By Darlington Onyebuchi Agoha
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Between June and July this year, I stood before the people of Bende Federal Constituency and spoke from a place of deep conviction. As a man whose life’s work is rooted in justice, public-interest advocacy and institutional fairness, I passionately argued that our clan, the Ikwuisi Clan (Bende South), should be supported to complete another tenure in the Green Chamber.
My reasoning at the time was straightforward: to bridge the historical gap in representation between our clan and our brothers in the Umunna Clan (Bende North) in the House of Representatives. I spoke according to my understanding of the issues at the time and stood firmly by my position without fear or favour.
However, true leadership demands the courage to reconsider one’s position when new and compelling evidence of an institutional agreement comes to light. An honest person must be willing to submit to the truth, regardless of whose interests may be affected.
I have recently obtained and carefully reviewed what I understand to be the official, signed Bende Charter of Equity and accompanying Agreement Letter. The documents reportedly bear the signature and seal of our brother, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and a proud son of the Ikwuisi Clan. According to my understanding of the documents, the agreement, signed alongside representatives of the revered traditional institution of Bende LGA and the leadership of the Umunna people, establishes a framework for the rotation of political representation.
As an international award recipient recognised for my commitment to world peace, I believe my conscience, reputation and dedication to democratic principles require me to approach this matter with honesty and consistency. I cannot ignore a written agreement simply because it has implications for my own clan. To do so would undermine the principles I profess and betray the trust of those who look to me for principled advocacy.
Consequently, I hereby formally withdraw my earlier position advocating the automatic continuation of the Ikwuisi Clan’s tenure. Having reviewed the documents, I believe that the interests of Bende are best served by respecting the principles of equity, fairness and adherence to agreements.
If our brother, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, participated in and signed an agreement intended to shape the political future of Bende, then the terms of that agreement deserve serious consideration and respect. I therefore urge all stakeholders to reject political desperation, short-sighted calculations and actions that could undermine unity in Bende for the sake of individual ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
I am following developments in the political landscape closely. Let this statement serve as a clear message to all aspirants from the Ikwuisi Clan seeking election to the House of Representatives in 2027: Respect the agreement and place the collective interest of Bende above personal ambition.
I also call on the good people of Bende Federal Constituency to look beyond divisive clan sentiments and give their support to the Umunna Clan (Bende North) in the 2027 elections, provided that this position is consistent with the terms of the Charter of Equity and the collective understanding of the relevant stakeholders.
In my view, respecting the agreed rotation would provide a pathway towards sustainable peace, political inclusion and mutual trust among the constituent clans. Upon the completion of the Umunna Clan’s tenure, the representative ticket should, in accordance with the agreed arrangement, return to the Ikwuisi Clan.
My voice has never been for sale, and it never will be. My commitment remains to peace, democratic integrity, institutional fairness and the pursuit of truth, even when doing so requires me to reconsider a previously held position.
Let justice be done, though the heavens fall!
Signed:
Darlington Onyebuchi Agoha
Public Interest Advocate & International Peace Advocate
A Proud Citizen of Bende LGA (Ikwuisi Clan)
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