INTRODUCTION
The political landscape of Bayelsa West Senatorial District, encompassing Sagbama and Ekeremor Local Government Areas, is currently marked by a debate over the principle of zoning and the potential re-election of Senator Henry Seriake Dickson.
This paper argues that Senator Dickson’s re-election is not only justifiable but also beneficial for the people of Bayelsa West, based on his experience, influence, and demonstrated capacity. While acknowledging the importance of zoning, this paper contends that the actions of political actors in the past have created a precedent that must be considered, and that the greater good of the constituency should be the paramount consideration.
THE PRECEDENCE OF UNDERMINING ZONING
The argument for Senator Dickson’s re-election is intrinsically tied to the history of political contests in Bayelsa West. The call for him to “obey the zoning agreement” seems to ignore previous instances where this principle was challenged. Recall that Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi and Hon. Ayakpo Wilson, both from the Ekeremor axis, previously contested the senatorial elections, thereby undermining the zoning principle when it was ostensibly the turn of the Sagbama people. This historical context is crucial. A “gentleman’s agreement” on zoning, while a noble idea for promoting equity, can lose its moral force when it is not universally respected. The actions of political figures from Ekeremor in previous elections created a precedent that complicates the current argument against Senator Dickson. To now demand strict adherence to zoning solely when it serves one side of the divide is to apply a double standard. The principle of “you cannot eat your cake and have it” is highly relevant here.
THE POWER OF RANKING AS A SENATOR
A key pillar of the argument for Senator Dickson’s re-election is the immense benefit that a ranking senator brings to a constituency. In the Nigerian National Assembly, seniority and experience are directly correlated with influence. A ranking senator, having served multiple terms, has built relationships, chaired key committees, and amassed the political capital necessary to attract federal projects and attention to his or her constituents. As mentioned earlier , a longer tenure translates to “more influence and authority and the more federal presence you are able to attract.” Senator Dickson, a former governor with a long and extensive political career, has already demonstrated this capacity. His experience as a former member of the House of Representatives, a two-term governor of Bayelsa State, and now a senator, makes him a political heavyweight. To replace him with a new senator would mean forfeiting this hard-won influence and starting from scratch. The constituents of Bayelsa West would be the ultimate losers in such a scenario.
CHARACTER , CAPACITY , AND COMPETENCE
This statement highlights Senator Dickson’s “character, capacity, and competence,” even as a member of the opposition. This is a critical point. A good legislator is not just a party loyalist but a fearless and effective advocate for their people. Senator Dickson’s track record of debating on “critical national issues” and his ability to attract development projects demonstrates that he is a representative who prioritizes the interests of his constituents. The people of Bayelsa West should look beyond the narrow confines of a zoning arrangement and assess their representative on their ability to deliver.
The core function of a legislator is to advocate for their people and secure resources for their development. Senator Dickson’s performance in this regard is, as the statement suggests, a strong argument for his continuation.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the call for Senator Henry Seriake Dickson to be allowed to “breath” and seek another term is a pragmatic and well-founded one. It is an argument rooted in the principle of political fairness, the strategic advantage of retaining a ranking senator, and a focus on the tangible benefits of effective representation. The previous disregard for zoning by some political actors from the Ekeremor axis provides a strong historical basis for resisting the current demand for a strict application of the rule. More importantly, the people of Bayelsa West would be better served by a representative with the experience, influence, and proven competence of Senator Dickson, who can continue to attract development and make a tangible impact in the National Assembly. He should be accorded the respect to contest and, if the people so choose, to return to the Senate in 2027.
NWAMBU Gabriel Chibuzor, Ph.D.,
Writes from Abuja.
