.

Atiku is the presidential candidate of the ADC. A sustained political controversy around him can potentially affect the standing and momentum of the party and, by extension, the candidates contesting under its platform.

So the question is straightforward:

Could an effort to weaken Atiku politically also weaken the ADC, with consequences for its candidates—including the ADC candidate in Edo South?

And if so, who benefits?

I am not alleging that Hon. Agbonayinma is acting for the APC. I have no evidence to make such a claim. I am asking whether an action taken by a politician who is now in the NDC could, regardless of his personal intention, produce a political advantage for the APC.

That is a legitimate distinction.

The timing therefore deserves examination. Why revive an old matter now? Why Atiku? Why at a time when the ADC is emerging as a significant opposition platform and its Edo South candidate is mounting a serious challenge?

These questions do not amount to an accusation. They are questions of political judgment.

If the petition is genuinely about accountability, then the appropriate thing is simple: let the EFCC independently investigate the allegations. If there is credible evidence, let the law take its course. If there is not, due process should establish that as well.

What Nigerians should resist is the use of law-enforcement institutions as instruments in political battles.

Edo South, in particular, deserves a clean contest. The people should be allowed to choose their senator on the basis of competence, credibility, character and acceptance—not through political manoeuvres capable of altering the field before the electorate has spoken.

I respect Hon. Agbonayinma, and I will continue to give him the benefit of the doubt.

But respect should not prevent legitimate questions.

Is this petition simply an accountability matter, or could it also have a political objective of weakening the ADC and improving the APC's position in Edo South?

That is the question I believe deserves an honest answer.

Until then, the people of Edo South should remain vigilant, examine every political development carefully and, ultimately, exercise their democratic judgment without intimidation, manipulation or hidden political calculations.

*Comrade Ikhuenbor Felix Igbinevbo (Mr. Figo)*
*Convener, Edo South Stakeholders Coalition (ESSC)*
*+2348063085664*

06/09/2026

*N'ẸDO ZẸ: EDO HAS CHOSEN MATTHEW — NOW WE MUST DELIVER THE CHOICE*

*By Comrade Ikhuenbor Felix Igbinevbo (Mr. Figo)*

Some political contests are about who occupies an office. Others are about what a people hope to recover, defend and build through the person they have chosen to represent them. The Edo South Senate election belongs firmly in the second category.

Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen is the candidate entrusted to carry the voice and aspirations of Edo South to the Senate. His candidacy represents more than an individual political ambition; it represents a collective choice and a collective responsibility.

That is the meaning of N'ẸDO ZẸ: Edo has chosen him and Edo has sent him to represent us.

This, therefore, cannot be reduced to Matthew’s personal political project. His name may be on the ballot, but what he represents belongs to the people. His candidacy embodies our collective expectations, our interests, our dignity, our heritage and our determination to reclaim the strength and relevance that Edo deserves.

That is why this election demands more than passive support. It requires people who understand the importance of the choice they have made and are prepared to stand firmly behind it.

Edo South needs representation that is confident, courageous and independent-minded; representation that can speak with conviction, defend the interests of the people and stand firm when political pressure comes. We need a representative who will not be easily intimidated or controlled, but one prepared to carry the weight of the people’s expectations and speak for Edo with courage.

But choosing a candidate is only the beginning. Delivering that choice at the ballot box is the real test.

The responsibility now belongs to all of us.

This campaign must become a genuine grassroots movement owned by the people. Across our wards, communities and polling units, we must take the message directly to the people. We must engage voters one-on-one, explain what is at stake, persuade those who can be persuaded and build the organised support required to turn a collective decision into an electoral victory.

Nobody should assume that someone else will do the work.

Every supporter must become an advocate. Every ward must become a centre of mobilisation. Every community must understand what this election means. Every committed voter should be prepared to persuade another voter. And when election day arrives, we must not only vote; we must protect the votes that express the people’s will.

We are not doing this merely for Matthew. We are doing it for ourselves.

We are campaigning for a stronger voice for Edo South. We are campaigning for dignity, relevance and respect. We are campaigning to recover lost ground, restore confidence and reclaim the place our people deserve.

This is bigger than one man. Matthew is the candidate, but the cause belongs to the people. The responsibility for delivering this collective choice therefore cannot rest on the candidate alone. It rests on everyone who believes that Edo South deserves purposeful, fearless and credible representation.

If Edo has chosen him, then Edo must send him.

Not by words alone, but by organisation. Not by enthusiasm alone, but by grassroots engagement. Not by promises alone, but by votes. And not by voting alone, but by protecting the people’s choice.

N'ẸDO ZẸ.

