Edo North Youths Must Demand Accountability, Reject ‘Stomach Infrastructure’ Politics — Okhani

Human rights activist and Coordinator-General of the Edo North Unity Forum Worldwide, Comrade JP Okhai Okhani, has called on youths across Edo North to reject what he described as “stomach infrastructure” politics and demand measurable performance and accountability from their elected representatives.

Okhani made the call in a statement reacting to what he described as the celebration of some elected representatives by youths simply for attending a neighbour’s funeral mass.

The activist questioned whether attendance at social functions should now be regarded as the standard for assessing political leadership and representation in Edo North.

According to him, while attending funerals and identifying with bereaved families are important acts of humanity, such gestures should not be mistaken for governance or constituency development.

“Attending a funeral or other social events is a human duty. It is not governance. It is not a constituency project. It is not jobs, empowerment, roads, healthcare or education,” he said.

Okhani, who has been involved in advocacy and public-interest campaigns on issues affecting Edo North, including calls for greater accountability and development in the region, said political representation should be measured by tangible results rather than ceremonial appearances. His role in the Edo North Unity Forum has previously been publicly reported in connection with regional development advocacy, including the campaign for greater attention to education, healthcare and human-capital development in Edo North.

He argued that the practice of excessively praising politicians for symbolic gestures could discourage citizens from asking critical questions about legislative performance, constituency projects, employment, infrastructure and other responsibilities of elected representatives.

The activist also challenged the perception that Nigerian youths are lazy, saying the lack of sufficient employment and opportunities should not be used to diminish the capacity or aspirations of young Nigerians.

“Our youths are not lazy. Many are jobless because the system rewards hailing over performance,” Okhani stated.

He urged young people in Edo North to become more conscious of their civic responsibilities and demand leaders who can demonstrate how their mandates have translated into concrete improvements in the lives of constituents.

Okhani's position is consistent with his broader public advocacy. In previous public engagements, he has been identified as a human-rights activist and a prominent voice through the Edo North Unity Forum, including his involvement in debates and campaigns concerning governance and development in the region.

He therefore urged youths across the senatorial district to stop exchanging their voices and political support for temporary benefits, stressing the need to demand policies and projects capable of producing lasting improvements.

The Coordinator-General called on elected representatives to focus on their legislative responsibilities, effective oversight, constituency development, job creation, empowerment, infrastructure, healthcare and education.

He further urged citizens to develop a culture of scrutinising political office holders based on their records in office rather than their visibility at social gatherings.

“Let us measure leaders by impact, not by how many events they attend,” he said.

According to him, political leaders should be expected to leave behind measurable achievements that continue to benefit their constituents beyond their time in office.

“Edo North deserves representatives who work, not just representatives who show up,” Okhani declared.