- WHEN SHADOWS TRY TO BLOCK THE LIGHT: SUNDAY EKPETIKA AKIOTU, A TREE PLANTED BY THE RIVER SIDE
-By Kanabe Sani Alunegbe, Esq.
In every season of change, those who have benefited from the old, broken system will try to resist progress. And often, those attempts come from individuals whose own records cannot withstand the light of scrutiny. Now, as Sunday Ekpetika Akiotu stands ready to serve as the next Chairman of Etsako East Local Government Area, Edo State we are witnessing a familiar tactic: unfounded attacks, whispers without proof, and malicious attempts to discredit a man whose only offense is choosing to serve the people with integrity. Let us be clear on this issue: when people of questionable character try to pull others down, it says more about them than it does about the person they are attacking.
Before I forge ahead to eulogise the person of Sunday Ekpetika Akiotu popularly referred to as “Ekpeson”, it is pertinent to go down memory lane to introduce myself to you the public. My name is KANABE SANI ALUNEGBE, I hold a master’s degree in law from the prestigious University of Lagos (Unilag). I am a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, a Notary Public of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, an active member of the Nigeria Bar Association, a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators ACIArb (UK) and a Member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CITN). I am from Iviukwe, Etsako East Local Government Area, Edo State.
My people, I humbly seek all your indulgence not to continue with this introduction due to time constrained and proceed to address the reason why I have decided to handle my golden pen in the wake of this pressing issue. Ask yourself why are these individuals fighting so hard to stop one candidate? The answer is simple: Sunday Ekpetika Akiotu represents a clean break from the old ways. He is not part of their political games, their backdoor deals, or their schemes for personal gain and cheap profits which are indeed selfish. That is why they fear him. It is a known fact that “Ekpeson” as he is fondly called cannot be bought, he stands on truth, not handshakes in darkness, he has the people behind him, and he is well connected to the political cream de la cream in the society.
It is obvious and crystal clear with proof as research has it that those individuals working tirelessly to bring a man God has lifted so high down do not possess any iota of fact, but just out there to make noise like empty vessels. Look closely at the accusations being thrown around, no facts, no evidence, just noise. No one can point to a single scandal, a misused fund, or a betrayal of trust tied to Ekpeson. As far as Etsako East is concerned, he is the best man for the job.
I have seen people who claim to be friends to the man I called a political einstein and genus try to truncate the efforts of this well-package man of great political sagacity. The most annoying fact here is that those individuals have benefited immensely from his philanthropist gesture now turn around and try to pull him down, but when you are lifted by the almighty God, the rest become history.
Again, I have read on print media and listen to them spread rumours without names, make wild claims without evidence, attack his character without cause, meanwhile, I am glad to say at this juncture that the people know better, and the people have chosen not to be persuaded by their otiose claims.
A man with a bogus and inestimable track records in helping his community and beyond. Ekpeson’s records of humanitarian services can not be erased from this planet earth, no wonder, while some talk, Ekpeson works. The people have seen:
✅ He is currently renovating schools around Etsako East.
✅ Roads repaired where no one else bothered.
✅ Scholarships given, not for politics, but for purpose.
✅ Empowerment programs, health outreaches, and clean governance.
✅ A vision rooted in development, transparency, and people first leadership
What more can I say, I must move forward to say that I have made detailed research and realized that those individuals who have formed the loudest critics have never built anything. Their legacy is destruction, not development. But Ekpeson has built so many remarkable and tangible projects for the people of Etsako East, and he is still building, and that is what is terrifying them.
I must be frank and realistic here to say that the good people of Etsako East can not be fooled. You can not reap where you have not sawed. Let this be known: Character assassins don’t win elections, the people do. Our people are wiser than ever. They are watching. They are thinking. They are choosing truth over noise, substance over slander, and leadership over lies. My candid advice is that, let us continue to stand with Ekpeson, let us stand with the man who has walked with us, who has served us, who has never stolen from us, who listens, delivers, and believes in a better tomorrow.
Finally, let the detractors bark from the sidelines. Leadership is not won through mudslinging but through action, service, and the trust of the people. This is a new era. The people are ready. And so is Sunday Ekpetika Akiotu alias “Ekpeson”.
Let truth rise.
Let progress lead.
Let lies fall.
Etsako East must rise again.