Constituents from Edo South Senatorial District have taken a significant step towards recalling their representative, Senator Neda Imasuen, over serious allegations of corruption, abuse of office, and betrayal of public trust. This move comes after the senator, a member of the Labour Party (LP), was accused of failing to deliver on his promises, neglecting his constituents, and being involved in a corruption scandal linked to his disbarment by the New York State Supreme Court in 2010.
In a press briefing held on Friday in Benin City, representatives from five local governments in the district revealed that they have initiated the process for the senator’s recall and are calling for a full investigation into his alleged misconduct. The constituents have demanded that Imasuen be prosecuted for his actions, citing his international disbarment as a key point in their accusations.
The group, which included leaders from the local governments of Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha, Ovia South West, Uhunwode, Ovia North East, and Egor, argued that Imasuen has not fulfilled his duty to the people who elected him. They noted that, despite his position as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, the senator has failed to carry out any meaningful constituency projects or engage with the people he represents.
The constituents did not hold back in their criticism of Senator Imasuen, accusing him of failing to serve the best interests of Edo South. They claimed that, despite his prominent role in the Senate, Imasuen has not initiated any constituency development programs or provided the much-needed leadership for the area. As a result, many constituents feel betrayed by the senator’s lack of accountability.
“The people of Edo South deserve a senator who is accountable, transparent, and willing to work for the betterment of the district,” said Kola Edokpayi, one of the representatives at the briefing. “Imasuen has shown no commitment to his constituency and has distanced himself from the people he promised to serve.”
The group also raised serious concerns about allegations of corruption and mismanagement linked to Imasuen’s time in office. One of the most troubling accusations against the senator is his disbarment by the New York State Supreme Court in 2010. The constituents argue that these allegations of misconduct should not be overlooked, especially considering the senator’s influential role in the Senate Committee on Ethics, which is supposed to oversee issues related to corruption and public conduct.
The group’s spokesperson, Aghatise Raphael from Ovia South West, stated, “Given the international nature of these allegations, we believe INTERPOL’s cooperation is necessary to ensure a thorough, independent, and global investigation into Senator Imasuen’s past actions.”
The press briefing was a bold statement from the constituents, who expressed their frustration with Imasuen’s lack of engagement and failure to address issues affecting the people of Edo South. Representatives from Ikpoba-Okha, Uhunwode, and other local governments echoed similar sentiments, adding that the senator’s poor record had left the district in a state of neglect.
In their bid to ensure that the allegations are taken seriously, the constituents have issued a 14-day notice to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigerian Senate, and anti-graft agencies. The group is demanding that immediate action be taken regarding their petition for Imasuen’s recall, as well as a formal investigation into the corruption and abuse of office allegations against him.
The representatives emphasized that if no action is taken within the 14-day period, they will escalate the matter to the public and seek further legal avenues to hold the senator accountable for his actions.
“We are not going to sit back and allow someone who has betrayed the trust of the people to continue in office. Our people deserve better, and we will do everything within our power to ensure that Senator Imasuen is held accountable,” said Caesar Garrick from Ikpoba-Okha.
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, Senator Neda Imasuen has dismissed the claims, attributing them to a smear campaign. In a statement made in response to the recall movement, Imasuen suggested that the individuals leading the charge against him were being paid to discredit him, claiming that they had been recently invited to Kogi State.
“They are doing a hatchet job because they are being paid from Kogi,” Imasuen stated. “I don’t see why someone is being paid to throw stones in his father’s house.”
Imasuen further dismissed the allegations as baseless, describing them as politically motivated. He suggested that those pushing for his recall were part of a larger conspiracy to undermine his leadership and distract from his work in the Senate.
“I have always been committed to serving the people of Edo South to the best of my ability,” Imasuen said. “These attacks are nothing but a distraction from the real issues that affect our people.”
Imasuen, who also heads the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, is currently embroiled in a separate controversy involving a sexual harassment petition filed by suspended Kogi State Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. This ongoing scandal has only added to the pressure on Imasuen, with many questioning his ability to continue serving in his current role.
The recall movement is not only focused on Imasuen’s alleged corruption but also on the broader issue of accountability in public office. The constituents believe that leaders in positions of power must be held to the highest standards of integrity and transparency, especially when they are entrusted with the welfare of the people.
The Human Rights Community, which has supported the recall initiative, has also called for a broader national conversation about the need for ethical leadership in Nigerian politics. The group argued that the failure to address corruption and misconduct within the political class only perpetuates a cycle of poor governance and disenfranchisement.
“We cannot afford to have leaders who are not accountable to the people,” said Hanson Orako from Egor. “We must ensure that those who betray the trust of their constituents face the consequences of their actions.”
As the 14-day deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the Nigerian Senate, INEC, and anti-corruption agencies to see how they respond to the serious allegations against Senator Imasuen. The outcome of this recall effort could have far-reaching implications for Nigerian politics, especially if it leads to increased accountability and transparency in the country’s political system.