Edo has chosen him. Edo has sent him. Now Edo must do the work required to deliver him.

Matthew may carry the name on the ballot, but the aspiration behind that name belongs to the people. This is our campaign. This is our responsibility.

When Edo South goes to the polls, we must go not merely to vote for Matthew, but to vote for ourselves and for the future we believe Edo deserves.

*Signed:*

*Comrade Ikhuenbor Felix Igbinevbo (Mr. Figo)*
*Convener, Edo South Stakeholders Coalition (ESSC)*
*+2348063085664*

04/09/2026

*83 ARMY DIVISION: EDO MUST DEFEND ITS STRATEGIC POSITION*

*By Comrade Ikhuenbor Felix Igbinevbo (Mr. Figo)*

The establishment of the Nigerian Army’s 83 Division was a significant development in Nigeria’s evolving security architecture. With Benin City designated as its headquarters and Edo, Delta and Bayelsa placed within its Area of Responsibility, the decision gave Edo State a position of considerable strategic importance.

That arrangement is now the subject of consultation as the Army reviews its Areas of Responsibility. This makes it imperative for Edo to articulate, clearly and without delay, why Benin City should retain the headquarters of the 83 Division.

The case for Edo is fundamentally strategic.

Benin City occupies a distinctive position in southern Nigeria, with established connections across the South-South and towards the South-West and South-East. For a divisional command responsible for a broad and interconnected operational theatre, accessibility is not a minor consideration. It bears directly on coordination, mobility, logistics and response.

Edo South, in particular, offers a strong operational environment for a headquarters of this scale. Benin City is an established administrative, commercial and transportation centre, capable of supporting the institutional demands that accompany a major military command.

But the strongest argument is not what Edo stands to gain. It is what the Nigerian Army stands to gain.

A divisional headquarters should be located according to operational requirements, not simply the intensity of competing political interests. Its position affects the Army’s ability to coordinate formations, deploy resources and respond efficiently across its area of responsibility.

That principle should guide any reconsideration of the headquarters.

If the original designation of Benin City was based on strategic and operational considerations, any proposal to alter it should be subjected to the same rigorous standard. The overriding question should be: which location best serves the mission of the 83 Division and the national security interest?

Edo should be prepared to answer that question with substance.

This is therefore not a matter for political rhetoric. The state needs a coordinated and evidence-based engagement with the Presidency and the leadership of the Nigerian Army, demonstrating the suitability of Benin City and the wider Edo South axis for the Division’s headquarters.

The responsibility should not rest with the Governor alone.

Edo’s Senators, Members of the House of Representatives and State House of Assembly members have a shared interest in ensuring that the state’s strategic position is properly represented. Political differences should not obscure a matter with implications for Edo’s long-term security and institutional standing.

What is required is a unified position, professionally presented and firmly grounded in the national interest.

Edo should neither claim entitlement nor approach the matter as a political confrontation. It should make a straightforward case: Benin City was designated as the headquarters, Edo offers compelling strategic advantages, and any departure from that arrangement should be justified by clear operational necessity.

The final decision rests with the President and the Nigerian Army.

But Edo has a responsibility to ensure that the decision is made with the full weight of its strategic case before the relevant authorities.

At moments such as this, silence can become an unintended concession.

Edo must speak—and it must speak with one voice.

* *
*+2348063085664*

03/09/2026

*FROM LAMENTATION TO RESPONSIBILITY: THE REPRESENTATION EDO SOUTH NEEDS*

I came across Rev. Ken Osarenkhoe’s write-up, “Lamentations of Edo State: Who Did This to Us?”, and took time to read it carefully, critically and with an open mind.

His intervention raises issues that deserve the attention of every Edo citizen who is genuinely concerned about the future of the state. Beyond the statistics and historical references, the piece reflects a deeper concern about the quality of political representation, the structure of governance and the extent to which our present system is delivering for the people at the grassroots.

I commend Rev. Ken for bringing these concerns into public discourse. Difficult questions are often the beginning of necessary conversations, particularly when they compel us to examine not only where we are, but also where we ought to be.

For me, however, the most important part of this conversation is what we do with the concerns that have now been placed before us.

And that brings me to the question of representation.

If the structures through which our people are represented are not producing the results they deserve, then the quality of the individuals entrusted with those positions becomes critically important.

Representation is not simply about occupying an office. It is about having the capacity, courage and conviction to use that office in the interest of the people.

For Edo South, this responsibility assumes even greater significance when we consider the importance of the Senate as a platform for influencing national policy, legislation, development priorities and issues affecting our communities.

We need a senator who understands the concerns of the people at the grassroots and has the courage to articulate them where it matters.

