The attention of Hon. Pius Alile, President and Founder of the Pius Alile Coalition Initiative, has been drawn to a very captivating article titled: Pius Alile: A Catalyst for Lasting Change in Society and Philanthropic Politics, written by Mr. John Mayaki, a renowned multidimensional journalist.
While Hon. Alile appreciates the kind words the writer used in the appraisal of his person and philanthropic activities, it is, however, observed that the article’s main objective is, relating Hon. Alile’s recent award of bursary to students of tertiary institutions, commissioning of boreholes and presentation of generators to communities across the seven local government areas of Edo South, to a predetermined political motive. In the words of John Mayaki: “Pius Alile’s recent week-long charity and philanthropic events have sparked political controversy, raising questions about his alleged ambition to run for the governorship position in Edo State in 2024.”
He goes further to say that “Many are curious about Alile’s motives behind the extensive activities, including generous donations of millions of Naira, scholarships, commissioning of boreholes, and gifting of generators, among other remarkable giveaways.”
The narrative becomes more interesting where the writer says “Some speculate that Alile is positioning himself as a potential running mate to former Governor Oserheimen Osunbor, a renowned professor of Law who has expressed interest in the governorship seat after Mr. Godwin Obaseki’s tenure. Adding weight to this speculation, Professor Osunbor was present to commission Alile’s philanthropic initiatives, further fueling the rumors.”
From here, Mayaki delves into Pius Alile’s history as hailing from Egor Local Government Area, and “a grassroots politician who previously served as a lawmaker in the council before seeking greener pastures abroad,” whom he, Mayaki, found out “to be a man of integrity and humility…. a determined individual who wholeheartedly commits himself to causes he believes in.”
Starting with John Mayaki’s last quote here, with a deep sense of humility, Hon. Pius Alile agrees wholeheartedly with the writer that he, Alile, is a man of integrity who commits himself to causes he believes in, without preconditions. One of such causes is philanthropy, which gives Hon. Pius Alile the opportunity to share of his resources with those in need.
Therefore, Hon. Pius Alile finds it pertinent to reiterate that his acts of philanthropy have never been tied to any political ambition, including contesting for Governor or “positioning” for Deputy Governor as the writer speculates.
As a politician that is always eager to render service to his people by any available means, including but not limited to occupying public office, which has in the past led him to contest a councillorship election, which he won, and aspired to represent his constituency at the National Assembly on two occasions, Hon. Alile would not shy away from any opportunity to expand the scope of his service to society and to humanity.
However, Hon. Alile’s acts of philanthropy, whether previously or recently, as mentioned above are not predicated on a political or governorship ambition of any kind, even though he is eminently qualified in all ramifications.
Meanwhile, Hon. Pius Alile wants to use this opportunity to once again thank the erudite Sen. Professor Oserheimen Osunbor for honouring his Invitation to speak at the maiden Pius Alile Lecture Series, and subsequently obliging him the request to commission some borehole projects within the same week. It is important to state that Osunbor’s engagement with the Alile Lecture/Bursary Awards and Borehole Commissioning has nothing to do with Osunbor’s Governorship Campaign or a secret pact to make Pius Alile Osunbor’s running mate.
Hon. Pius Alile appreciates all the personalities who graced his week long activities in focus, amongst whom were Sen. Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, Hon. Prince Clem Agba, Hon. Lawrence Okah, Mr. Gentleman Amegor, Prof. Kingsley Omoyibo, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, SAN, Chief Emma, Iyase, Hon. Julius Agbonze, Hon. Saturday Uwuilekhue and others too many to mention.
Finally, let it be stated that in and out of election season, Hon. Pius Alile has in the past ten years been engaged in community service through philanthropy, and has never attached any political ambition to it. He remains so committed as he waits on God for his rewards, however God wants it.
*Nosa Omorodion*
Media/Publicity Adviser