Political leaders in Ogbia Constituency one in Bayelsa State have raised the alarm over plans to scuttle the existing zoning arrangement among the three constituencies that make up the Ogbia Federal Constituency.
The leaders under the aegis of the Ogbia Constituency One Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Prosperity Stakeholders, said the insistence by some desperate and selfish politicians that the long practiced zoning system be jettisoned will throw the local government into an avoidable crisis that may also affect the state.
In a letter sent to the state governor, Senator Douye Diri, the stakeholders said they have decided to draw his attention to it in order for him to intervene as the leader of the PDP in the state and to forestall any political uprising in the area.
In the letter which was signed by the Cordinator, Hon. Yenami Egbo and Secretary, Ariwoghonan Jonah, they appealed to Governor Diri to call to order all the anti-zoning henchmen for the sake of peace and fairness.
Part of the letter read: “The Ogbia people are peace-loving people and have since 1999, fashioned a way to equitably distribute elective seats amongst the three constituencies.
“As a people of peace, the three constituencies in Ogbia Local Government Area, have always harmonized the various positions such as the House of Representatives and the Local Government Chairman, amongst the three constituencies that make up the Local Government.
“It is worthy of note that some of the Ogbia leaders that agreed on the zoning and rotation, include His Excellency, Chief Melford Okilo (of blessed memory), Hon. Graham Ipigansi(who is a beneficiary), Chief Balance Ominigbo, Mrs. Mary Edoni and Chief Eto Okirinya and so many others”.
The group maintained that zoning and rotation arrangement has been on since 1999 and it is sad that now that it is the turn of Constitutioncy One to occupy the Ogbia House of Representatives seat, those who do not mean well for Ogbia kingdom have decided to scuttle it.
The letter further read: “Ogbia is blessed with one Federal Constituency and since 1999, the three constituencies have taken turns to represent the local government at the National Assembly. Constituency Two had the first shot in 1999 with Hon. Graham Ipigansi as the House of Representatives member. In 2003, Hon. Clever Ikisikpo from Constituency Three was elected and he enjoyed two tenures.
“However, in 2011 Ogbia resorted back to single tenure for each representative and Hon. Nadu Karibo was the one chosen by Constituency One to represent them. Thereafter, in 2015, Hon. Sodaguo Omoni of Constituency two was elected and she served a single tenure. Now it is the turn of constituency one!”
While highlighting some of the benefits zoning has brought to the area which includes peace and unity, the group expressed concern that the incumbent member representing the federal constituency is progressing in error with his aspiration of returning for another term.
According to the group, some of those pursuing the ignoble agenda are double-faced individuals who nocturnally dine with the opposition while claiming to be in the PDP, adding that their plan is to cause confusion that will affect the chances of the PDP in the next elections.
“It is also pertinent to note that these same persons campaigned vigorously for the single tenure for each elected member of the House of Representatives. We are concerned that this might be one of their antics and ploy to create disunity in our Party and probably make our party to have a poor showing in the next election.
“However, we are of the firm view if there is need to allow each occupant to enjoy more than one tenure, it will be fair, just and equitable for it to start with Constituency One. This is because Constituency Two and Three have already occupied the said House of Representatives seat for Eight (8) years and Twelve (12) years respectively. A sudden change in the zoning/rotation arrangement might spell doom for our party”.
The Ogbia Constituency One Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Prosperity Stakeholders, thanked Governor Diri, for the developmental strides that has been felt in the nooks and crannies of Bayelsa State and Ogbia Local Government and assured him of their total support for him to continue in office beyond 2024.
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