From Moshood Karim
Our attention has been drawn to an opinion article by Kelly Odaro titled “Why Orhionmwon Should Produce Edo South’s Next Senator”, published in the Nigerian Observer on Friday, January 30, 2026. While opinion writing is legitimate in a democracy, it must be anchored on facts not conjecture, half-truths, or selective storytelling.
Unfortunately, Mr Odaro’s piece fails the basic test of diligence and grossly misrepresents the performance, reach, and impact of Senator Neda Imasuen.
Let us set the record straight.
Senator Neda Imasuen assumed office as a first-term senator elected on the platform of a minority party, the Labour Party, and spent a significant portion of his early tenure contending with prolonged post-election litigation. These realities inevitably limited access and influence within the Senate hierarchy. Yet, despite these constraints, he delivered measurable results for Edo South.
To suggest that his victory was merely “circumstantial” is to dismiss the informed democratic choice of Edo South voters.
Contrary to claims of poor representation and inactivity, Senator Imasuen has executed visible, people-centred projects across Edo South Senatorial District:
Healthcare Delivery: Sponsored a large-scale medical outreach at the Rubber Research Institute, including free eye surgeries for hundreds of constituents.
Women & Girl-Child Empowerment: Championed girl-child development initiatives and trained over 100 women as traditional birth attendants, reducing infant and maternal mortality in rural communities.
Education Support: Sponsored over 500 free JAMB forms and awarded scholarships to deserving students in both secondary and tertiary institutions.
Skills Acquisition & Entrepreneurship: Trained over 600 constituents in leather craft (shoe and bag making), with start-up financial support to promote self-reliance and job creation.
Agricultural Empowerment: Facilitated the distribution of thousands of farm tools and assorted seedlings to boost food production and food security.
Infrastructure Support: Donated electricity transformers to Oredo and Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Areas.
Road Infrastructure: Facilitated ongoing road construction projects, including a 3.5-kilometre township road in Ovia North-East Local Government Area and a 2-kilometre road in Abudu, Orhionmwon Local Government Area, significantly improving access, commerce, and mobility.
Social Intervention: Distributed hundreds of 50kg and thousands of 10kg bags of rice to vulnerable households across the district.
Employment Facilitation: Actively secured Federal Government job placements for qualified Edo South youths through consistent follow-up and advocacy.
Rural Electrification: Facilitated the installation of over 1,000 solar streetlights across communities under Operation Light Up Edo South.
These interventions are not speculative, they are verifiable.
As Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, Senator Imasuen has demonstrated uncommon courage and integrity. His insistence on accountability was evident in his pursuit of justice in a case involving NDLEA misconduct that led to the tragic death of a child, refusing compromise and demanding compensation and institutional responsibility.
Senator Imasuen’s legislative footprint includes critical bills such as:
Federal College of Education, Abudu (Establishment) Bill, 2024, aimed at expanding federal presence and strengthening teacher education in Edo South.
Medical Establishment Amendment Bill, designed to enhance healthcare delivery, standards, and access nationwide.
Successfully intervened in the Oghede community land dispute involving the Nigerian Army, restoring peace and preventing escalation.
Firmly assured constituents that no Edo South land would be ceded during State creation discussions.
Sponsored Senate motions following violent attacks in Ovia North-East and Ovia South-West, prompting federal security intervention.
Claims that Senator Imasuen is distant from his constituency are patently false. He is the first Edo South senator to hold town hall meetings across all seven LGAs—Oredo, Egor, Ikpoba-Okha, Ovia North-East, Ovia South-West, Orhionmwon and Uhunmwonde where he answered questions directly and rendered transparent accounts of his stewardship.
The maiden Benin Unity Cup, sponsored by Senator Imasuen, empowered youths financially and uncovered over 35 football talents currently undergoing professional grooming for local and international opportunities.
The senator’s decision to join the APC was not driven by personal ambition but by the need to strategically align Edo South with the centre of power. Remaining in the opposition would have continued to limit access to federal opportunities. His alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is already positioning Edo South for greater development dividends.
Re-electing Senator Neda Imasuen in 2027 will make him a ranking senator, enabling him to chair high-impact committees and attract even larger federal projects. Experience and seniority matter in legislative politics and Edo South stands to gain substantially.
Rather than attempt to undermine a performing senator with poorly researched claims, constructive engagement would better serve public discourse. Senator Neda Imasuen has delivered quietly, consistently, and credibly.
The facts are clear. The record is solid. Edo South deserves continuity.
Moshood Karim is the Media Aide to Senator Neda Imasuen
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