Our attention has been drawn to a publication titled “Chronology of Representatives of Bende Federal Constituency: The Need to Respect Equity and Zoning Principle in 2027”, authored by Hon. Chief Emenike Okorie, FCA (Omenma). While the writer attempted to present a history of representation in Bende Federal Constituency, it is imperative to correct the glaring distortions and misrepresentations embedded in the narrative.
The representation of Bende Federal Constituency at the National Assembly did not commence in 1999, as the author would want the public to believe. It actually began in 1992 during the short-lived Third Republic, when Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, from Igbere (Bende North – Umunna), was elected into the Federal House of Representatives. After the return to democracy in 1999, the sequence has been as follows:
- 1999–2003: Hon. Nnamdi Njoku (Bende South – Ikwu Isii)
- 2003–2007: Hon. Mba Ajah (Bende North – Umunna)
- 2007–2019: Hon. Nnenna Elendu Ukeje (Bende North – Umunna) – 3 terms of 12 years
- 2019–date: Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu (Bende South – Ikwu Isii), currently serving his 2nd term
This chronology unequivocally shows that Bende North (Umunna) has enjoyed over 17 years in the Green Chambers, while Bende South (Ikwu Isii) has had about 12 years.
If the call is for equity and fairness, then Ikwu Isii should be allowed to continue until the years of representation balance with Umunna’s 17 years. Any attempt to truncate this balancing process will amount to perpetuating the very injustice the author claims to be against. It is only fair that the constituency is represented based on merit and the will of the people, rather than arbitrary timelines.
Politics of zoning may have been useful in stabilizing representation at some point, but democracy thrives better on competence, capacity, and service delivery. Representation at the Green Chambers is too critical to be reduced to a rotational compensation scheme. What Bende needs is a voice that can deliver dividends of democracy, attract projects, and defend the interests of the constituency, irrespective of whether the person is from Umunna or Ikwu Isii.
The so-called chronology presented by Hon. Emenike Okorie is selective and misleading. A factual review shows that Umunna has had more years of representation than Ikwu Isii. If equity is truly the basis, then fairness demands that Ikwu Isii be allowed to continue until parity is achieved. Nevertheless, our collective resolve should not be about whose turn it is, but about who can best represent Bende Federal Constituency with competence, courage, and capacity. Political office is not a chieftaincy title to be rotated; it is a call to service, and only the best hands should be entrusted with such a mandate.
Dcn.Sunday Akpaleji
Convener,
Bende Patriots
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