Excitement As INEC Restores Abraka State Constituency, Chief Onoriode Sunday Reacts

ABRAKA — Excitement erupted across Abraka on Friday as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially commenced the implementation of the court judgment reinstating the Abraka State Constituency, ending years of agitation by the people of the area.

Reacting to the development in an exclusive telephone interview with Oasis Magazine, state Director of Protocol, DTSG, Chief Onoriode Sunday, commended the judiciary and INEC for upholding the rule of law, describing the judiciary as “the hope of the common man.”

Chief Sunday said the implementation of the judgment was a victory for the people of Abraka, who had waited patiently for years to regain representation in the Delta State House of Assembly.

“I want to thank the judiciary, INEC and the good people of Abraka State Constituency who have waited patiently for this day. The judiciary has proven once again that it is the hope of the common man, while INEC has demonstrated that court judgments must be obeyed,” he said.

He noted that residents of Abraka were already celebrating the restoration of the constituency, describing it as a long-awaited milestone.

“As you can see today in Abraka, everybody is celebrating because this is a long-awaited moment. Abraka Ward 1, Ward 2 and Ward 3 will now have a seat in the Delta State House of Assembly, which means they will have a voice in the legislature,” he added.

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Chief Sunday also called on INEC to conclude every remaining process to ensure elections are conducted in the reinstated constituency.

“I pray that after this field exercise, INEC will take the remaining necessary steps to ensure elections are conducted in the reinstated Abraka State Constituency,” he said.

Addressing speculations over the composition of the constituency, Chief Sunday dismissed claims that neighbouring communities such as Ovu or Igun would be included, insisting that the reinstated constituency consists only of Abraka Wards 1, 2 and 3.

“It is unfortunate that some people speak out of ignorance. What is happening is simply the reinstatement of what existed before. The judgment clearly states that Abraka State Constituency should be reinstated with immediate effect, and it is made up of Abraka Ward 1, Ward 2 and Ward 3 only,” he explained.

According to him, INEC also reaffirmed at the stakeholders’ meeting that it would neither add to nor subtract from the court judgment.

He further revealed that the judgment restoring the constituency was delivered in 2014 and was never appealed by any party, including INEC.

“The judgment has been there since 2014. Nobody appealed it. Therefore, implementing it is simply complying with a valid court order,” he stated.

Chief Sunday concluded by urging the people of Abraka, especially the youth, to preserve the prevailing peace and unity in the community and avoid spreading misinformation on social media.

“I thank the people of Abraka and urge them to continue in love and unity. The youth should allow their leaders to lead them instead of being misled by negative publications on social media. Abraka is on course, and by the grace of God, we will get there,” he said.