Concerns are mounting over the performance of Senator Adams Oshiomhole as senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, with a United States–based attorney and civil society leader Dr Richard Bagudu alleging significant gaps in his responsiveness to the needs of his constituents.
Speaking on behalf of Vanguard for Truth, Dr Richard Bagudu said the senator’s public posture at the national level contrasts sharply with what he described as limited engagement with pressing local challenges, particularly worsening insecurity across Edo North communities.
According to Bagudu, kidnapping and violent crime have escalated in recent years, spreading from highways and rural areas into residential communities, with adverse effects on farming and commercial activities.
He noted that, in response, local communities have organised vigilante structures under the Amalgamated Afemai Forum, a grassroots security network operating across the six local government areas in the district.
Despite the scale of the security challenge, Bagudu alleged that Oshiomhole has not provided meaningful support—financial or otherwise—to these community-led initiatives, even as other stakeholders have contributed to their operations.
He further criticised the senator’s legislative focus, accusing him of prioritising national discourse over constituency-specific issues.
Bagudu cited instances where Oshiomhole addressed security concerns in other parts of the country while, according to him, remaining largely silent on similar or related problems within Edo North, including alleged illegal mining activities in parts of the district.
The civil society leader also referenced the 2025 Edo North Stakeholders Security Summit, held at Oshiomhole’s residence in Iyamo, arguing that the event has been misconstrued as evidence of the senator’s proactive engagement.
He claimed that the summit was originally conceived and organised by community stakeholders, particularly the Amalgamated Afemai Forum, before being taken over in a manner that sidelined its initiators.
Beyond security, Bagudu questioned the overall accessibility and responsiveness of the senator to constituent concerns, suggesting a pattern of limited direct intervention in grassroots issues affecting livelihoods and safety.
While acknowledging Oshiomhole’s prominence as a vocal member of the National Assembly, Bagudu maintained that effective representation should be measured by tangible impact at the constituency level rather than public commentary.
He said, “The true test of representation lies in how leaders respond to the immediate needs of their people, especially in times of crisis.”
Efforts to reach Senator Oshiomhole for comment were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
—By Staff Reporter