Banner Online News

Political leaders and stakeholders of the Ethiope Federal Constituency have delivered a harsh verdict on their House of Representatives member, Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, accusing her of “complete failure in credible, responsive and effective representation” since assuming office.

At a high-powered strategic meeting held in Eku, Ethiope East Local Government Area, over the weekend, the leaders lamented what they described as stagnation, neglect, and a growing disconnect between the lawmaker and the constituents she was elected to represent.

The forum, comprising political leaders, community heads, youth bodies and opinion leaders from Ethiope East and West, unanimously resolved to “reposition the constituency” ahead of the 2027 elections. They pledged to mobilise vigorously across the grassroots to produce a more competent, visible and people-oriented candidate capable of restoring the constituency’s voice in the National Assembly.

Former House of Representatives member, Hon. Halims Agoda, delivered one of the strongest critiques at the gathering.

Quoting Section 14(1) of the 1999 Constitution, Agoda said democracy and social justice demand active, accountable and present representation, qualities, he argued, were missing in the incumbent.

“The young lady there now is not representing us,” Agoda declared. “A representative of Ethiope Federal Constituency must be seen on the floor of the House, moving motions, sponsoring bills and defending the interests of our people. What we have now is absence, silence and constitutional non-compliance.”

Agoda cited a recent incident in which an Edo lawmaker raised an issue concerning land in Mosogar, only for Hon. Francis Waive of Ughelli North/South and Udu to step up and defend Ethiope’s interest.

“If not for Waive, our constituency would have been abandoned. That is the shame we are facing,” he lamented.

He stressed the need to field a more intellectually sound and physically present candidate in 2027, one capable of standing daily on the House floor to champion the constituency’s cause.

Also speaking, Chief Adviser to the Governor, Senator Ighoyota Amori, described Ethiope as the political heartbeat of Delta Central and reaffirmed the constituency’s unwavering loyalty to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

“This is the governor’s constituency. In 2023, we delivered; in 2027, we will double it,” Amori said. “What we are seeing today is a united political force preparing for total victory. Any APC candidate presented in Ethiope Federal Constituency will win.”

The State Director of Protocol, Chief Sunday Onoriode, echoed the sentiments, insisting that those gathered represented the true custodians of Ethiope’s political direction.

“We are taking our destiny into our own hands,” he said, describing the meeting as a decisive effort to rebuild the constituency’s political structure and secure more accountable representation.

Leader of the APC in Ethiope East, Chief Bernard Edewor, hailed the gathering as a significant step toward forming a formidable coalition for the 2027 polls.

“There is no old or new APC, only one united family working for the people. Our objective is clear: re-elect the governor, support our presidential candidate, and win all legislative seats,” he stated.

A major highlight of the meeting was the unanimous adoption of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as the constituency’s sole presidential and gubernatorial candidates for 2027.

The motion was moved by the Chairman of DESOPADEC, Chief John Nani, and seconded by Dr. Benson Edoja.

Nani praised Governor Oborevwori’s performance and leadership style, while Edoja expressed confidence that both leaders would be re-elected.

With renewed determination, the leaders resolved that Ethiope Federal Constituency must never again be voiceless or poorly represented.

Their final message was unequivocal: In 2027, Ethiope will reclaim its seat and this time, it will send a voice, not an echo, to the National Assembly.