By : Ike Philip Abiagom
Calls for equity, fairness, and political balance have continued to grow across the Oshimili/Aniocha Federal Constituency as concerned stakeholders and residents insist that the time has come for the Oshimili people to complete their rightful turn in the representation of the constituency at the House of Representatives.
Since the return of democracy in 1999, political representation within the federal constituency has allegedly tilted heavily in favour of the Aniocha axis, with records showing that Aniocha representatives have occupied the seat for about 24 years, while Oshimili has only had the opportunity to represent the constituency for barely three years.
Concerned voices within the constituency described the development as unfair, unjust, and contrary to the spirit of democracy, equity, and political inclusiveness expected in a federal constituency made up of two major blocs.
According to political observers and community leaders, democracy thrives on fairness, mutual respect, and equal opportunity, stressing that no particular section should continuously dominate political positions at the expense of the other.
Many Oshimili indigenes argued that it would amount to political marginalization if Aniocha politicians are allowed to contest and occupy the House of Representatives seat again without allowing Oshimili to complete its fair share of representation.
They maintained that the people of Oshimili are not second-class citizens and should not be treated as political slaves or spectators in a constituency they jointly own with Aniocha.
Stakeholders further lamented what they described as the perception in some quarters that Oshimili lacks strong political voices or influential figures capable of defending the interests of the people. They insisted that Oshimili is blessed with competent, experienced, and credible individuals who can effectively represent the constituency and attract democratic dividends to the area.
They therefore appealed to political parties, leaders, elders, and stakeholders within the constituency to embrace justice, fairness, and political equity by supporting the rotation of the House of Representatives seat to Oshimili.
According to them, sustainable peace, unity, and political stability can only be achieved when every section of the constituency feels respected, recognized, and fairly treated in the sharing of political opportunities.
The stakeholders warned that continued political imbalance could deepen dissatisfaction and create unnecessary tension among the people, noting that fairness remains the foundation of true democracy and peaceful coexistence.
They concluded by urging all political actors to place the collective interest of the constituency above personal ambition and allow equity to guide the process ahead of future elections.