By Peter Eselemo Agadipu
Hon Nicholas Mutu’s refusal to leave the House of Representatives after 28 years is nothing but a naked and brutal ambition to undermine the people of Patani and erode inclusive governance. Hon. Mutu is from Akugbene in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State and has been representing Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency since 1999.
As the Bomadi/Patani Federal constituency faces pressing issues like lack of federal presence, including tertiary institutions, dearth of health facilities and poor representation, Hon Mutu is more concerned with maintaining his grip on power.
Despite failing to keep to his numerous promises to step down and not recontest the House of Reps seat, Hon Mutu, ahead of 2027, is desperately strategizing to cling to the seat for an unenviable eight (8) tenure for a seat meant for two Local Government Areas thereby putting personal interests above that of the people particularly the people of Patani Local Government Area.
Hon Mutu, reputed to be the longest serving but seen to be the most inactive lawmaker in Nigeria, has been in office since 1999, and in 2027, he would have spent twenty-eight years (28) with little or nothing to show for it. He has consistently prioritized selfish interests over community concerns. His refusal to step down is a clear indication of his flagrant disregard for democratic principles which have been the guiding framework of legislative representation since the advent of the fourth republic in Nigeria.
The consequences of his unbridled desire to remain in office have stagnated the political ambition of other qualified and vibrant persons from the area, particularly Patani LGA, which has never been allowed to produce a representative due to his sit-tight agenda. His renewed but condemnable efforts to remain in office will undoubtedly stifle fresh perspectives and new ideas needed to reposition the federal constituency.
It is common knowledge that the longer Hon Mutu stays in power, the more opportunities he will have to compromise the position meant for two LGAs and subject the sister LGA to the status of hewers of wood and drawers of water. He and his co-travellers should be reminded that by ignoring term limits, Hon Mutu is silencing the voices of our community and the entire people of Patani.
Consequently, we demand that Hon Mutu should respect the will of the people and honourably step down and support candidates who prioritize community needs over personal interests particularly those of Patani LGA.
As we head towards 2027 and, indeed, another election circle, our voices must be heard as we are prepared to deploy all democratic and legitimate means to achieve our demand. Together, we will take back our democracy and ensure that our lawmakers serve the people, not themselves.
#TimeForChange
#RespectThePeople
#DemocracyOverPersonalInterest
