By Emmanuel Ekebe
Since the advent of this political dispensation in 1999, different Constituencies in Delta state and beyond have established, devised or carved out a pattern of selecting/electing their House of Assembly members amongst the various federating wards and clans.
One common factor however is that just as no Constituency is exactly like the other, the methodology of rotation or the spreading of the Assembly slot across board have always been an issue though in different contending dimensions.
It is equally more complex in a multi – clan Constituency like Isoko South 11 with an array of political big weights and over ridding capacity.
In deed, we have a unique entity with political history of gladiators with audacity and velocity.
We also have six Wards in Eight Clans as against Isoko South 1 that has five Wards in three Clans. But down the line as it is in political intrigues against mathematical equations, equity and fairness have always been sacrificed on the alter of “the swiftest takes the price” no matter the agitation or rationality.
That probably accounts why Constituency 1 has chunned out eight (8) House of Assembly members in 24 years and Constituency 11 with eight Clans has only three (3).
In effect, an avoidable jinx has tauntingly been on the prowl stunting some Clans/Wards with glee, damning rationality and equity.
However, recent events, especially the interface as driven by High Chief Waleys, the Enhwe born business mogul, the malfeasance and dogmatic spell seemed to have been unmasked.
Even when the sub committee report was at last jettisoned on the plata of “Higher External” powers, the take home really is that the time for realignment is ripe at dawn no matter the colouration or gab!
As a key player in the political dynamics of the Constituency in the past, I do have a fair knowledge of the power play and subterfuge ingredients that goad the people on over the years.
Even when I had stepped outside the fray for greater fulfilling endeavours, the continuous interplays in the political turf have not escaped me one bit.
Now, while the Enhwe congregation was inconclusive as it were, the two- tenure – equitable -rotational per clan time line was ingrated succinctly.
That not withstanding, it is also manifest there off that the incumbent House of Assembly member representing the Constituency, Hon Ferguson Onwho is priming to return for a third term.
Here lies in the crux of the matter! And also perhaps the major reason why the Enhwe forum had to adjourned sine die!.
Frankly speaking, having served as the Campaign DG to the incumbent in 2015 under the then opposition APC and prior to being a Director in the Labour Party, equally a formidable opposition in 2011, I’m very aware that there’s a trail and track in the fiery contest for the Assembly slot in the Constituency.
What are the scores? The incumbent on the same boat with Government House and all the apertaenances down the line poses a formidable stock to start with.
History may also appear to be in his favour just as he could deploy his recently acquired Phd degree in political Science alongside his experience to overwhelm the race against the odds of weak score card and deficient inter personal responsibilities and relationship with critical stakeholders in and outside the Constituency.
On the other hand, will the opposition be able to ride on the waves of the general public disaffection and opprobrium against the ruling APC to turn the apple cart to change the narrative and break the Jinx?
How potent is the arsenal and what is the wish of the majority?
Really, only time and posterity can tell as the Constituency and indeed the Nation at large is under an unusual gestation period whose birth and nature of delivery is only tied to the divine forces.
May the will of the people of Isoko South Constituency 2 prevail to the glory of God.
