In a significant step towards reinforcing the gentleman’s zoning agreement in Bayelsa West Senatorial District, the Bayelsa West Unity Forum has publicly called for inclusive dialogue aimed at promoting rotational political representation and sustaining regional harmony.
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Bayelsa West, comprising Ekeremor and Sagbama Local Government Areas, has long maintained a brotherly bond rooted in mutual respect, dating back to the days of the old Rivers State. This historical alliance gave birth to a gentleman’s agreement a zoning arrangement that has ensured political balance, equity, and inclusivity in our senatorial representation.
This zoning principle predates the senatorial contest of distinguished Hon. (Sen.) Heineken Lokpobiri, who, despite his popularity and competence, respected the rotational arrangement and, as a result, lost his primaries at the time. Similarly, Distinguished Senator Henry Seriake Dickson contested the zoning order, but his emergence was heavily influenced by the sitting governor’s interest a governor brought into power through Senator Dickson’s political structure.
When the current governor, His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, who also hail from Ekeremor (Maternal LGA), appealed to Ekeremor leaders to allow his predecessor, Senator Dickson, a second term, the people of Ekeremor yielded out of goodwill, political maturity and respect for the office of the governor and the role of Senator Dickson as a former state leader.
However, that political concession was an exception, not a precedent. It should not be misconstrued as the abolition of the zoning framework. The people of Ekeremor honoured that singular request in the spirit of brotherhood and unity, and it must not be used as a tool to undermine the existing rotation.
Today, we make a solemn appeal to all critical stakeholders, party faithfuls, community leaders, and political actors across our senatorial district: Let the zoning arrangement stand. Let the Senate seat rotate back to Ekeremor Local Government Area, while the House of Representatives seat returns to Sagbama Local Government Area, in line with the agreed formula.
This zoning arrangement is not just about political fairness it is about fostering unity, ensuring equitable representation, and consolidating long-term peace in Bayelsa West. Both Ekeremor and Sagbama are blessed with vibrant, articulate, and competent leaders capable of effective representation at any legislative level.
We respectfully urge Distinguished Hon. Heineken Lokpobiri, Distinguished Sen. Henry Seriake Dickson, the Ekeremor and Sagbama political class, and His Excellency Senator Douye Diri, to champion this time-tested rotational system and discourage any form of political imposition or breach of agreement.
For the records, Sagbama has held the senatorial seat more times than Ekeremor, both in the era of old Rivers State and since the creation of Bayelsa State. Hon. Heineken Lokpobiri served a full two terms eight years in the Senate, yet Ekeremor remains underrepresented in comparison.
We call on all sons and daughters of Bayelsa West youths, women, elders, and political elites to rally behind the zoning arrangement as a blueprint for sustainable peace and political coexistence We are not against anyone’s personal ambition; however, ambition must be guided by equity, justice, and communal interest.
To those working behind the scenes to disrupt this equilibrium, we urge caution. The decisions we make today will shape the political climate of tomorrow. Let us not be architects of future regrets. Instead, let us preserve this legacy of fairness and shared leadership.
Any attempt to circumvent this zoning consensus would be interpreted as deliberate political oppression, and such actions may erode the trust and goodwill that hold Bayelsa West together.
In conclusion, this is a passionate call for political responsibility and statesmanship. Let Sagbama and Ekeremor continue to rotate power as brothers, ensuring our children inherit a legacy of peace, cooperation, and mutual respect.
Let us give back to Ekeremor what is due, and uphold the zoning principle for a balanced and united Bayelsa West Senatorial District.
Thank you, and may the spirit of unity continue to guide us.
Signed:
Hon. Romeo Richman
President, Bayelsa West Unity Forum
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