We need a dependable voice—someone who can speak for Edo South without fear or favour, defend the legitimate interests of our people and remain accountable to the mandate entrusted to him.

We cannot afford representation that is dictated by godfathers or external political interests. The people of Edo South deserve a representative whose loyalty is first to the people and whose mandate is exercised in their collective interest.

This is where, in my considered opinion, Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen becomes relevant to this conversation.

My support for Matthew is rooted in the belief that the concerns raised by Rev. Ken require more than acknowledgement; they require a political response.

If we desire stronger representation, then we must support individuals whom we believe can provide it.

If we want a voice capable of defending our interests, then we must be prepared to give that voice the mandate to speak.

And if we genuinely want our people to have greater influence over decisions that affect their future, then the choice of who represents us cannot be treated as a routine political exercise.

It must be deliberate.

For me, that is the principle behind the position of the Edo South Stakeholders Coalition (ESSC).

Our appeal is for Edo South to approach this election from the standpoint of collective interest. Political differences will always exist. People will belong to different parties and hold different political loyalties. But there are moments when the broader interest of the people must rise above those differences.

This is one of those moments.

The question should ultimately be about the quality of the voice we want representing Edo South.

A voice that listens.

A voice that understands.

A voice that speaks with courage.

A voice that can stand for the truth even when the truth is inconvenient.

A voice that will not be controlled by political godfathers or external interests.

A voice that recognises that the Senate seat belongs, ultimately, to the people of Edo South.

I believe Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen represents that opportunity.

Rev. Ken Osarenkhoe has opened an important conversation about the state of Edo and the circumstances that have brought us to where we are today.

The next responsibility belongs to all of us.

We must move beyond simply identifying what is wrong and begin making conscious choices about the kind of leadership and representation we want to produce.

Because change does not come simply from recognising a problem. It comes when people are prepared to make the choices necessary to address it.

For Edo South, that choice must be guided by competence, courage, credibility and commitment to the collective interest.

That is why I support Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen.

Not as a partisan reflex, but as a deliberate choice for representation that I believe can give Edo South a stronger and more dependable voice.

Rev. Ken has given us much to reflect upon. Let us now give serious thought to the kind of representation capable of responding to those concerns.

The future of Edo South cannot be left to political convenience.

It must be shaped by the collective will of its people.

*ONE VOICE, SHARED FUTURE.*

*Comrade Ikhuenbor Felix Igbinevbo (Mr. Figo)*
*Convener, Edo South Stakeholders Coalition (ESSC)*
*+2348063085664*

02/09/2026

*LEADERSHIP MUST BE TESTED AND TRUSTED*

The first stage of liberation in Edo South is to insist on a credible political process—one that is free from external influence and the control of godfathers. Our political future cannot be decided by people who stand outside the process or seek to control it from behind the scenes.

We do not need a puppet in the Senate. Edo South needs a representative who will have the courage to speak for the people, defend their interests and make decisions based on the needs of the people he represents.

Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen has emerged through a credible process founded on consensus and the collective will of the stakeholders. That process has been concluded.

This is also about protecting the sovereignty, dignity and political will of the Benin people. Our political choices must reflect the will of our people and must not be dictated by external interests or anyone seeking to undermine that sovereignty.

The focus now is the general election and the mandate of the people of Edo South.

This is the time to take the message to every ward, every community and every voter. Let us engage our people directly, explain what is at stake and build the support required to secure their mandate.

The people of Edo South have the right to choose their representative and the right to have that choice respected.

The time for talking about emergence is over. The time for mobilisation is now.

Let us go to our people with confidence, unity and a clear sense of purpose.

Tested. Trusted. Ready to serve.

Edo South deserves a leader chosen by the people, accountable to the people and committed to the interests of Edo South.

* *

*Comrade Ikhuenbor Felix Igbinevbo (Mr. Figo)*
*Convener, Edo South Stakeholders Coalition (ESSC)*
*+2348063085664*

02/09/2026

*EDO SOUTH: THE QUEST TO RESTORE OUR PRIDE, DIGNITY AND PLACE*

*By Comrade Ikhuenbor Felix Igbinevbo (Mr. Figo)*

The question of who should represent Edo South in the Senate is, for me, bigger than partisan politics. It is fundamentally a question of identity, dignity, heritage and the future of our people.

My one-on-one engagement with Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, the ADC Senatorial Candidate for Edo South, left me with one compelling impression: his understanding of the historical place of the Benin people and his conviction that their dignity, relevance and rightful position in Edo State must be restored.

That conversation went beyond political ambition. It touched the very foundation of who we are as a people.

