By Deborah Coker
The Committee on Power Rotation in Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency of Delta has called for equitable representation and leadership renewal for the constituency.
The committee made the call in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Abuja on Tuesday by its Chairman, Chief Binaebi Keboh, the Ebe-Ebidouara of Kabowei Kingdom, and Mr Perezilagha Orutu.
It expressed concerns that since the return to democracy in 1999, only one individual had represented the federal constituency in the green chamber.
The statement also said that the continued occupation of the Bomadi/Patani federal constituency by an individual for over 26 years had denied other capable sons and daughters of the
constituency the opportunity to serve.
According to it, democracy thrives on participation, rotation and inclusion, and not on prolonged monopolisation.
“Since the return to democratic governance in 1999, the Bomadi/Patani federal constituency has been represented continuously by a single individual, whereas the nine other federal constituencies in the state have had minimum of three and maximum of five individuals representing them.
“While democratic systems allow for re-election, such prolonged and uninterrupted occupation of a legislative seat, spanning over two decades, raises critical concerns about inclusiveness, fairness and the overall effectiveness of representation,” it said.
The committee also said that the strategic implications of the continuation of the current pattern posed significant risks, including political stagnation and voter apathy.
“It will also lead to erosion of confidence in democratic fairness, under-utilisation of human capital within the constituency and continued developmental lag relative to peer constituencies, among others,” it said.
According to the statement, the 2027 general elections presents a critical opportunity to restore fairness and inclusiveness in representation in the constituency as well as encourage new leadership with fresh vision and ideas.
“A change in the current pattern will promote accountability and performance-driven representation and reposition Bomadi/Patani for meaningful federal engagement and development.
“We, therefore, respectfully urge political stakeholders and party leadership to prioritise equity, competence and rotation in candidate’s selection to discourage prolonged monopolisation of elective positions.
“We all urge constituents and opinion leaders to support credible alternative candidates, demand performance, accountability and measurable impact.
“Civil society and advocacy groups in the constituency should also amplify the call for democratic fairness and representation renewal to promote awareness of the benefits of leadership rotation,” it said.
According to the committee, Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency stands at a defining moment.
“The future of its political relevance and developmental trajectory depends on the willingness of its people and leaders to embrace change.
“Leadership is not a lifetime entitlement; it is a responsibility entrusted for a time, to be renewed in the interest of progress.
“The evidence is clear. The need is urgent. The time for renewal is now. For equity, for progress and for the future of Bomadi/Patani, let leadership evolve,” the statement said.
(NAN)