Izeze's third term ambition in order ~ Truth Reporters

By Moses Darah

May 12, 2022

In advanced societies all over the world, law making is a very serious business, thus, it is often left to experienced, educated, focused, and thick-skinned individuals. This is in order for the lawmakers to attract a meaningful government presence to their various constituencies. It is not for inexperienced people or bench warmers.

Also, longevity, loyalty, and performance are some of the factors required by the electorate to determine an aspirant's chances during elections. Unlike executive positions, which have a maximum of two terms, which culminate in eight years, the constitution permits lawmakers to contest for as many terms as possible. There is a reason for this.

It is on record that John Dingell, Jr., of Michigan in America, holds the record for longest consecutive service as the longest-serving Representative to serve in the House with more than 59 years of service.

In both chambers of the Nigeria's National Assembly, some of the longest serving Senators and Representatives that have earned the titles of ‘landlords’ and 'ancestors' include David Alechenu Bonaventure Mark (PDP, Benue, 1999-2019), Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan (APC, Yobe, 1999-date), Nicholas Ebomo Mutu (PDP, Delta State, 1999-date), Ike Ekweremadu (PDP, Enugu, 2003-date), Femi Gbajabiamila (APC, Lagos, 2003-date), Ali Ndume (APC, Borno, 2003-date), James Ebiowou Manager (PDP, Delta, 2003-date), Leo Okuweh Ogor (PDP, Delta, 2003-date), John Owan Enoh (APC, Cross River, 2003-date), Yakubu Barde (PDP, Kaduna, 2003-date), Kabiru Marafa Achida (APC, Sokoto, 2003-date), Jagaba Adams Jagaba (APC, Kaduna State, 1999-2003, 2007-date) and Philip Tanimu Aduda (PDP, FCT, 2003-date). In fact, some of the above lawmakers have purchased the nomination forms of their respective parties to contest again during the 2023 elections. Although, a good number of the aforementioned have not performed satisfactorily, their wealth of experience in the business of law making cannot be jettisoned. 

In terms of loyalty, experience, longevity, and performance, Ughelli South Constituency is blessed. The incumbent member representing Ughelli South Constituency, Hon. Reuben Rume Izeze is eminently qualified to lead in this direction. Izeze is a politician, lawyer, petroleum engineer, and an activist who has remained a lone voice and defender of people-oriented bills at the Delta State House of Assembly. 

Accordingly, it was a wise decision that various pressure groups, elders and leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP strongly beckoned on Izeze to seek a third term. This is believed to be in line with the political rotational arrangements of the PDP in Ughelli South LGA. Presently, the Olomu bloc has Dr Richard Koffi as the Council Chairman while the Eghwu (Ewu) bloc produced the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Barr Jennifer Oma Adasen.

The party's zoning arrangement at the State is another factor considered by leaders and stakeholders in selecting Izeze. When the Delta Central Senatorial District produced Chief James Onanefe Ibori as Governor of Delta State in 1999, Ughelli South Constituency produced the Deputy Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly in the person of Hon. Pius Akpor Ewherido. The only way Ughelli South Constituency can benefit from that zoning arrangement by producing a principal officer in 2023 is by re-electing Izeze.

Izeze has performed credibly well in the last seven years. In September, 2017, he co-sponsored a motion of urgent importance, calling on the Governor, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa to as a matter of urgency, direct all relevant agencies to sensitize our people living within flood areas and take precautionary measures that would mitigate the effect of an imminent flood on the people of Ughelli South and Deltans at large. In February, 2018, upon a motion seconded by Izeze, the House by its resolution approved the amendment sought by Gov. Okowa with respect to the succession to the throne of the Ovie of Okparabe Kingdom.

Izeze also co-sponsored a motion of urgent public importance, calling on our able Governor (Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa), to send relief materials to victims of the rainstorm that devastated Ughelli South neighbouring community of Ogbe-Udu in Udu Local Government Area.

In October, 2018, Izeze, by motion on notice, brought before the House- a motion on the "Withdrawal of Air Traffic Service at Osubi Airport by Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), to restore air traffic service back at the Osubi Airport" and it was approved by the House. And Flight operations resumed thereafter. The bills mentioned herein have constituents outside of Ughelli South as primary beneficiaries. This is a demonstration of Izeze's capacity to seek the good of  not only his people, but of others.

The constituents can attest that Izeze is the first and only member representing Ughelli South State Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly whose constituency projects are visible and verifiable in the six kingdoms: Arhavwarien, Eghwu, Ephron-Otor, Okparabe, Olomu and Ughievwen. These projects are sited in Ogbavweni Grammar School, Usiephron; Gbaregolor Grammar School, Gbaregolor; Umolo Secondary School, Umolo-Olomu; Owhodokpokor Secondary School, Owhodokpokor; Eyara Primary School, Eyara; Iwhrekeka Primary School, Iwhrekeka; Okpe-Olomu secondary School, Okpe-Olomu and Oyan Primary School, Oyan.

Let me conclude this piece with the words of an Urhobo musical artist, Egbeku Kenairu in one of his songs where he presented the nature of the right people to be elected into political offices. In particular, the line, 'omo re e ghi uwevwin o te uwevwin o ne iyeren gba ke oyen e ghie vwe Urhobo', literally translated as the child to be sent on errand is the one that can give the right report. In overview, the emphasis was purely on choosing the most credible and Izeze fits perfectly into this description.