TOTAL FORGIVENESS AND FAIRNESS: The Panacea for Edo South Unity.

By Harrison I. Okao, JP, PhD (Ohen Osa)

Director General, Centre for Good Governance, Development and Socio Cultural Advocacy.

In the second article in this series, I argued that unity without justice is merely an illusion. Genuine unity cannot be built on denial, exclusion or political convenience. It must be founded on truth, fairness, mutual respect and a sincere commitment to the common good.

If this is true, then an important question naturally follows: How do we rebuild genuine unity across the Edo South Senatorial District?
My answer is straightforward: through total forgiveness and fairness.

These two principles are inseparable. Forgiveness without fairness breeds resentment, while fairness without forgiveness leaves old wounds unhealed. Lasting unity can only flourish where both exist together.

For far too long, politics in Edo South has been characterized by rivalry, distrust, exclusion and lingering personal grievances. Communities have become divided, friendships have been damaged and political contests have too often produced permanent hostility instead of healthy democratic competition.

The greatest victim has not been any political party or individual. It has been the unity, peace and collective progress of Edo South.
We must therefore ask ourselves a sincere question:
How much longer shall we continue to fight yesterday’s political battles while sacrificing tomorrow’s opportunities?

No society can achieve sustainable development when every election leaves behind bitterness, suspicion and exclusion. Democracy encourages competition during elections, but responsible leadership demands reconciliation after the ballots have been counted.
Edo South is abundantly blessed with human and natural resources. It is home to accomplished professionals, academics, entrepreneurs, technocrats, respected traditional institutions and an energetic youth population.

Yet many of its brightest sons and daughters contribute more to the development of other states and countries than to their own homeland because they perceive a political environment where loyalty sometimes appears to be valued above merit and political differences are remembered longer than competence and character.

This reality must change.
The future of Edo South cannot be built by excluding people because of their political affiliations, personal disagreements or historical differences. Development is far too important to become the exclusive preserve of any political party, family, community or interest group.
Every local government area in Edo South, whether urban or rural, must enjoy a genuine sense of belonging. Every qualified citizen should have the opportunity to contribute to governance and development based on competence, integrity, experience and commitment to public service.

That is what fairness demands.

Fairness requires equitable appointments, inclusive governance, balanced infrastructural development and equal opportunities for every community and every segment of society. When citizens are treated with justice, dignity and respect, trust naturally grows, confidence is restored and unity becomes stronger.
Forgiveness, however, demands courage.

It calls upon political leaders to let go of old rivalries, abandon the politics of exclusion and extend the hand of fellowship even to former political opponents. It also requires citizens to separate political competition from personal hostility. Elections determine who governs. They should never determine who deserves permanent acceptance within society.

As Edo State looks toward the future, Edo South has a unique opportunity to choose a different path.

Let us reject bitterness.

Let us reject revenge.

Let us reject intimidation, exclusion and the politics of perpetual division.

Instead, let us embrace dialogue, reconciliation, inclusion, mutual respect and shared responsibility.

Our younger generation is watching. They are less concerned about old political quarrels than they are about quality education, meaningful employment, security, modern infrastructure, accessible healthcare and sustainable economic growth. They seek leaders who unite rather than divide, who inspire hope rather than fear and who build enduring institutions instead of personal political empires.

History rarely celebrates those who merely won elections. It honours those who healed divisions, restored public confidence and united their people behind a common vision of progress and prosperity.

The future of Edo South does not lie in the victory of one political tendency over another. It lies in the triumph of justice over prejudice, inclusion over exclusion, fairness over favoritism and forgiveness over bitterness.

Total forgiveness is not a sign of weakness.

Fairness is not an act of charity.

They are enduring virtues that strengthen democratic governance, promote social harmony and lay the foundation for lasting peace and sustainable development.

If we sincerely desire a stronger, more united and more prosperous Edo South, then we must forgive one another, treat one another fairly and place the collective interest of our people above personal ambition, political rivalry and sectional interests.

That is the path to reconciliation.

That is the path to sustainable development.

That is the path to enduring peace.

That is the path to a united Edo South.

Oba ghator ‘kpere, ise!