Delta State government House was bristled with hundreds of ‘Concerned Nsukwa Clan Youths’, protesting over the “age long marginalization” of their clan by the leadership of the People Democratic Party, the PDP
The protesters carrying placards with different inscription, were demanding for the chairmanship slot of Aniocha South Local Government council.
They were obviously miffed over the marginalization of Nsukwa Clan, despite “delivering the four wards 100 percent for PDP in all elections”.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Mr. Victor Bigwa, said ;
“we are constrained to write to you the governor in connection with the above subject matter and to inform you officially of the ill treatment meted to Nsukwa clan.
“Aniocha South Local Government Area with headquarters at Ogwashi-Uku is sitting on a tripod of three clans; Ogwashi-Uku clan, Nsukwa clan and Ubulu clan.
It is pertinent to inform you Sir, that since the inception of this democratic dispensation, Nsukwa clan has not been fairly treated and represented in terms of power allocation with respect to the three known statutory positions which include, but not limited to the House of Assembly position, chairmanship of the council and commissionership.
He explained that the house of Assembly position is currently being occupied by Hon. Chief Isaac Anwuzia of Ogwashi-Uku clan as Ogwashi-Uku slot, while Hon. Jude Chukwunweike, the immediate past Council Chairman and biological brother of Rt. Hon. Joan Onyemaechi (Ada Anioma), the Hon. Commissioner of Technical education is still aspiring to come back as Chairman, at the expense of Nsukwa clan.
This is unacceptable to us this time around because it would be seen as “the geese that lays the golden egg with no statutory / budgetary office”, adding:
“It will be callous and unconscionable of any system to reward failure at the expense of excellence”.
They pleaded passionately with the governor, Sheriff Oborevweri, “to right these wrongs by ensuring that an Nsukwa clan son becomes the next Council Chairman for equity, justice, fairness and sense of belonging as anything short of this, may stultify our absolute loyalty to the party”.
Responding, the Chief of Staff to the governor, Johnson Erijo said the governor and the party leaders are not going to impose any candidate anywhere in the State.
” I want to thank you, the concerned youths of Nsukwa clan, in Aniocha South, for coming out this was to express your grievances. From what you have all narrated, from the document you have given to us, you have been committed PDP members and you actually have done well in the last election. You proved that of course you are committed to the party, the PDP.
We thank you because this is a proper way of expressing whatever grievances you may have, so that the party can remain united, as we pull forward to another election.
The governor is currently not on seat, that is why he has mandated us to come and hear what brought you here and to speak with you. You have spoken to us, we have taken delivery of your letter. I am the chief of staff to the governor, with me here is the senior Political Adviser to the governor, Sen Agwhariawodo, and the Senior Policy Adviser to the Governor, Hon Funkekeme Solomon.
The Governor has said emphatically that there will be no imposition of candidate anywhere in Delta state. It is only what you people, the people of Aniocha South want, that is what will be. The party is going to do what is right to make sure that we achieve victory, not only in the council elections, but in other subsequent elections.
I want to thank you for coming, we have listened to you attentively and I want to assure you that we are going to do the right thing as a government and as a party.”
He assured them of fair treatments, saying nobody would be made to pass through unnecessary ill feelings in the party anymore.