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EKU/Nigeria: Leaders and key political stakeholders of the Ethiope Federal Constituency have delivered a harsh appraisal of their House of Representatives member, Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, accusing her of what they termed a “complete failure in credible, responsive, and effective representation” since taking office.
At a strategic stakeholders’ meeting held over the weekend in Eku, Ethiope East Local Government Area, participants expressed deep frustration over what they described as stagnation, neglect, and a widening disconnect between the lawmaker and the constituents.
The gathering brought together political leaders, community representatives, youth groups, and opinion leaders from both Ethiope East and West LGAs. At the end of the meeting, the forum unanimously resolved to “reposition the constituency” ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Stakeholders vowed to embark on an intensified grassroots mobilisation effort to present what they called a more competent, visible, and people-focused candidate capable of restoring the constituency’s legislative presence at the national level.
Former member of the House of Representatives for the constituency, Hon. Halims Agoda, delivered one of the strongest criticisms at the meeting. Citing Section 14(1) of the 1999 Constitution, Agoda argued that accountable representation requires physical presence, vocal advocacy, and legislative impact, qualities he claimed were lacking in the incumbent’s performance.
“The young lady there now is not representing us,” he said. “A representative of Ethiope Federal Constituency must be 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 referenced a recent incident in which an Edo lawmaker raised an issue affecting land in Mosogar, only for Hon. Francis Waive of Ughelli North/South and Udu Federal Constituency to step in to defend Ethiope’s interest.
“If not for Waive, our constituency would have been abandoned. That is the shame we are facing,” he lamented.
He added that Ethiope must now prepare a more intellectually and physically capable candidate who will “stand daily, speak boldly, and defend Ethiope Federal Constituency on the floor of the House.”
Also speaking, Chief Adviser to the Governor, Senator Ighoyota Amori, described Ethiope as the political heartbeat of Delta Central and reaffirmed the constituency’s loyalty to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
“This is the governor’s constituency. In 2023 we delivered; in 2027 we will double it,” Amori said, stressing that the stakeholders’ meeting demonstrated unity and strength ahead of the next election cycle.
The State Director of Protocol, Chief Sunday Onoriode, echoed the sentiment, describing the participants as “the true custodians of Ethiope’s political future,” and declaring that the constituency was taking its destiny into its own hands. He said the meeting marked a critical step toward rebuilding political structures for more accountable representation.
Leader of the APC in Ethiope East, Chief Bernard Edewor, described the meeting as a major milestone toward building a formidable coalition for 2027.
“There is no old or new APC — only one united family working for the good of our people,” he said.
A significant highlight of the meeting was the overwhelming vote of confidence passed in favour of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. DESOPADEC Chairman, Chief John Nani, moved the motion to adopt Oborevwori as the constituency’s sole gubernatorial candidate for 2027, while Dr. Benson Edoja seconded and announced Tinubu as the adopted sole presidential candidate.
Nani praised the governor’s leadership style, while Edoja expressed confidence in both leaders’ chances for re-election.
The meeting ended with a renewed sense of determination, with stakeholders insisting that Ethiope Federal Constituency must no longer be voiceless in national affairs. Their final resolution was unequivocal: come 2027, Ethiope will “take back its seat” and send a representative who will be a voice — not an echo — in the National Assembly.
