POLITICS in this part of the world has for a long time been defined by a devious colour of brute force and gangsterism, a phenomenon that has robbed the game of the finesse, fidelity and exotic qualities of progressive political ideals which are the driving principles of government in the developed world.
We have lived for too long under the illusion that politics is a game for social deviants, men and women who have no contract with honour, people of banal value for integrity and rugged products of the world of the occult.
The late Senator Akpor Pius Ewherido was a chip from the mould of the best materials in political progressive drive. He gave the Urhobo nation the best representation ever because his was a popular mandate. He, therefore, was committed to the social contract he entered with the people by reason of the mandate he operated for two years in the Senate.
As Ewherido passed on to the great beyond on June 30, 2013, the Urhobo people of Delta Central have another opportunity to send an equally patriotic Urhobo to represent them in the Senate to help build on the legacy of exemplary leadership of the late Senator.
Sir Richard Odibo, a scion of the Odibo family of Egini, represents a true definition of two key words, so fundamental to the building of the best democratic institutions the world over but unfortunately in short supply in the Nigeria political environment.
These words are humility and integrity. Odibo, whose life and conduct in private and public relations with people and groups, can only be defined by the enduring values of pure fidelity to any course he is committed to, has proven over time that we still have men who can resist the power of bribe and corruption to stand for truth and what is right.
After netting a degree in Philosophy from the University of Lagos in 1981, Sir Odibo worked as Administrative Officer at the Delta Steel Company, Ovwian-Aladja in 1982 in the hey days of the company when even SPDC workers found better jobs in the steel plant. He rose to become Principal Administrative Officer before he voluntarily retired in 1992.
He is today Chairman/CEO Odrich Limited, an oil servicing company that is into procurement, marine and engineering services. He also is Chairman of Philard Services, all based in Effurun, Delta Central. He has attended several professional courses in general management, political administration and human resources management, as well as other invaluable courses related to career building.