…Joel-Onowakpo Says Initiative Will Strengthen Democracy and Ensure Fair Representation
Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, who represents Delta South Senatorial District, has welcomed the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision to begin the process of restoring three previously suppressed Delta State House of Assembly constituencies, describing the initiative as a significant victory for democracy, justice and equitable political representation.
https://theintelligence.com.ng/delta-first-lady-humanitarian-outreach-burutu-kiagbodo/
The constituencies earmarked for restoration are Isoko North II, Ughelli South II, and Abraka State Constituency in Ethiope East Local Government Area.
Speaking through the Executive Assistant to the Delta State Governor on New Media, Mr. Felix Ofou, during a stakeholders’ engagement organised by INEC in Asaba on Friday, the senator commended the electoral commission for taking concrete steps to implement court judgments and constitutional provisions relating to the affected constituencies.
According to Joel-Onowakpo, the restoration process marks an important milestone in strengthening democratic governance and ensuring that communities previously affected by constituency suppression regain their constitutional right to effective representation.
He urged political stakeholders, traditional institutions, community leaders and residents to cooperate fully with INEC to ensure a transparent, peaceful and successful restoration process.
The senator also reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives that promote justice, inclusiveness and the protection of democratic rights, noting that restoring the constituencies would address longstanding concerns over political representation in the affected areas.
Earlier, the Delta State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Sir Etekamba Udo Umoren, said the commission had commenced the restoration process in compliance with subsisting court judgments, relevant constitutional provisions and the Electoral Act.
Umoren assured stakeholders that INEC would conduct the exercise with transparency, professionalism and impartiality while ensuring continuous consultation with all affected communities and relevant interest groups.
He appealed to political parties, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, community leaders, security agencies and residents to support the commission throughout the process, stressing that broad stakeholder participation would be critical to the success of the exercise.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/lich-white-house-sentence-9.7278022
The stakeholders’ engagement forms part of INEC’s wider consultation process designed to build public confidence, encourage community participation and ensure the successful restoration of the three Delta State House of Assembly constituencies.
The planned restoration is expected to expand legislative representation for affected communities and reinforce democratic governance in Delta State by aligning constituency structures with existing legal and constitutional requirements.
