..........Says it is the Turn of Ethiope East.
The APC stalwart in Ward 10 Egbo Kokori, Mr. Gabriel Itietie, has appealed to the leaders of the APC in Ethiope East to stand firmly for their rights for the Ethiope Federal Constituency Seat, as it is the turn of Ethiope East LGA to produce the next House of Reps member.
The conversation around equity, fairness, and rotation in the Ethiope Federal Constituency has taken center stage once again, and one voice ringing loud is that of Mr. Gabriel Itietie. In a passionate appeal to political leaders, elders, and stakeholders in Ethiope East LGA, Itietie has urged them to rise and insist on their rightful claim to the House of Representatives seat come 2027. His argument is anchored on history, justice, and the unwritten but respected principle of rotation that has kept both Ethiope East and Ethiope West together as one federal constituency since 1999.
The former APC councilorship aspirant noted that political stability in Ethiope has always rested on mutual respect and understanding between the two LGAs. For years, both have taken turns to produce representatives at the green chamber, ensuring that no side feels marginalized or shut out of federal opportunities. According to him, Ethiope West will have completed its turn by June 2027, and natural justice demands that Ethiope East should produce the next member of the House of Representatives. To ignore this understanding, he warned, would not only breed resentment but also weaken the unity the constituency has enjoyed. “We cannot preach equity at the state and national levels and practice injustice at home,” Itietie stated.
Beyond the moral argument, Itietie pointed to the urgent developmental needs peculiar to Ethiope East that require direct legislative attention. From the perennial flooding in Abraka to the deplorable state of the Eku-Abraka-Agbor road, to the neglect of Umiaghwa, Egbo Kokori, Erhanaka road Kokori inland, and Okpara communities in federal projects, the LGA needs a voice that understands its pain firsthand. He argued that while Ethiope is one, each LGA has unique challenges that are best articulated by someone who lives them. Allowing Ethiope East to take its turn is, therefore, not just about politics, but about effective representation that touches every ward and community.
The appeal was a direct charge to leaders in Ethiope East not to trade the LGA’s turn for personal ambition or short-term gains. Itietie warned that history will not be kind to any leader who, because of inducement or fear, sells out the collective right of the people of Ethiope East. He called on traditional rulers, youth presidents, women leaders, and party executives in Ethiope East to stand firmly, speak with one voice, and resist any attempt to distort the zoning arrangement. “This is not the time for silence or compromise. If we lose this turn now, we may not get it back for another eight years,” he said.
In closing, Itietie maintained that his call is not against Ethiope West, but for the continued peace and balance of the entire federal constituency. He urged Ethiope West leaders to also support the rotation, as Ethiope East supported them when it was their turn. True brotherhood, he said, is standing by what is fair even when you have the advantage. For the Ethiope Federal Constituency to remain strong, united, and progressive, the seat must return to Ethiope East in 2027. The time for Ethiope East leaders to stand is now.
