Leaders and key political stakeholders of the Ethiope Federal Constituency have sharply criticised their House of Representatives member, Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, accusing her of failing to provide what they described as credible and effective representation since assuming office.
The concerns were raised during a strategic meeting held over the weekend in Eku, Ethiope East Local Government Area, where participants lamented what they called stagnation, neglect, and a widening disconnect between the lawmaker and the constituency.
The gathering—which drew political figures, community leaders, youth representatives and opinion leaders from Ethiope East and West—unanimously resolved to “reposition the constituency” ahead of the 2027 general elections. Stakeholders vowed to mobilise at the grassroots level and present what they described as a more visible, capable, and responsive candidate to strengthen Ethiope’s voice in the National Assembly.
Former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Halims Agoda, delivered one of the strongest critiques, arguing that representation requires regular engagement, vocal advocacy, and legislative productivity—qualities he claimed were missing.
“The current representation falls short,” Agoda said. “Our representative must be active on the floor of the House, moving motions, sponsoring bills, and defending Ethiope’s interests. What we see instead is absence and silence.”
He cited a recent incident involving a land matter in Mosogar, where he said an Edo lawmaker raised the issue and Hon. Francis Waive of Ughelli North/South and Udu Federal Constituency stepped in to defend Ethiope’s position. “Without Waive’s intervention, our interests would have been abandoned,” he added.
Agoda called on the constituency to field a more competent and engaged candidate in 2027—one capable of speaking boldly and consistently for the people.
Senator Ighoyota Amori, Chief Adviser to the Governor, described Ethiope as the political anchor of Delta Central and reaffirmed the constituency’s commitment to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. Amori said the meeting demonstrated unity and readiness for a sweeping victory in 2027, insisting that the emerging political coalition in Ethiope was strong enough to defeat any opposition.
Chief Sunday Onoriode, the State Director of Protocol, noted that the leaders in attendance represented the real custodians of Ethiope’s political direction. He said the gathering marked a deliberate effort to rebuild the constituency’s political structures and ensure stronger, more accountable representation.
Also speaking, APC leader in Ethiope East, Chief Bernard Edewor, described the meeting as a significant step toward establishing a unified and formidable political bloc. He emphasized that the APC in Ethiope was united and focused on winning all major seats in 2027.
A key highlight of the meeting was the unanimous vote of confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. A motion moved by DESOPADEC Chairman, Chief John Nani, and seconded by Dr. Benson Edoja, endorsed both leaders as the constituency’s preferred choices for the 2027 presidential and governorship elections.
Nani praised Governor Oborevwori’s leadership style and developmental strides, while Edoja expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s re-election prospects.
The meeting concluded with a firm resolve among stakeholders to ensure Ethiope Federal Constituency regains a strong, articulate presence in the National Assembly. Their final declaration was clear: in 2027, Ethiope intends to send “a voice, not an echo.”