Edo South cannot afford to become politically inconsequential in a state whose history, culture and identity are deeply rooted in the Benin civilisation. Yet, increasingly, there is a troubling perception that the political voice and influence of our people are being diminished. The signs of marginalisation are becoming too pronounced to dismiss.

This should concern every discerning son and daughter of Edo South.

We must not allow a situation in which the indigenous people of this land gradually become spectators in determining the political, economic and cultural direction of their own homeland. A people who lose the confidence to assert their legitimate place eventually surrender the power to define their own future.

That is why representation matters.

The Senate seat is not merely a political office. It should be a platform from which the interests, aspirations, heritage and dignity of Edo South are articulated with courage, intelligence and conviction.

What stood out in my engagement with Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen was his appreciation of this responsibility. His concern for the restoration of the dignity and relevance of our people reflects an understanding that political representation must be rooted in identity, purpose and a clear sense of responsibility to the people.

Edo South therefore stands at a consequential moment. We must look beyond political labels and examine the capacity, conviction, character and understanding of those seeking to represent us.

For me, the choice is becoming increasingly clear.

*Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen represents an opportunity for Edo South to reclaim its voice, strengthen its political relevance and restore the pride and dignity of our people.*

This is not merely about winning a Senate seat.

*It is about reclaiming our place.*

* *

*Comrade Ikhuenbor Felix Igbinevbo (Mr. Figo)*
*Convener, Edo South Stakeholders Coalition (ESSC)*
*+2348063085664*

01/09/2026

*PRESS STATEMENT*

*ESSC INVITES STAKEHOLDER INPUT ON THE PROPOSED ENDORSEMENT OF HON. MATTHEW IDUORIYEKEMWEN*

*1 September 2026*

As part of its preparations for the 2027 Senatorial election, the Edo South Stakeholders Coalition (ESSC) has undertaken a broad and comparative consideration of candidates seeking to represent Edo South, irrespective of political affiliation.

Our consideration has been guided by a clear set of standards: character, competence, legislative and public-service experience, capacity, political maturity, development vision, accessibility, responsiveness and a demonstrable commitment to the interests of the people.

Candidates across different political parties have accordingly been considered on the strength of their qualifications, records, experience, capacity for effective representation and disposition towards stakeholders. Where possible, the Coalition has also engaged directly with candidates, recognising that accessibility and responsiveness are essential qualities in anyone seeking a mandate to represent the people.

It is within this broader consideration that the Coalition has reviewed the candidacy of Hon. Matthew Aigbuhuenze Iduoriyekemwen (MAI), the ADC Senatorial Candidate for Edo South.

Our engagement with him, together with our review of the information available to the Coalition, reveals a substantial record of legislative, public-service and political experience.

Hon. Iduoriyekemwen served two terms in the Edo State House of Assembly from 1999 to 2007, representing Ikpoba-Okha Constituency. During his legislative career, he served as Majority Leader and also as Chairman of the House Committee on State Security. These roles provided him with practical experience in legislative leadership, lawmaking, parliamentary procedure, oversight and constituency representation.

His public-service career subsequently extended to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), where he served as Edo State’s representative/Commissioner on the Commission’s Board. That responsibility provided further exposure to federal development institutions, intervention programmes and the interface between government, communities and development initiatives.

His political experience has also extended beyond legislative office. He has participated in Edo State governorship contests and served in significant political and campaign assignments. In the 2024 Edo State governorship election, he served as Director-General of the Asue/Ogie Campaign Council, placing him at the centre of statewide political coordination, grassroots mobilisation and stakeholder engagement.

He also contested the Edo South Senatorial seat in the 2023 general election on the platform of the PDP, providing him with further experience of the senatorial contest and a deeper understanding of the political landscape and expectations of the district.

Taken together, these experiences present a profile that combines legislative leadership, federal institutional exposure, political experience, grassroots engagement and an understanding of the demands of electoral representation.

The Coalition has also considered the quality of engagement and accessibility demonstrated during our interaction with him. For ESSC, representation cannot be reduced to holding office; a representative must remain sufficiently accessible and responsive to the people and stakeholders whose interests he or she is entrusted to advance.

On the strength of the information presently available and our direct engagement with him, Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen has emerged as a strong candidate worthy of serious consideration for the representation of Edo South in the Senate.

Nevertheless, ESSC considers it important that any endorsement carrying the collective voice of Edo South should be informed by the fullest reasonable consideration of relevant information.

*STAKEHOLDER INPUT*

Accordingly, the Coalition invites any individual, organisation or stakeholder possessing credible, relevant and substantive information that may reasonably affect its consideration of Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen to make such information available within seven (7) days from 1 September 2026.

