By Emeke Alexander
Olorogun Fred Okiemute Majemite, a frontline aspirant for the 2023 governorship race in Delta State has said that for a multi-ethnic, multi-culture and multi-lingual setting like Delta State to reign in equilibrium, it requires a pragmatic, all-inclusive and equitable power rotation mechanism.
Majemite stated this in his paper presentation titled, “Sustainable Democratic Growth of Delta with Senatorial Power Rotation” during the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Delta Broadcasting Service, Warri Chapel lectures and awards held at Casa De Pedro Annex Hotel Hall, Effurun in Delta State.
The lectures and awards ceremony was part of activities to mark the Chapel’s maiden Press Week which had the theme: “Journalism Practice In The Build-up To 2023 General Elections In Nigeria”.
Majemite, who urged all Deltans to have faith in the principle of power rotation between the three senatorial districts of the state emphasized that it would guarantee a seamless peaceful power transition that will ensure sustainable development and good democratic governance while at the same time deepening democratic values in the state.
“This is the thematic and ideological foundation on which I make my depositions and postulations on the expediency, virtues and indispensability of the power rotation system for our dear Delta State.
“These precepts shall be drawn from various contextual and expediential standpoints that transit our existing political and social-economic imperatives and paradigms.
“Therefore, I strongly posit that there is the need for a good power rotation system and mechanism for Delta State.
“The system has fostered political tolerance, a high sense of belonging and inclusiveness. It has also alleviated animosity and enmity in the polity. I therefore strongly believe that the system of power rotation between the three senatorial districts in the State should be supported to continue, as it has positively influenced and enhanced peaceful democratic transition and growth in the State.
“The cycle has gone round its orbit, thus completing a round. This is not an easy feat and no doubt deserves commendation. It is now time to begin the second cycle, which should rightly begin with Delta Central senatorial district from whence it began.
“Power rotation is an act of compromise and consensus-building. It emphasizes respect for our diversity and for us to live by giving and taking. The aim is to ensure that every segment of the state comprising the three Senatorial Districts is given a sense of belonging and equitable inclusion. There is no doubt that the power rotation mechanism is best suited for Delta State, with its multiple ethnic groupings.
“The well-meaning and peace-loving people of Delta Central Senatorial District, who have painstakingly but patiently waited for the rotational power-sharing pendulum to move slowly but assuredly round, till it has come to their turn again, deserve to be commended and allowed to present the next governor of the State come 2023,” Majemite posited.
Continuing, Majemite said, “Since the advent of the Fourth Republic in 1999, there has been a smooth rotation of the office of the Governor between the three senatorial districts; the arrangement has been in place in the twenty-two years that the PDP has ruled the state.
“Power rotation has worked very well leading to a seamless transfer of power from Chief James Ibori of Delta Central Senatorial District, who ruled for eight years, to Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan from Delta South Senatorial District and to the incumbent, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, from Delta North.
“In the over two decades of its practice in the state, despite whatever hiccups, the beauty, the inclusive potentials and other excellent merits of this political mechanism of power rotation have been demonstrated. The principle of power rotation has ensured democratic growth, peaceful transition of political power among the three Senatorial districts. It has also ensured socio-political harmony, peaceful coexistence and mutually sustained development of the state.
“It has helped to a large extent in eliminating the bitterness and the feeling of marginalization among the component parts of the State. It is therefore on record and very unarguably too that the rotational arrangement for the sharing of political power between the three senatorial zones has worked, produced desired results, and facilitated democratic progress in the State.
“It is also highly farsighted that from the onset the PDP in Delta State realised the peaceful and inclusive prospects, which a rotational system has for our peculiar multi-ethnic and pluralistic society.
“Though, a lot of trust is required among the various ethnic groups to avoid skewed perceptions, which can result in unhealthy political rivalry and violence. I, therefore, plead with our highly esteemed Ijaw brothers and sisters to wait till 2031, when power would shift to Delta South for them to advance their course even though they are like every Deltans, entitled to contest in 2023 but for the rotational arrangement that has foster peace and tranquillity in our dear state, the rotational arrangement should be respected.”
