Ahead of the forthcoming general elections, the Auchi Development Foundation (ADF), a not-for-profit and non-political organization of all sons and daughters of Auchi in all professions, trade, and across the world has advocated for equity in elective positions in Afemai land and across political parties.
Gatekeepers News reports that this was contained in a communique from an emergency virtual summit of ADF with politicians in the Auchi Sacred Kingdom held via Zoom.
The group noted that “the meeting became expedient in view of the fact that since the emergence of the presidential system of democracy in Nigeria (1999), the people of Auchi have watched with dismay how the “Auchi Interest” in elective positions have been subjected to unfavorable manipulation in the hands of politicians, both within and outside of the community.”
ADF added that considering the population and the economic might, coupled with the historical role Auchi has played and continue to play in the emancipation of the Afenmai people, being the political nerve centre of Edo North and by extension, a force in the political dynamics of Edo State, Southern Nigeria.
ADF added that this will enhance proper engineering and attainment of significant developmental stride.
The summit, therefore, served as a forum for the Foundation to interface with all known political actors in Auchi irrespective of the parties to dialogue and address the equity in elective positions issue.
After exhaustive and frank deliberation, the summit arrived at the following resolutions:
“There is urgent need to act upon the reports received from politicians in Auchi, especially from the two major political parties, which narrations indicate that unless urgent steps are taken, Auchi and its people may have, or in the near future, totally lose its political relevance.
“There is strategic need for voters’ education, registration, and mobilization and clear definition of the role expected of the various Auchi organizations, Associations, and Groups in the realization of the cardinal objective of equity in elective positions in Afemai land.
“It was also resolved that voter education and enlightenment will not only go a long way in shaping the political direction of our people but also demonstrate the voting strength in Auchi as a tool for ensuring political equity going forward.
“It was unanimously agreed that “Auchi is our PARTY” and that at no time should political party affiliation affect the resolve in driving that agenda.”
The submission further noted “the role of the stranger elements in the politics of Auchi and restated the need to continue to provide a peaceful and loving community for our settlers who will in turn boost the voting base and not forget the Auchi people at critical moments.
“The summit cautioned all political parties not to undermine the interest of the Auchi people in their political permutations as the people of Auchi will not look back, irrespective of political party affiliations, to do that which will be in the interest of Auchi.”
On the zoning of elective political offices (Senate, House of Rep, etc) for the 023 and subsequent elections, the summit resolved that any political party whose zoning arrangements underestimated the political relevance of Auchi will have itself to blame for its political misfortune and that this position is not a threat but the way things will be, going forward.
The resolution read further, “In the realisation of above, the summit recognized the need for Auchi Development Foundation to make its resources available to serve the overall interest of the Auchi people in this and many other directions in line with its focal areas of community development.
“The summit called on every son and daughter of Auchi to see this as a clarion call and set as “AGENDA 1” on his or her priority list as we march towards the political renaissance and rebirth of Auchi and its people.
“Therefore, in fulfillment of the above resolutions, no person of Auchi descent should allow his or herself to be used in the political gaming to jeopardize the interest of the Auchi people.”
The Auchi Development Foundation is poised at ensuring that the resolutions of this summit are faithfully implemented and urged its political actors to take these to their respective political parties.
