DAFINONE’S SENATE PERFORMANCE: A LETDOWN FOR URHOBO, BY DR. JOSEPH TEDWINS EMUDAINOHWO

Senator Ede Dafinone attended the public hearing in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom state, as part of a group of selected senators anchoring the public hearing on bills for the creation of states in the South-South region. During nearly six hours of heated deliberations on the first day, Senator Dafinone spoke only briefly, introducing himself at the beginning. He remained silent for the rest of the six-hour engagement with the public. The bill for the creation of Anioma state was presented and received robust applause. Another bill for the creation of a state for the Itsekiri and Ilaje people was also discussed publicly.

However, the bill for the creation of a state in Akwa Ibom faced strong opposition. Over the two-day public hearing on July 4th and 5th, 2025, in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, the bill for the creation of Ethiope state was not mentioned. Senator Dafinone made no mention or public declaration of support for Ethiope State. A House of Representatives public hearing was later held on July 19, 2025, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, to consider the bill for the creation of Ethiope State sponsored by Hon. Benedict Etanabene, representing Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie Federal Constituency.

The promoters of the new state for the Urhobo people were forced to approach Hon. Benedict Etanabene after Senator Dafinone declined to sponsor the Ethiope State bill, despite repeated pleas. He claimed that his prior commitment to Anioma State’s creation precluded him from supporting another state, even though there’s no inherent conflict between backing Anioma State and advocating for a state for his own constituents. In his own words, Senator Dafinone had stated: “While we qualify for our own state, we stand with our Anioma brothers and sisters. This is not about drawing lines; it is about reimagining the federation with justice at its core.

So, if Dafinone, as a senator representing Delta Central, saw it as justice to support Anioma state creation while refusing to sponsor the demand of his own constituents for Ethiope state, why should the Urhobo people keep him as their senator? Why shouldn’t he move to Anioma, which deserves his support? And more importantly, why are the senator’s few defenders counting his belated and perfunctory support for the creation of Ethiope State as one of his achievements?

Senator Dafinone’s tenure in the Senate has been characterized by major flaws, including sloth and lack of patriotism to the Urhobo cause. He has been a distracted and underachieving representative of the Urhobo people in the Senate. The voice of the Urhobo people is not adequately heard in that chamber, and Urhobo interests are not articulated as they should be. His lack of focus on Urhobo interests is uncharacteristic of the vociferous nature of Urhobo people, and his inaction is wasting four years of potential progress for the Urhobo people. Urhobos are a vibrant and assertive people; we are loud and resolute individuals who cannot be suppressed. However, currently, the Urhobo voice is suppressed in the Senate.

Senator Dafinone doesn’t chair any committee. He attributes his non-performance to the limitations of his first tenure, but many first-term senators, including his colleagues Senator Ned Nwoko of Delta North and Senator Joel Onowakpo-Thomas of Delta South, lead important committees. For instance, Senator Nwoko chairs the Senate Committee on Refinery Maintenance and Probe, as well as the Ad-hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft, while Senator Onowakpo-Thomas chairs the Senate Committee on Local Content.

If we accept the dearth of experience as an excuse for the absence of recognition from among his peers, to what do we attribute the sloth and laziness in his performance on other senatorial duties? Why do we never hear about his contributions to debates and national budgets as a respected accountant? How many times has he drawn public attention to the needs and demands of his own constituency?

His apologists are counting the completion of some constituency projects as accomplishments, but every Nigerian senator receives projects of equal value. Completing these projects is a senator’s obligation, not an achievement. True achievement lies in attracting additional projects, which Dafinone hasn’t done.

The Senate is a platform for seasoned leadership, not a training ground. Those citing Senator Dafinone’s first term as an excuse for his underperformance must consider whether the Urhobo people should wait for him to gain seniority before delivering meaningful representation. Senatorial duties encompass various tasks, including debating, securing appointments and benefits for constituents, budgeting, policy direction, and project oversight. In which area does Dafinone require training, and which duty is he performing well?

Only failure requires excuses and justifications; success speaks for itself. The Urhobo people didn’t elect Dafinone to the Senate for training or to make excuses for non-performance. Globally, legislators are expected to work for their constituents, not idle. Many first-term senators excel in the Nigerian Senate. Why should Urhobo lag behind?

Honestly, electing Ede Dafinone as senator has turned out to be a mistake. Unlike his father, Senator David Omueya Dafinone, Ede just doesn’t have that strong, combative spirit that’s essential for thriving in the Senate. Sure, he’s got an impressive background in accounting, but Nigerian politics demands a whole different skill set—things like assertiveness, savvy lobbying, and building solid relationships. After over two years of lackluster representation, it’s evident that Ede Dafinone is struggling to meet the demands of the Senate, and Urhobo is paying the price. Ultimately, Dafinone’s Senate performance has been a letdown for Urhobo, confirming that he isn’t the right fit for the job. Given his track record, it’s clear he doesn’t deserve a second term – Urhobo needs a senator who will truly champion their interest and deliver meaningful results.

Joseph Tedwins Emudainohwo wrote from Abraka, Delta State.