By Sir Amby Uneze
In Nigeria, the issue of political representation often stirs passionate discussions among different ethnic groups and political constituencies. Within this discourse, the Aboh Mbaise region of Imo State and the Ngor Okpala Local Government Area exemplify the struggle for equal representation in a politically fragmented environment. This is so because the two sister local government areas share the same federal constituency in Imo State.
Aboh Mbaise is known for its rich cultural heritage, strategic political significance, and a predominately educated populace. It is often characterised by a robust diaspora community and a history of political activism. In contrast, Ngor Okpala is situated to the east of Aboh Mbaise, with its own unique advantages, challenges and sociopolitical dynamics. Comparing these two regions highlights the discrepancies in political representation, access to resources, and community engagement in governance.
The political history of Imo State reflects a broader trend of underrepresentation, with various groups feeling sidelined in decision-making processes. This explores the political landscapes of Aboh Mbaise and Ngor Okpala, looking into their political histories and the implications for representation.
The roots of political representation issues in Nigeria can be traced back to colonial governance, which established divisions that have persisted post-independence. These divisions have had lingering effects, leading to tensions among various ethnic and regional groups. The political evolution of Nigeria has seen various administrations struggle to create a representative government that reflects the country’s diverse population.
In Aboh Mbaise, historical disenfranchisement due to colonial and post-colonial policies has fostered a strong sense of activism among its inhabitants. This region has witnessed numerous agitations for government accountability and representation.
Aboh Mbaise has historically produced influential political figures who have shaped the political landscape of Imo State and Nigeria at large. Yet, despite this legacy, there exists a palpable sense of dissatisfaction among the youths and women concerning their representation in the decision-making processes.
While Aboh Mbaise is said to have a representation in the House of Representatives in the current green chamber, residents feel that their elected official (if any) has not lived up to expectations. The so-called representative in the person of Hon. Matthew Nwogu seems to be a bench warmer rather than being an effective legislator.
This inaction of the representative has indeed led to calls for a more proactive approach to and if possible divide the federal constituency into two so that each local government can effectively elect a more suitable and effective representative. The very essence of the federal constituencies having representations at the federal level is to ensure that the dividends of democracy are equitably shared for it to trickle down to the communities. As such, infrastructure , education, healthcare and other development programmes could touch the grassroots.
Since Aboh Mbaise is currently grappling with lack or non-existent representation at the House of Representatives, one wonders if the same scenario is being experienced in the sister local government of Ngor Okpala that shares the same federal constituency.
This observation has become a wake up call for the people of Aboh Mbaise to shine their eyes in 2027 when it would be another election year to elect their representative for the green chamber at Abuja.
From the beginning of the current political dispensation in 1999, the Aboh Mbaise / Ngor Okpala federal constituency had had some vibrant representations. Hon. Greg Egu (1999 - 2003) had a wonderful representation, even though it was only one term of four years, the federal constituency experienced quality and effective representation. Then came Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha (2003 - 2015). Ihedioha's three terms ushered in unprecedented infrastructural development that turned around the federal constituency to look as if he was the governor of the State at the time. Apart from the fact that he elevated the status of the constituency from back bencher to number two federal constituency in the country as a result of his being elected the deputy speaker and number six citizen in the country, he indeed transformed the landscape of the constituency infrastructurally. Subsequently Rt. Hon. Bede Eke (2015 - 2023), a two-term legislator at the federal constituency, however, did not disappoint his constituents. He did his best too.
One begins to wonder, the direction Nwogu, who is the current representative is focusing his representation. If Aboh Mbaise is not feeling the impact of his representation, could it be the same with Ngor Okpala since he comes from there?
The younger generations in Ngor Okpala no doubt, express their frustrations through social media campaigns, demanding better representation and more accountability from their federal representative. They are increasingly aware of the broader political dynamics and aspire to play integral roles in shaping the future of their local government.
To bridge the representation gap between Aboh Mbaise and Ngor Okpala, various strategies can be proposed:
Empowering Youth and Women: Initiatives aimed at empowering youth and promoting gender equality within political spaces will bolster representation. This could involve mentorship schemes, political education programmes, and fostering a culture of civic engagement.
Community Mobilisation: Both areas would benefit from a collaborative approach to engage community members in decision-making. Civic organisations should work towards mobilising residents to advocate for their interests and hold elected officials accountable.
Both Aboh Mbaise and Ngor Okpala illustrate the complexities of political representation in Nigeria. Aboh Mbaise, although possessing a stronger historical political foothold, still grapples with issues regarding the effectiveness of its representatives at the House of Representatives.
0 Comments