Sapele, Delta State — Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central, has issued a strong warning against what he terms the “Pull-Down Syndrome” within the Urhobo community. Speaking during a courtesy visit from members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Sapele, he emphasized that internal criticisms and attacks on prominent Urhobo figures only serve to diminish the community's influence at the national level.
Dafinone pointed out that while constructive criticism is important, malicious campaigns aimed at tarnishing the reputations of respected individuals ultimately harm everyone. He illustrated his point by stating, “If I disgrace a successful Urhobo man in the market square, tomorrow when Nigeria is meeting, there will be no Urhobo person at the table.” He urged his fellow Urhobos to adopt a more protective stance towards their leaders to strengthen their collective bargaining power.
The senator revealed that many of those attacking him on social media are well-known Urhobo personalities. Despite this, he has instructed his media team to refrain from engaging with such provocations, insisting that his focus remains on delivering tangible results for his constituents. “Let my work speak for me,” he declared, reinforcing his commitment to human capital development.
Dafinone also shared his experiences with political opponents who previously attempted to recall him but later sought financial compensation to withdraw their efforts. He highlighted the importance of remaining steadfast in leadership and not succumbing to pressures that could undermine his credibility or that of the Urhobo people.
In conclusion, Dafinone called on journalists to maintain open lines of communication with him and to report faithfully on his activities. He urged the NUJ members to help foster a culture of solidarity within the Urhobo nation, stressing that unity is essential for sustained political relevance and progress.
