As political activities for the forthcoming general elections continue to gather momentum, the race for the 2023 State and National Assembly elections in Bayelsa have taken off in earnest with the aspirants from the various constituencies and senatorial zones positioning themselves ahead of the elections.
The various political groups in the state have been strategising on how to ensure that they come out successful. Others are harping on their advantages and trying to capitalize on the misfortunes of others.
However, there is no gain saying that zoning elective offices in a heterogeneous state like Bayelsa State is the solution to a peaceful political coexistence.
Unfortunately, the issue of zoning, a political arrangement that breeds harmony, equity and fairness in political entity, has become a thorny issue ahead of the elections in the state.
Some political analysts have questioned whether it is helpful or destructive to zone elective offices or it should be on the bases of competence of the candidate irrespective of where such person comes from and how many years the person has spent in office?
Although this question has generated a lot of controversy probably, because there is a class of political elites who think that the principles of zoning elective office is old fashioned.
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For the stakeholders in Okoroma Ward 9 in Nembe Local Government Area of the state, zoning will help in no small measure to foster and promote peace, unity, harmony, mutual respect and cooperation as well as reducing political tension and violence to the barest minimum.
In a statement signed by the Spokesman of the Okoroma Voice, Dr. J Ebi, these same political elites who are working against the principle of zoning particularly in Nembe LGA are mostly members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who were the greatest beneficiaries of the principles of zoning, federal character and quota system in the area.
According to Ebi, OGBOLOMAINBIRI ward 1, OGBOLOMAINBIRI ward 2, OGBOLOMAINBIRI ward 3, IGBETA-EWOAMA ward 8, OKOROMA ward 9 and OKOROMA ward 10 are the six wards which make up Nembe Constituency 1, saying that in the past ten years, all the wards have produced an elected office except Okoroma ward 9.
He also emphasized on the need to zone all elective offices available to Nembe Constituency 1 to Okoroma ward 9 which according to him, has become imperative and crucial.
Ebi said, “In Nembe Local Government Area, this issue of zoning has been subjected to hotly debates, and so far, the political elites working so hard to disrupt zoning arrangement are the greatest beneficiaries of the principles of zoning, federal character and quota system which has sustained the exercise of equity, justice and fairness in the Kingdom.
“Worse still, is the fact that, these same political elites who are working against the principle of zoning in Nembe LGA are mostly members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and their attitude towards the issue of zoning makes one wonder if they have forgotten Article 7 (2) (c) of the PDP Constitution 2006 as Amended.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Article 7 (2) (c) of the PDP Constitution 2006 as Amended states that “In pursuance of the principle of equity, Justice and fairness, the party shall adhere to the policy of rotation and zoning of party and public elective offices and it shall be enforced by appropriate executive committee at all levels”.
“From the above article, it is evident that the PDP constitution envisaged the fact that, the disruption of zoning, an arrangement that has fostered stability and rekindled a sense of participation and belonging in Nembe, will be in bad faith. And the questions still remain, who are the targets of the emergency anti-zoning crusaders? What is the sole motivation? Why are certain elements posing as if they have the key of Nembe in their pockets?
“According to public records, from 2012 to 2020, Ogbolomainbiri ward 3 produced Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd) as Deputy Governor, 2013 to 2016 Okoroma ward 10 produced Bioghoemi Eminah as Chairman of Nembe Local Government Area and 2010 to 2012 Okoroma ward 10 produced Kenneth Jonah as Vice Chairman of Nembe LGA.
“Others are Hon. Jonathan Obuebite, member of the House of Assembly from Ogbolomainbiri ward 1, 2007 to 2015, Ogbolomainbiri 2 produced Chief Bright Erewari Igbeta as member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly from 1999 to 2007 and Hon. Ebi Opolo from Igbeta-Ewoama ward 8 is serving as member of the state assembly from 2015-till date.
“In view of the trajectory of the elective political office holders of Nembe constituency one, any politician seeking for an elective office from Okoroma ward 10 is just playing the spoiler role or burying landmines to create political upheaval among the Okoroma ward 9 and 10.”
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