Aminu Aku is a member of the All Progressive Congress, APC in Edo State. A former supervisory councilor, student activist at ABU Zaria and a consultant to UNDP on community based Needs Assessment for Niger and Kebbi States.

The Kano born, Uneme indigene from Etsako East LGA of Edo State, in this interview bares his mind on the on-going National Conference, alleged marginalization of Uneme, and Etsako politics among others issues.

The Owans and the Akoko Edos have complained of alleged marginalisation by the Etsakos in the selection of delegates from Edo North Senatorial district to the ongoing National Conference. Do you agree with their submission?

The selection of delegates to the national conference was not people oriented. There was no voting, no in-depth consultation, even at the the party level. Also we shouldn’t lose focus on the fact that about 50% of the delegates were chosen by the presidency. So, the mistakes if any, started at the inception.

]Right now our focus should be on the outcome of the conference hoping that it will justify the huge resources, manpower committed to it.

Still on marginalization issue; the other two zones that make-up Edo North  felt the recently established Edo State University of Science and Technology supposed to have been sited either in Akoko-Edo or Owan since the Etsako already boast of a federal polytechnic. Do you agree with that? 

The Binis and the Esans already have an existing university. The Imoudu institute of physical education is located in the Owans axis which comprises of Owan and the Akoko Edos. In my own opinion that school is synonymous to the university in all standard. So, the Etsakos need to host a university fully, hence their support for the decision of the governor to site the university in Etsako.

The APC recently concluded the ward and LGA Congresses. What is your assessment of the exercise? 

It was fair, but I would have been happier if the political marginalization of the Unemes in Etsako East was addressed during the congresses.

What do you mean by political marginalization?

There are four major tribes in Etsako East, that is, Okpellas, North Ivies, Weppa-Wannos and the Unemes. It is unfortunate that the Unemes has never produced an elected political office holder, not even a counselor. Even in the just concluded ward congress they are not considered as ward chairman. Since Nigeria Independence in 1960, the marginalization of the Unemes is too obvious and this should be addressed.

Thanks to Governor Adams Oshiomhole who duly addressed the infrastructural developmental needs of the Unemes more than what we expected. The people would ever be grateful to him. All thanks goes to our illustrious son, Hon. Clement Agba who is a commissioner in the administration. We will continue to give hundred percent support and votes for APC.