The sad news of the passing away of Hon. Clement Ben Edo-Osagie popularly known as Ben Edo filtered round the political terrain with rude shock.
A thorough breed politician and the nexus between the old and emerging new politician in the first, second, third, fourth and fifth Republic, Hon. Edo-Osagie was a man of courage, political ideas and resilience to surmount challenges and differences arising from diverse opinions and claims by some of the political actors.
He was a bridge builder, full of wisdom in resolving conflicts capable of causing disintegration amongst political gladiators during his time.
His life, energy and resources were dedicated to serving the people, elevating community from Economic despondency, and building political structure that would stand the test of time.
During the formation of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the National Republican Convention (NRC( by former president Ibrahim Babangida in 1991/1992, Hon. Clement Ben Edo-Osagie was elected as the Edo State Deputy Chairman of the party and worked assiduously with the state chairman, Gabriel Enaboifo Esq to produce the first Democratically elected Governor, Chief John Odigie- Oyegun, late Chief Tony Anenih as National Chairman of the party and Chief MKO Abiola as the president elect.
The military struck again and dismantle all the democratic structures and brought Nigeria back to military dictatorship.
Upon the restoration of Democracy in 1999, Hon. Edo- Osagie was actively involved in mobilising the electorates and residents of Ovia South-West, Ovia North-East to deliver the two local government areas to PDP which saw Chief Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion emerging as the Executive Governor of Edo State.
In 2008, Hon. Edo-Osagie was elected as the state deputy chairman of PDP and was the vice chairman of the transition committee that prepared ground for the smooth inauguration of Senator Professor Osariemen Osunbor.
The death of Hon. Edo-Osagie is not only a colossal loss to the political terrain, but a big blow to his immediate family, community, the press which he had built a strong synergy and relationship with journalists in Edo State.
May his soul rest in peace – Amen.
Jacob Afeinkhena, is a Media Consultant based in Benin City, Edo State