Sagbama—A group, the Aduku Democratic Front (ADF) has called on the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri to intervene and stop what it termed ‘crass injustice’ against the people of Aduku community in Sagbama Local Government Area.
In a statement signed by its coordinator, Kenneth Ayabowei which was made available to Mangrovepen.ng, the group averred that stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Sagbama constituency 3, after due consultation zoned the House of Assembly seat in the 2023 general election to wards 8 and 9 comprising of Odoni, Trofani and Aduku communities.
The fair thing to be done, Ayabowei argues, is for stakeholders to micro-zone the assembly ticket to Aduku as no indigene of the community currently holds any notable elective position or appointment in the state.
The statement reads in part: “It is important to note that Odoni community currently occupies the position of the PDP south-south secretary, state volunteer chairman, special adviser, a top position at the amnesty office, councilor for three terms, ward chairman and secretary.
“The special adviser on political matters to the Bayelsa State Governor is from Trofani, hence the assembly seat cannot also be zoned to the community.”
The ADF coordinator alleged that some PDP members from Odoni community called for a ward 8 stakeholders meeting but failed to invite anyone from Aduku community.
“They did not even inform the Aduku PDP leader, Chief Gift Uranta Kendabie, who is also an assembly aspirant from Aduku community.
“To make matters worse, this same group of stakeholders further refused to include Chief Kendabie’s name on the list of aspirants as agreed but went to submit only two names from Odoni to the Sagbama PDP Caucus.
“Out of the three candidates in each constituency, as approved by the governor, one candidate should emerge from Aduku community because there is even no opposition there. This means one candidate from Trofani and another from Odoni; and not two from Odoni, and one from Trofani alone as unjustly and unfairly submitted.
“As a group, we are using this medium to humbly call on the Sagbama PDP Caucus Chairman, Chief Fynman Wilson to disregard that list and look into this matter. We know him as a man of integrity who will always do what is right.
“We are also appealing to Governor Diri and the state PDP chairman quickly intervene to stop this crass injustice, by calling the Sagbama caucus to disregard the said list and include an aspirant from our community, Aduku.
“By so doing, we believe that there will be equity and fairness in the polity, which will, in turn, give the people of Aduku, especially the PDP members a great sense of belonging.”
While admitting that the people of Aduku have always voted for the PDP in previous elections, Ayabowei also expressed hope that the state leadership of the party will allow one of their own to fly the party flag in the Sagbama constituency 3 election come 2023.
“It was in the last assembly election that the vibrant and promising son of the Amadawei of Aduku lost his life and the Lexus 350 Jeep of the PDP leader in Aduku community was destroyed beyond repair after a violent attack by members of the opposition party.
“Every vote counts in an election, while political loyalty of a people is expected to be reciprocated too. More so, we believe that only justice, equity and fairness will keep the votes of Aduku community for the PDP in 2023,” he added.
