Concerned Citizens of Yenagoa Constituency II, in a statement signed by their Chairman, Mr. Tiekuro Otobo, have urged Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, to address what they described as a longstanding imbalance in political representation within Yenagoa Local Government Area (YELGA) Constituency II.
The group made the appeal through an open letter, calling on the governor to promote fairness, equity, and inclusiveness in the allocation of the State House of Assembly seat. They emphasized that such action is necessary to ensure that all constituent clans have a fair opportunity to participate in governance.
In the letter, the stakeholders expressed concern over what they see as the prolonged dominance of the Gbarian Clan in occupying the legislative position since the return of democratic rule in 1999. They contrasted this with what they described as limited representation for the Ekpetiama Clan over the same period.
Providing historical context, the group noted that Hon. Ayiba Duba from Ndigo in Gbarian Clan served as the constituency’s representative from 1999 to 2003. He was succeeded by Hon. Seibarugo Werinipre from Agudama in Ekpetiama Clan, who held office from 2003 to 2009 before later becoming Deputy Governor.
Following that period, the seat returned to the Gbarian Clan, with Hon. Ebi Fekowemo from Obunagha serving from 2009 to 2015. He was succeeded by Hon. Koku Obiyai from Polaku, also in Gbarian Clan, who represented the constituency from 2015 to 2023.
The current lawmaker, Hon. Waikumo Amakoromo from Koroama in Gbarian Clan, has held the position since 2023, further extending the clan’s hold on the seat. The group argued that this pattern indicates that the Gbarian Clan has dominated representation for more than two decades, while the Ekpetiama Clan has only had a comparatively brief period in office.
Mr. Otobo stated that democracy should not only reflect majority rule but also embody fairness, justice, and inclusiveness among all groups within a constituency. He warned that continued imbalance could lead to feelings of marginalization among underrepresented communities.
The group further noted that such perceptions, if left unaddressed, could weaken trust in the political system and undermine unity within the constituency. They stressed that sustainable peace and cooperation depend on equitable participation in governance.
According to the stakeholders, ensuring rotational or balanced representation would help foster a stronger sense of belonging among all clans. They maintained that inclusiveness is essential for maintaining stability and strengthening democratic values at the grassroots level.
The letter specifically appealed to Governor Diri to use his office to encourage a more equitable arrangement ahead of future elections. The group suggested that supporting the emergence of a candidate from the Ekpetiama Clan in the next State House of Assembly election would help correct the perceived imbalance.
Mr. Otobo added that such a move would not only promote harmony but also reinforce confidence in the state’s political leadership. He said it would demonstrate a commitment to fairness and justice across Bayelsa State.
The stakeholders expressed confidence in the governor’s leadership and his ability to address the issue in a manner that promotes unity and inclusiveness. They urged him to give the matter urgent attention, particularly as future electoral processes approach.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from the Bayelsa State Government regarding the appeal. The group, however, reiterated its call for prompt intervention to ensure a more balanced and representative political structure in Yenagoa Constituency II.
