Youths from Ekeremor Constituency 1 have publicly expressed strong dissatisfaction with comments made by Hon. Christopher Abarowei during a recent interview on Rhythm FM. The comments, according to them, misrepresented the political strength and maturity of Ekeremor Local Government Area.
In a statement released shortly after the interview aired, the youths criticised Hon. Abarowei for portraying Ekeremor as a politically weak and helpless constituency. They asserted that it is the rightful turn of Ekeremor people to occupy certain political positions and insisted that they are not pleading for it but are fully entitled by existing political understanding.
The group also took issue with Hon. Abarowei’s assertion that Ekeremor politicians are not yet groomed and lack political readiness. According to the youths, this statement does not reflect the reality in Ekeremor, where there are several seasoned and competent politicians who have served the state and the region with distinction.
“Hon. Abarowei spoke for himself, not for the people of Ekeremor,” one of the youth leaders said. “It is inaccurate and unfair to say we need grooming when we have individuals with years of political experience and service.”
While commending Hon. Abarowei and others for stepping forward to speak publicly, the youths made it clear that they do not support any form of begging or appeals to individuals or groups to honour political agreements. They stated that if any zoning or rotation principle has been violated in the past, especially by individuals from Ekeremor, then the people must be ready to go to the polls and let the electorate decide.
“We believe in preparation and strategy, not pity or sentiment,” the group added. “If we are ready, we will win. If not, then we accept the outcome. What we reject is the image of helplessness being projected in the media.”
The youths further noted that their frustrations are not directed at any external political figure, including Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, but rather stem from internal inconsistencies. According to them, some communities within Ekeremor have not respected the rotation principle, yet these breaches are often overlooked.
“It is not simply about whose turn it is,” the statement concluded. “What matters is electing people who genuinely care about the development and welfare of our people. We need leaders with vision and integrity, not just those who fit into a rotation formula.”
The statement has sparked ongoing discussions within political circles in Bayelsa West Senatorial District as stakeholders continue to engage on the future of political representation in the district.
