Why Itsekiri Should Produce The Next Speaker

By Comr Lucky Futughe – Warri

The gubernatorial elections in Delta State have come and gone with winners declared. As the May 29, 2023 handing date draw closer, different ethnic groups are strategically regrouping for principal offices in the State House of Assembly. This article will state clearly why Itsekiri should produce the next Speaker of Delta State.

The return of democracy in 1999 witnessed Delta State adopting the zoning formula from inception as strategic measure to assuage the demands of other ethnic groups in the State. While HE Chief James Ibori from Delta Central Senatorial District emerged as Governor, the Secretary to the State Government was from Delta Central Senatorial District while the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly was from Delta South Senatorial District. This has been the tradition in the state till date. The zoning arrangements ushered a fresh sigh of relief to minority groups with the hope of governing the state in the future.

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As it is today, the three(3) Senatorial Districts have duly taken their turn with the rotation starting from Delta Central where it all began. It is expected that the same principles that were applied should also continue with the speakership zoned to Delta South Senatorial District. The three major ethnic groups lobbying for other senatorial support includes the Itsekiris, Ijaws and Isokos. Historically, the State Director General of the campaign council is rewarded with Secretary to State Government (SSG) with few exceptions. It has been so for previous administration and may not be different in this case. In other words, Itsekiris and Isokos are the two nationalities left for the speakership position. While the Isokos may argue they want the juicy office of the speaker, the Itsekiris shall be the beautiful bride when the Governorship rotates back to Delta South Senatorial District in 2031 with the Ijaws and Isokos as two major contenders for the most powerful seat in the state. Therefore, whoever supports the aspirations of the Itsekiris now, shall enjoy similar support in the future because ‘it is scratch my back, I scratch your back phenomenon ‘.

In the just concluded State House of Assembly elections, two prominent Itsekiri sons Hon Fred Fred O Martins and Hon Austin Uroye emerged Members Elect and shall be sworn-in during the proclamation of the House of Assembly. They are well positioned to clinch the office of the speaker as a two termer. Delta State witnessed alot of impeachment in previous administration for different strategic reasons. In this outgoing administration of Governor Ifeanyi A. Okowa , the legislature has experienced steady leadership owing to the sterling qualities of the Speaker Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori . As a Deltan, a peaceful relationship between the three arms of Government is a panaceas to sustainable development, peace and security because all efforts are geared towards delivering good governance. Therefore, the incoming administration needs understanding legislature with requisite charisma and knowledge to make laws for the entire good of Deltans.

Consequently , in the interest of equity, fairness and justice, the rest senatorial district and our 2Is neighbors to support the Itsekiri ambition to produce the next Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly.