jamesibechi.com Political voices
In what appears to signal a grand political and communal conspiracy to kick Ibilla off the seat of Oju I state constituency of the BSHA is showcased by Ade Joseph Otor (Otor Ade) in a deep analysis that must have woken Ibilla from slumber.
Politics is a game of twisted facts and tainted realities . Even when facts come with obvious truths, politicians belabour themselves to see how to manipulate them with leeways. With intriguing speculations, they endeavour to make permutations ahead of time. In doing this, they become very selfish.They deliberately obstruct certain calculations that seem to favour them in the short run and rather scheme some future occurrences with consequences . These occurrences are where their own interests can be situated. These are the intrigues that characterize the dispositions of a politician. These intriques too come with grave consequences in the future as others play pawns with them some other days.
Beware, this piece is not intended from a historical perspective. It is rather a normative and an analytical inquest with a view to creating some levels of consciousness and not conspiracies.
By geographical delineation, what has become Oju I State Constituency comprises of Iyeche, Oboru-Oye, Owo, Ibilla, Ukpa-Ainu Ette and Oju Council wards. The remaining council wards in Oju LG have been well carved out in Oju II State Constituency.
In 2007, the Zone B ( Ibilla, Oju and Ukpa wards) produced the occupant of the Oju State Assembly in the person of Hon. Ode Frank Igbe. After serving a term of four years, he recontested for the position. His aspiration in 2011 was premised on the fact that Hon. Egbiri Idaah who earlier held the position served two terms between 1999- 2007. To pundits and some political gladiators, every zone was entitled to two terms. Let it be recalled that an earlier attempt of Hon. Ode Frank Igbe in 2003 to oust Hon. Egbiri Idaah was forestalled on the sound premise that Zone A from where Hon. Idaah hails from should be allowed two terms.
Unfortunately or, rather surprisingly, in 2011 when Hon. Frank Igbe of Oju Council ward recontested from zone B, the game was changed and the rug pulled off his feet.At that time, it was believed that some elements in Zone B rather preferred to ‘push’ the position back to Zone A. It seems their actions could be rationalized then maybe, through the prism of what could be constructed as intriguing speculations of their future ambitions.Yes, Zone A got the position back in 2011 with Dr. Adoga Onah been reelected.The rest is history which is not contemplated here.
Expectantly, after Dr Adoga Ona had spent his first term, many had thought that the position would return back to Zone B . As at this time, the Oju II State Constituency has been restored with Dr. Jairus Erube as the representative. However, by some twists and schemes for future expectations, certain actors from Zone B belaboured themselves to obstruct what was then seen as a projection to restore an equilibrium in the power configuration in the Constituency. Hence, Dr Adoga Ona got reelected and served another term of four years.
In a twist of fate, in 2023, Oju Council Ward is expected to produce the Chairman of Oju LGA. Should the Council ward push away a second term for House of Assembly away from the Zone if it becomes pretty sure that it ought to go to Ibilla Council Ward? Politics can be very selfish. After all, many believe that Ibilla Council Ward earlier conspired against a second term for Oju Council Ward in 2011 believing that it may impede an Ibilla Chairmanship. It must not be so though, the doctrine of reciprocity can be prevalent and subsistent.
As from 1999, the scientific approach to this political reality is thus:
Zone A=16 years: Oboru Ward = 8yrs Owo Ward =8yrs
Zone B =8 years (still running) Oju Ward= 4yrs Ibilla Ward =4yrs (still running till 2023)
From the indices above and without sentiments, we can situate a copious disequilibrium in the power distribution above.. For avoidance of doubts, Zone B should be held responsible for this situation.It is worthwhile to still retain the position in Zone B beyond 2023. As sound as this postulation may be reasonable, some critical actors outside Zone B of Oju LG are asking to know if there is a term understanding within the Zone. If there is, it means, perhaps that Zone B should be held susceptible to buying a one termed product.
Also, if there is no such internal understanding that each Council Ward should take a term each, critical minds are also asking to know between Oju and Ibilla Council Wards which deserves a second term in 2023? They are also saying, will it be out of place for Ukpa-Ainu Ette to have the slot in 2023 since Oju and Ibilla wards have all held the position for a term? These are intricate issues.
Functionally speaking, this shouldn’t be about individuals, it is rather a quest to maintaining a system balance. As much as we know, the politics of 2023 has begun.It is urgently pertinent for the IJU – Ibilla, Ukpa/ Ainu Ette and Oju to review this situation and proffer a guide ahead. Many actors will be willing to make attempts at mitigating imbalances if those that bear the brunts actually feel the pains. Again, he who comes to equity must come with clean hands. There should be some sincere and honest efforts. Should we amend from the beginning or the present? The time to act is now.
It is worrisome to have seen Zone B warming up for House of Representatives, House of Assembly and the Local Government Chairmanship in 2023. Though, the ‘Game’ becomes interesting with polarities and more divergence, tact, restraint and caution are however needed. Should all these positions however be concentrated in Zone B in 2023? Should it be taken that Zone B of Oju LGA does not have a culture of second term like Oju II Constituency? Consequentially, should it be rational for Zone A to field candidates for House of Assembly too in 2023 ? Only time shall tell!
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