IDUMUJE/ODIANI STAKEHOLDERS FAULT POWER ROTATION MOU, INSIST ON DEMOCRATIC CHOICE IN ANIOCHA NORTH II

Say Traditional Institutions Must Not Predetermine Electoral Outcomes

A group under the aegis of the Idumuje/Odiani Stakeholders and Progressives Assembly has challenged the recently announced Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on political representation and power rotation in the newly restored Aniocha North II State Constituency, arguing that the arrangement undermines democratic principles and the constitutional rights of citizens to freely contest and elect their representatives.

The Assembly made its position known in a detailed communiqué issued after what it described as extensive consultations with stakeholders, community leaders, political actors, youths, women groups, professionals and citizens across the constituency.

The communiqué was released in response to an earlier declaration by the Idumuje and Odiani Traditional Rulers, Elders and Leaders Forum, which proposed a rotational arrangement for the Delta State House of Assembly seat between the Idumuje and Odiani clans.

While acknowledging the efforts of traditional rulers and community leaders in promoting peace and harmony among the constituent communities of Aniocha North II, the Assembly maintained that political representation in a democratic society must remain the exclusive preserve of political parties, delegates and ultimately the electorate.

According to the group, no private agreement or understanding, regardless of the status of those involved, can supersede the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act or the internal democratic processes of political parties.

"The right to contest for elective office is guaranteed by democratic principles and cannot be restricted by agreements reached outside the constitutional and political party frameworks established by law," the communiqué stated.

The Assembly further argued that Aniocha North II belongs collectively to all constituent communities and stakeholders and should not be viewed as the exclusive preserve of any clan, political bloc or interest group.

It emphasized that every qualified citizen of the constituency should be allowed to seek elective office through established democratic processes without discrimination arising from clan affiliation or political arrangements.

In a notable addition to its position, the group stressed that merit, competence and antecedents should be the primary considerations in determining leadership.

According to the Assembly, prioritising merit over micro-zoning arrangements would better serve the developmental aspirations of the people and encourage accountability among elected officials.

The group warned that rigid rotational arrangements could diminish performance incentives by creating an environment where office holders become less accountable to the electorate.

"The path being suggested by our brothers with whom we disagree is one that removes the pressure to perform on the eventual holder of the office, which in turn does not help the developmental cause that the people fight for every day," the communiqué noted.

On the issue of political nominations, the Assembly rejected any attempt to compel political parties to source candidates exclusively from predetermined groups, insisting that parties retain the constitutional right to conduct their affairs in accordance with their respective rules.

It argued that delegates and voters should remain free to determine who emerges as candidate and eventual representative through democratic competition.

The Assembly also raised concerns about the level of consultation that preceded the adoption of the proposed MOU.

While not questioning the intentions of those behind the arrangement, the group stated that broader engagement with political stakeholders, youth organizations, women groups, professionals and other critical segments of society would have enhanced the legitimacy and acceptability of such a far-reaching political framework.

Consequently, it called for wider consultations before any arrangement is presented as representing the collective will of the people of Aniocha North II.

Despite its disagreement with the MOU, the Assembly reiterated its commitment to peace, unity and cordial relations among all communities within the constituency.

It urged stakeholders to avoid actions capable of creating unnecessary divisions or fostering perceptions of political exclusion, emphasizing that the restoration and future development of Aniocha North II should be pursued through cooperation, mutual respect and democratic engagement.

The group also welcomed continued dialogue among traditional institutions, community leaders, political stakeholders and citizens as a means of strengthening unity and advancing the collective interests of the constituency.

In its concluding remarks, the Assembly paid glowing tribute to the traditional institutions of Idumuje and Odiani, describing them as custodians of culture, moral authorities and unifying symbols within their respective communities.

However, it maintained that while traditional rulers and elders possess invaluable moral authority, electoral outcomes should remain the exclusive preserve of democratic processes.

"The traditional institutions of Idumuje and Odiani hold immense value as custodians of culture, moral arbiters and unifiers of the people. We recognize and respect this age-old fact. However, crossing the line from cultural leadership to dictating strict electoral outcomes overreaches their mandate," the communiqué stated.

The Assembly further argued that true progress for Aniocha North II would not be achieved by dividing political offices into what it described as "isolated clan-owned fiefdoms," but rather by allowing the electorate to freely choose leaders capable of delivering infrastructure, economic growth and security across all communities.

It concluded by reaffirming its commitment to justice, fairness, inclusion and democratic representation, insisting that the ultimate power to choose political representatives rests solely with the people.

The communiqué was signed by HRM Samuel Otiegede III (the Obi of Idumuogo), HRM Obi Chukwunonso Nwoko (Obi of Idumuje-Ugboko), Chief (Dr) Emmanuel Baje Biose (Odabameze of Idumuje-unor), Mr Ikemefune Ogbechie, and Comrade Jude Odiakose, for and on behalf of concerned stakeholders, progressives, community leaders, youths, women, and citizens of Aniocha North II State Constituency by the Idumuje/Odiani Stakeholders and Progressives Assembly.