Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama is a civil and structural engineer by training. He is the standard bearer for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Oredo Federal Constituency in Edo State in the forthcoming general elections. In this interview with our Special Correspondent in Benin, Isaac Olamikan, Ogbeide-Ihama gives an insight into his reasons for gunning for the seat. He also speaks on other issues Excerpts:
What inspired your participation in politics?
It is coming from an inner desire to give back to society that has done so much for me.
Why are you interested in the Oredo federal constituency seat?
I was born here (in Oredo). I grew up and I schooled here. So, it’s a_ desire to give back to society
Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama
especially when I see that a lot of things are changing not for the better unfortunately. One must key in so that one can redirect one’s constituency. These are some of the issues that actually brought out my desire to give the right kind of representation to my people. But I must point out that politics is a_ second address for me. When I say that, I mean it is my way of giving back to society on a much larger scale. I have my primary profession where I get my daily bread from.
What is your professional background?
I am a civil and structural engineer. I have an MBA I oil and gas. Right now, I am in the oil and gas sector. I run a servicing firm that supports upstream operations. We deal in valves and it’s accessories in the entire supply chain from procurement to installation and repairs. The other side of our business is turbine with specific reference to GE and Rolls Royce.
What made you to choose the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the other political parties in the country?
Well, I have been a card-carrying member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) since its inception in 1998. I don’t believe in changing parties. Almost all the parties have the same persons moving from one party to the other; only a few have the principle of adhering to the ideology of their party. It’s not about the political party but about the individual and how much he wants to drive the process you believe in. I have been in the PDP and I remain in the party.
What aspect of the PDP ideology that attracted you to the party?
In 1998, I went through the party’s constitution and manifesto and some of the ideas that I have always nurtured were reflected in the documents. So, I had no choice than to join them. Ever since, in spite of what some see as the turbulence that the party went through once in a while I remain in the party with the belief that building it in line with the ideals of true democracy will augur well for all Nigerians.
This is not the first time that you’re seeking to represent your people through popular vote. You have not been successful so far. What has kept you going?
This is actually my second time of seeking to go to the House of Representatives. The first time that I sought to represent my constituents was when I came out to contest for the House of Assembly seat for Oredo East constituency. What has kept me going is my belief tha I should be able to achieve what my heart desires for the people. I’ll not relent. I am going to keep trying to ensure that I give the people the right enlightenment. I am concerned about youth restiveness and women empowerment. In as much as it did not go well in the last election, I have kept on meeting people who keep encouraging me not to give up but to try it one more time.
It is mind boggling that you have tried twice to be elected to represent your constituents without success and you’re still trying it for the third time. Are you not worried that you are wasting so much money on politics?
To be modest, what I require in life is three square meals daily and a roof over my head. Whatever how small is the income that one generates from business I have a portion that goes into a foundation that I have set up. The desire is to be there for the less privileged and the needy in whatever capacity. It is godly to be of help to people who are in need. I don’t have any regret so far in the path I have chosen to be of value to my people. I have never been a beneficiary of any government patronage. Whatever I am doing in politics or my foundation is all geared to being there for my people.
What is your foundation all about?
It is called Dr. (Mrs.) Eseosa Ogbeide-Ihama Foundation. It has two aspects. First, I am very keen about women. Secondly, I am also concerned about the youths. One, because I have so much affection for my late mother, my late wife and my present wife also I am a youth as well. What I do is to empower the youths, try to create enabling environment for them within our capacity to be able to develop themselves. Those that have acquired some skills I try to empower them to start off their own business to be able to earn income for themselves. Women are given grants so that they can in turn become employers of labour. For example, the hairstylist who has two dryers and employs two assistants if you are able to help her with some grants she can employ more hands. This is what I have been doing within the limit of my resources. So far so good it has been fruitful and God has been blessing the process.
What in your assessment has been a clog in the wheel of your desire to be a representative of your constituents at the National Assembly?
It is a learning curve. Our entire electoral process in my own opinion is a learning curve. We’re learning in the process. Today, we can say that votes count more than it used to be in the past. Right now the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has introduced card readers also it has been made almost compulsory that all eligible voters who have registered should be given their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), which will enable them cast their votes in the forthcoming polls. Social media and indeed citizens reporting has made it possible for the people to be abreast of events as soon as they occur. So, we can say that the election coming up soon will be miles ahead of previous ones in terms of organisation and also deployment of technology. We begin to see a true reflection of what the people really want as the process gets better. This time around I am sure that the improvement in technology that is been deployed in the electoral process will go a long way in giving us a foolproof result that will be in our favour.
What will be your contribution to the issue of insecurity in the country when you are elected?
That has been my campaign to my people. I have always made it known that they should vote with a clear conscience so that issues which affect them are brought to the front burner of national discuss through vibrant presentation by a knowledgeable representative. I dare say that I hold the ace in this respect. I am unwavering in my desire to do it right for the people of Oredo. It is the responsibility of the government to secure life and property. We’ll look at the process of how the government carries out this responsibility in line with the wish of Nigerians. As we speak, the Federal Government has been doing much to address the issue of insecurity which is mostpronounced in the North Eastern part of the country. Money is being spent on equipping the military and seeing to the improvement of the welfare of the combatants.
What will be your last words to your constituents as the election comes up in a couple of days?
I want to thank the people of Oredo, especially those of PDP stock, for believing in me. I am also very impressed that they came out in their numbers during the collection of PVCs. That is their way of expressing their desire to effect a positive change in the scheme of things in the state. I will use this opportunity to appeal to those who are yet to get their PVCs to go and do so now because their vote is their power of choice. Then on the election day they should ensure that they cast their vote solely for the PDP.
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