Any submission should be specific, factual and, where appropriate, supported by verifiable evidence. The purpose of this period is to ensure that the Coalition’s eventual position is based on a comprehensive consideration of all relevant information.

At the conclusion of the seven-day period, provided no material information emerges that substantially alters the Coalition’s present assessment, ESSC will proceed with its formal engagement and endorsement of Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen within the following three weeks.

Our guiding principle remains straightforward: the quality of representation matters more than political sentiment, and the collective interest of Edo South must remain at the heart of every decision.

ESSC will therefore continue to approach this responsibility with fairness, openness and a commitment to identifying the candidate best positioned to provide effective, accessible and purposeful representation for the people of Edo South.

*ONE VOICE. SHARED FUTURE.*

*SIGNED*

*COMRADE IKHUENBOR FELIX IGBINEVBO (MR. FIGO)*
*Convener, Edo South Stakeholders Coalition (ESSC)*
*+2348063085664*

31/08/2026

31/08/2026

*VDM, THE NBA AND THE PEOPLE’S VOICE*

I had deliberately stayed away from the controversy surrounding VDM’s invitation to the Nigerian Bar Association Conference in Port Harcourt. But the reactions from some self-styled activist lawyers have made silence impossible.

The irony is striking: while the overwhelming majority of lawyers welcomed VDM, applauded him and sought photographs with him, a vocal minority are angry that he was given a platform. Some are even threatening legal action because he raised disturbing allegations about corruption and the conduct of security agencies.

By all means, challenge his claims and demand evidence. That is legitimate. But trying to silence him is not.

The real question is: why has VDM become such a powerful voice for ordinary Nigerians?

Perhaps because too many citizens have lost confidence in institutions they once considered their last hope. When people increasingly turn to a social commentator to pursue justice, recover allegedly lost funds and expose wrongdoing, the problem is bigger than VDM. It is a symptom of institutional failure.

And perhaps that is what truly unsettles some people.

VDM may not be perfect, but he has disrupted a system that many Nigerians believe has failed them. Those who genuinely care about Nigeria should address the issues he raises—not conspire to silence the man raising them.

One million critics cannot stop a determined voice.

VDM has chosen his path. Let him continue speaking, challenging and exposing. We may not agree with every method, but those of us who desire a better Nigeria will continue to pray for his courage, wisdom and protection.

* *

*By Comrade Ikhuenbor Felix Igbinevbo (Mr. Figo)*

31/08/2026

*EDO SOUTH MUST RISE: BEYOND ELECTION HANDOUTS TO GENERATIONAL WEALTH*

Edo South must begin to demand more from politics—and expect more from those who seek to represent us.

Our collective destiny cannot be reduced to the temporary benefits that accompany election seasons. What we need is leadership that creates lasting value: intentional wealth creation, sustainable empowerment, strategic investment and opportunities that can translate into generational prosperity.

Edo South possesses the land, human capital and entrepreneurial spirit to build a formidable agricultural economy. Our vast arable land presents an opportunity to develop a thriving agricultural and agro-processing industry, producing for both domestic consumption and export. With the right vision, investment, technology, financing, storage, processing and market access, our grassroots farmers can move from subsistence to enterprise—and from poverty to prosperity.

That transformation, however, requires visionary and purposeful representation.

This is why the Edo South Stakeholders Coalition (ESSC) has embarked on a deliberate process of engagement, consultation and grassroots interaction across the senatorial district. We are listening to our people, examining the issues that matter to them and carefully assessing those seeking their mandate.

Our consideration must rise above party sentiment. We are seeking the vision, competence, integrity, capacity and courage required to effectively represent Edo South—the Senatorial District and its Federal Constituencies—at the National Assembly.

At the conclusion of this process, we intend to collectively rally behind and endorse candidates who demonstrate the clearest capacity to advance the interests of our people, attract meaningful investment, strengthen agriculture, empower our youths and create sustainable economic opportunities.

This is not a contest of political colours. It is a choice about the future of Edo South.

We trust and believe that, by the grace of God, our ongoing consultations will lead us to the right candidates—leaders who understand that representation is not an entitlement, but a mandate to deliver results.

Our votes should therefore not be valued by what they can purchase today. They should be invested in what they can build for tomorrow.

Edo South does not need another cycle of dependency. We need a new culture of purposeful leadership, economic empowerment and generational wealth creation.

The time has come to choose representation that will leave an economic legacy, not merely an electoral memory.

*ONE VOICE, SHARED FUTURE*

*Comrade Ikhuenbor Felix Igbinevbo (Mr. Figo)*
*Convener, Edo South Stakeholders Coalition (ESSC)*
*+2348063085664*