ABUJA/Nigeria: A motion for the restoration of suppressed federal and state constituencies in Ndokwa had been moved on the floor of the National Assembly by the member representing the Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency, Hon Ossai Nicolas Ossai.
In moving the motion, which was seconded and supported by Representative Shehu Koko, said motion has become necessary, as the 1999 constitution of Nigeria allows for review for state and senatorial districts every 10 years.
Hon Ossai further stated that such restoration will also give the people the expected equity, justice, fairness, order and good governance.
The motion which was titled, “Need for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to Restore the Suppressed Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency of Delta State”, made reference to section of the 1999 constitution.
“Notes that Nigeria had its last delineation exercise into Senatorial Districts and Federal Constituencies in 1996.”
“Also notes that Section 73 Subsection 1 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) provides that the Independent National Electoral Commission shall review the division of States and the Federation into Senatorial Districts and Federal Constituencies at intervals of not less than ten years, and may alter the Districts or Constituencies under the provisions of this Section to such extent as it may consider desirable in the light of the review.”
Further notes that the main purpose of periodic review of the States and the Federal Constituencies is to alter, restore and make restitution of suppressed Constituencies to bring the Government closer to the people through fair and equitable legislative representation.
“Informed that on the promulgation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 rather than maintain the two existing Federal Constituencies in Ndokwa Ethnic Nationality, the then Military Government, by fiat, reverted the two Federal Constituencies in Ndokwa Ethnic Nationality and foisted on the Ndokwa people one Federal Constituency and reduced the House of Assembly Constituencies from four to three without adequate consultation.”
He observed that the delineation carried out by the Military Government before the 4th Republic was good in some cases but were mere distortions that resulted in having some disproportionate Senatorial Districts and Federal Constituencies in present-day Nigeria: Worried that the continued suppression and unjust marginalization of Ndokwa Ethnic Nationality have brought political and economic retardation on the people:
Recalls that Ndokwa Ethnic Nationality has the largest gas deposit in West Africa and plays host to about 15 Oil Exploration Companies in Nigeria, including the first Indigenous Independent Power Plant (IPP) that transmits over 485 megawatts of electricity into the national grid that powers the Aso Villa;
Concerned that the people of Ndokwa Ethnic Nationality being the second largest ethnic group in Delta State, are poised into ensuring that the existing anomaly of gross marginalization, injustice and continued suppression of the Federal Constituencies is re-addressed and corrected by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The House in passing the motion, resolves as follows.
That the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to restore and make restitution on the suppressed Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency of Delta State;
Mandates the Committee on Electoral Matters to ensure compliance and report back within four (4) weeks.
