Nigeria stands as a tapestry woven from various ethnicities and cultural backgrounds. Since gaining independence in 1960, the nation has navigated a myriad of political experiments, often with limited success. Nevertheless, the citizenry has actively sought a political framework that fosters both national and regional unity. A significant stride in this direction has been the establishment of power rotation between the northern and southern regions for the presidency, as well as among the three senatorial districts for governorship in many states. This principle, embraced by the two dominant political parties, the APC and PDP, has been particularly observed in Delta State since the Fourth Republic began in 1999. While this achievement has substantially alleviated political tensions, there remains an urgent need for further progress!
This discourse , "Delta South Senatorial Seat: a call for equity and fairness" aims to refine the widely acknowledged power-sharing formula that has been utilized for the presidency and governorship, extending it to roles that resonate more deeply with the communities, such as the Senate seat for Delta South. This discussion encapsulates the various political complexities that have emerged over time, including notions like “they have the Governor, so cannot get the Senate Seat,” “he is not from my local government area/federal constituency, hence I won’t vote for him,” and issues of “tribal/dialectical sentiments” and “vote buying,” all of which have hindered the genuine rotation of the Senate seat.
The discourse also revisits the history of representatives from Delta South in the National Assembly, tracing the lineage of the seat from the defunct Second Republic through the tumultuous Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida transition programme known as the Third Republic to the current Fourth Republic. It calls on all Delta Southerners to recognize what must be done to foster regional unity and integration, ultimately nurturing the essential trust, respect, love, and peace that make heartfelt communication possible, thus contributing to genuine happiness and understanding within our communities.
Historically, the Warri and Burutu Federal Constituencies enjoyed brief representation in the Senate during the Second Republic, with Franklin Oritse-Mueyiwa Atake serving from 1979 to 1983 for a term of four years, followed by Edwin Kiagbodo Clark's brief stint of just three months from October 1983 to December 1983, before Muhammadu Buhari and his military consortium brought the Second Republic to a sudden halt through a bloodless coup.
The Third Republic featured Francis Spanner Okpozo, who was elected from the Isoko North/Isoko South Federal Constituency to the Senate for a mere ten-month tenure before Sani Abacha abruptly dismantled that republic through a palace coup.
However, since the dawn of the Fourth Republic in 1999 - a span of 26 years - the Senate seat has become the exclusive domain of representatives from just two federal constituencies: Bomadi/Patani and Isoko North/Isoko South. This has effectively sidelined Burutu and Warri Federal Constituencies, which have been entirely shut out from Senate representation for this entire duration, extending to an alarming 28 years by 2027, when the current Senate term concludes.
Reflecting on the past: Stella Omu of Isoko North/Isoko South Federal Constituency held the Senate seat from 1999 to 2003, a term of four years. Subsequently, James Ebiowou Manager from Bomadi/Patani held the seat from 2003 to 2023, achieving an unprecedented five terms or twenty years in total. Currently, Joel Onowakpo Thomas from Isoko North/Isoko South Federal Constituency occupies the Senate chair, having been elected in 2023 for a four-year term. Signs are converging to suggest that he is poised to seek re-election come 2027, further perpetuating this pattern.
This narrative provides a sobering reminder of the significant imbalance perpetuated by the systematic exclusion of Burutu and Warri Federal Constituencies from the Senate since 1999. This situation, reflecting a gravely unfair status quo, stands in stark contrast to the ideals of regional cohesion and integration professed by political leaders in Abuja and Asaba, particularly when members from the marginalized constituencies have also aspired for the seat. Such treatment is, without a doubt, oppressive and unacceptable.
While the next election cycle in 2027 may seem distant, it remains crucial to continually highlight the injustices faced by the citizens of Burutu and Warri Federal Constituencies. The call for equity and fairness must be at the forefront of our discussions, serving as a prerequisite for nurturing unity and a genuine sense of belonging in Delta South.
This call for equity and fairness concerning the Delta South Senatorial Seat is not merely an appeal for political reform; it is a clarion call for justice and inclusivity in our democratic processes. The historical context laid out in this discourse serves as a stark reminder of the imbalance that has plagued our representation for far too long. The deliberate exclusion of Burutu and Warri Federal Constituencies from the Senate, particularly the age-long politically oppressed Warri Ijaws, undermines the principles of fairness, equity, and equal opportunity that should underpin our political landscape. This significant oversight has not only perpetuated feelings of disenfranchisement but has also stifled the potential for collaborative governance that is essential for comprehensive community development.
As we stand on the precipice of the next election in 2027, it is imperative for all; stakeholders, politicians, community leaders, and citizens alike, to come together and advocate for a more equitable distribution of political power. The time has come for a concerted effort to ensure that every voice is heard, every concern is addressed, and every constituency is represented. By acknowledging and addressing the injustices of the past, we can pave the way for a more inclusive political environment where Burutu, Warri, and other marginalized constituencies share equally in the governance of Delta South.
This call to action compels us to engage in earnest dialogue, fostering mutual understanding and respect among diverse groups within the region. We must commit to collaborative strategies aimed at breaking down the barriers that have historically divided us - barriers rooted in tribal/dialectical sentiments, voting patterns, and political affiliations. By doing so, we not only promote political equity but also enhance social cohesion, ensuring that all constituents feel valued and invested in the democratic process.
The journey towards true equity requires a united front, and it starts with community engagement and education. It is vital for every citizen to be informed about their rights and the importance of their vote, as well as to understand the broader implications of their electoral choices. Empowering each individual with knowledge creates a more active and responsible electorate, which is a cornerstone for political transformation.
Through these collective actions - rooted in dialogue, understanding, and empowerment - we can foster a politically empowered Delta South, built on the tenets of trust, respect, love, and peace. Let us envision a future where our diversity is celebrated as a strength, and where all constituents, regardless of their federal constituency, feel a sense of ownership and pride in our shared governance. Together, we can transform Delta South into a beacon of hope and unity, not just for its inhabitants but as a model for inclusive governance throughout Nigeria.
Hon. Prince Augustine Edumogiren writes from Ayakoromo Town, Delta State.
April 20, 2025.
