UHUNMWODE'S PULL DOWN SYNDROME: A CALL FOR COLLECTIVE UNITY AND PROGRESS

By Dr. Alari-enoma Edosa

In Uhunmwode Local Government, a troubling phenomenon has taken root, one that threatens not only the future of our people but also the dignity of our political landscape. Some among us have become experts in the art of pulling down their own—those who have risen to positions of leadership, influence, and service. This deliberate undermining of top political figures, often for personal or external gain, raises the critical question: *are we sowing seeds of our own destruction?*

In the aftermath of the 2023 general elections, some persons within the local government made some of our leaders become the target of political and moral saboteurs, and for petty reasons sought to expel notable leaders from our party. It was a painful experience, yet a today again, the same tactics have been directed at our current House of Representatives member, Chief Billy Osawaru. This pattern is alarming and points to a deeper moral drift within our local politics.

Have we lost our sense of unity and purpose? Why have some of us abandoned self-preservation principles, all in the name of crumbs handed down by external forces? It is as though we have become blind to the long-term consequences of this divisive attitude. Those who tear down our leaders today for momentary gain fail to realize that they are dismantling the very structures that could uplift all of us tomorrow.

The pull-down syndrome, as it has come to be known, is not just an individual or isolated issue—it is a collective problem. When we engage in pulling down our own leaders, we weaken the foundation of our community, making it easier for external aggressors to exploit and control us. The very people who could have been our champions in higher places, advocating for development, progress, and better opportunities for Uhunmwode, are reduced to pawns in a selfish game.

The consequences of this attitude are dire. By constantly seeking to undermine our top leaders, we set ourselves on a path of stagnation and disunity. No community, no local government, can thrive when its brightest and most capable minds are subjected to sabotage from within. Instead of growing, we remain stuck in a cycle of mediocrity and dependence on external forces that do not have our best interests at heart.

But we must ask ourselves: *why is it that some see the downfall of others as their only path to success?* Is it because they lack the vision and fortitude to carve out their own path of excellence? Or is it because we have, as a people, lost sight of the values that once held us together—values like loyalty, solidarity, and mutual respect?

Uhunmwode, it is time for a rethink. We cannot afford to continue on this destructive path. We must stop seeing the success of one of our own as a threat to others. Instead, we should celebrate and promote the accomplishments of our leaders, recognizing that when they rise, we all stand to benefit. Let us put an end to the culture of tearing each other down and begin building a culture of collective success.

The strength of any community lies in its ability to unite for a common purpose. If we spend our time and energy pulling each other down, we are only aiding those who seek to keep us permanently oppressed. We must recognize that we can solve our problems ourselves by standing together, supporting our leaders, and working towards the development of Uhunmwode as a whole.

Our local government is brimming with potentials and brains. We have the human resources, the talent, and the political presence to make a difference, not just in Edo State but across the nation. But this can only happen if we abandon the destructive pull-down syndrome and embrace a new ethos of cooperation and mutual upliftment.

Let us begin by looking past each other's shortcomings and focusing on the bigger picture. No leader is perfect, but perfection is not what we need. What we need are individuals with vision, courage, and the commitment to drive progress. If we, as a people, rally behind them, supporting them with constructive criticism and encouragement, there is no limit to what we can achieve.

Conclusively, Uhunmwode must unite. It is time to move away from a culture of division and destruction, and instead foster a spirit of togetherness and progress. Let us uplift our leaders, encourage their growth, and work with them to bring development and prosperity to our land. By doing so, we secure not only their future but ours as well.

Together, we can rise. Together, we can build a better Uhunmwode.