Merit Over Tenure: The Legacy of Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa and the Path Forward for Ovia's Development
Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa Was a 'Kindergarten' When He Earned the Title 'Mr. Projects' in Ovia – A Testament to First-Timer Impact
A leading and frontline aspirant for the 2025 Ovia Federal Constituency by-elections has stated that Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, was a first-time legislator, essentially a "kindergarten" in the Federal House of Representatives when he transformed Ovia Federal Constituency into a hub of development, delivering landmark projects across all 23 wards in the constituency.
This statement comes in response to misleading social media narratives suggesting that first-time representatives cannot replicate the achievements of the deputy governor in the ongoing search for a suitable replacement. These claims imply that prior experience guarantees success or that former members automatically possess the ability to deliver results, a notion that the Concerned Ovia Support Group strongly refutes.
The Concerned Ovia Support Group unequivocally debunked the flawed assertion that past tenure guarantees future success, emphasizing that it is competence and capability, not prior experience, that defines effective leadership. The current Federal House of Representatives is a testament to this, as numerous first-time members occupy critical leadership roles due to their ability to deliver results based on merit, not tenure.
For example, Hon. Prince Odi Okojie, a first-time member, serves as Chairman of the Committee on Petroleum Resources (Midstream), showcasing that skill and merit are the key criteria for such appointments. Similarly, Bello El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, holds the position of Chairman of the Committee on Banking Regulation. Ms. Suenu Ibori, another first-time member, chairs the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), while Hon. Marcus Onobun, a first-time PDP member, leads the House Committee on Rural Development and a major caucus in the National Assembly.
These examples clearly demonstrate that the Federal House of Representatives rewards emerging leaders based on their potential and ability to drive meaningful change, irrespective of prior experience.
Furthermore, the Concerned Ovia Support Group highlighted that Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa himself was entrusted with significant responsibilities as a first-time representative. He earned the position of Chairman of the House Committee on Legislative Compliance, and in his second term, he was appointed Chairman of the House Committee on Health Services, further reinforcing the notion that merit prevails over tenure in such appointments.
The group emphasized that the criteria for selecting the APC candidate for the upcoming by-election should focus on party loyalty, exceptional performance at the unit and ward levels, competence, and grassroots mobilization. These attributes, according to the Concerned Ovia Support Group, are vital for ensuring continued progress in Ovia Federal Constituency.
In conclusion, the Concerned Ovia Support Group urged party members and constituents to rise above misleading narratives and instead focus on supporting candidates who truly represent the values, aspirations, and developmental goals of the Ovia Federal Constituency. It is essential to prioritize the selection of a candidate with a proven track record of service and the potential to continue driving Ovia's development forward.
