By Our Reporter
Hon. Odi Okojie has made remarkable strides in the House of Representatives, winning admiration for his commitment to his constituency and legislative responsibilities. As the Senate seat in Edo Central Senatorial district becomes vacant, there is growing speculation on his ambition and political move to occupy the upper chamber of the National Assembly.
However, while this could be an attractive opportunity, there are compelling reasons why Hon. Okojie should improve and sustain his developmental strides in the House of Representatives and focus on gaining more experience before considering a Senate bid.
The House of Representatives is often described as the “people’s chamber” for its close interaction with local constituencies.
Here, lawmakers like Hon. Okojie can hone their legislative and policy-making skills. even as he has demonstrated competence, legislative mastery, it also requires more time to deepen his knowledge on bill, motion, and constituency project which will offer him a golden opportunity to further deepen his understanding of governance and parliamentary procedures. Staying in the House for another term would allow Hon. Okojie to further develop his legislative acumen and perfect his ability to represent his people effectively.
One of the primary roles of a House of Representatives member is to serve as a direct link between the federal government and their constituency. Okojie’s tenure has seen notable projects and initiatives that have improved infrastructure and services in his district. However, there is always more work to be done. By remaining in the House, Okojie can continue focusing on implementing ongoing projects and introducing new ones, rather than prematurely shifting his attention to a larger, more diffuse Senate constituency.
In addition, his current position allows him to stay closely connected to his constituents. Moving to the Senate may reduce the frequency and intimacy of his engagement with the grassroots, as the Senate is often more removed from direct constituency concerns.
Jumping from the House of Representative to the Senate too quickly can be risky, as the Senate operates at a different pace and with distinct responsibilities compared to the House of Representatives. Senators are often expected to provide more strategic oversight and deal with broader national policy frameworks. Esan Sons who have shown interest in this position so far are great minds that can do the job with their experience. While Hon. Okojie may eventually excel in such a role, entering the Senate prematurely could lead to challenges in adapting to the higher stakes and more complex legislative environment.
His action may likely jeopardize the chances of his party securing his position and no one knows what the opposition party may hold against him.
More experience in the House will allow him to better understand the dynamics of the National Assembly as a whole, preparing him for a more impactful role in the Senate when the time is right.
With more time in the House of Representatives, Hon. Okojie could aim for leadership positions, such as chairing key committees or serving as a principal officer. These roles offer valuable experience in navigating the political and legislative landscape, dealing with national issues, and working across party lines.
Leadership in the House would further bolster his credentials, making him an even stronger candidate for the Senate in the future.
Hon. Okojie’s departure from the House would necessitate a by-election to fill his seat, potentially destabilizing the momentum of projects he has initiated. His constituents may face a period of uncertainty as a new representative transitions into the role. This disruption could be avoided if Okojie remains in his current position, ensuring that his initiatives continue without interruption.
Hon. Odi Okojie has shown tremendous potential as a representative, but the move to the Senate requires a different level of experience and preparation. Staying in the House for another term or two would allow him to further refine his legislative skills, deepen his connection with his constituents, and take on more leadership roles. By doing so, he will not only continue to serve his people effectively but also position himself as a stronger, more prepared candidate for the Senate when the time is right.
Ultimately, patience and experience will enable Okojie to make a more significant impact, both in the House and eventually, in the Senate.