The Member representing Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Engr. Rodney Ebikebina Ambaiowei, has continued his consultations with political stakeholders and community leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections, paying a visit to a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Southern Ijaw, Hon. Basil Kenbo, in Yenagoa.
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The visit provided an opportunity for discussions on constituency development, grassroots engagement, legislative representation and the forthcoming electoral process.
Ambaiowei, who described Kenbo as a brother and longstanding political associate, expressed appreciation for the support and contributions of Kenbo and his followers during his political journey and first tenure in the House of Representatives.
He acknowledged the expectations of constituents and said elected representatives often face limitations in translating their intentions into projects because of resource constraints and other institutional challenges.
“Once you go to an elective office, the expectations of the people are very high. I know that my friend and brother Basil too, his expectations would be very high.”
The lawmaker appealed for understanding over areas where constituents believe more could have been done, accepting responsibility for shortcomings in his representation.
“Any place I have not made up, any place that I’m found wanting, please pardon me. It is not deliberate. It is as a result of the situation I find myself. I have to take responsibility.”
Ambaiowei Highlights Intervention Over Oil Spill
Ambaiowei also recalled his intervention following an oil spill that affected communities in the area, particularly his advocacy during legislative proceedings and efforts to secure relief materials for affected residents.
Parliamentary records independently document Ambaiowei’s legislative intervention on the Ogboinbiri/Teibidaba oil spill, including concerns over its impact on the livelihoods of affected Southern Ijaw communities.
Recounting the episode, Ambaiowei said he challenged comments he considered offensive to the people of Southern Ijaw during a committee proceeding.
“I said, if the Oando staff does not leave this meeting, that this meeting will not take place. Somebody is saying that my people have voracious appetite to steal oil. Then it means that I also have voracious appetite to steal oil, and I’m the one oversighting this committee.”
He also recalled his efforts to secure emergency assistance for communities affected by the spill.
“If I can go up to that extent, and to the extent of pressuring the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), what came for that spillage, no spillage in this country has ever gotten such.”
Ambaiowei assured the communities that further interventions were being pursued, subject to available resources and budgetary releases.
“There are things that are in the pipeline. By the grace of God, once there’s release in the budget, Olugboboro must surely have something in their kitty.”
Appeal for Support
The lawmaker said the purpose of the consultation was also to seek the continued support of stakeholders and constituents as he seeks another term in the House.
“I felt there’s still need for me to come and consult you, to talk to your people so that they can vote for me, and take me back for second term.”
He argued that experience gained during a first term could be valuable in navigating legislative processes and pursuing constituency interests.
“One thing about Parliament that I too have come to realise is that, just like wine, the more it stays, the better it becomes. I know the parliamentary duties now. I know how to meander my way to get whatever I want to get.”
Ambaiowei further appealed to stakeholders to consider his record and experience when making decisions about the 2027 election.
“So I’m here to plead with you as my brother. What you did for me in the first tenure, please help me do it for me.”
He also cited the installation of solar-powered streetlights in communities as part of his constituency interventions, saying his projects had been implemented on a larger scale than those he attributed to his predecessor. That comparison is presented here as Ambaiowei’s own claim rather than an independently verified assessment.
Kenbo: “For Me and Rodney, There’s No Third Party”
Responding, Hon. Basil Kenbo thanked Ambaiowei and his entourage for the visit and acknowledged what he described as the lawmaker’s efforts during his tenure.
Kenbo, identified as the Technical Adviser to the Governor on Federal Projects and Programmes Coordination, said he had maintained a longstanding relationship with Ambaiowei and expressed his continued commitment to the political process.
“The party is our own party, the government is our own government. Southern Ijaw is so large, it’s bigger than a local government, it’s bigger than a federal constituency, but then circumstances have made it so, and God has a reason.”
Kenbo also spoke about his commitment to the APC political structure and said he would work within the framework established by the party and the state leadership.
“Anybody that believes in the governor should believe in you. Anybody that believes in our party should believe in you. Let us appeal to our people that the system is our own system.”
He specifically commended Ambaiowei’s intervention over the oil-spill incident and the relief materials reportedly secured for affected communities.
“Every community leader was happy. Those things are very laudable and indelible in our hearts.”
Kenbo concluded by expressing his support for Ambaiowei’s bid for another term, saying:
“For me and Rodney, there’s no third party. Be rest assured that our member of the House of Representatives will go for a second tenure as he is desiring.”
Ambaiowei currently represents Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives; official parliamentary records also document his legislative activity on Southern Ijaw-related issues, including oil-spill concerns and other constituency matters.
The consultation forms part of Ambaiowei’s broader engagement with stakeholders ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle, following other recent meetings with community leaders and political stakeholders across Southern Ijaw.
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