By EMMANUEL OLISANEKU

IN ACCORDANCE with the Nigerian political timetable of its fourth republic, 2015 is a year of democratic renewal except in few states where the arrangement is altered for justifiable reasons by the judiciary.

Consequently, with about fifteen months left in the life span of the present administration in Delta state, there is already a serious struggle and intense lobbying for the seat of the number one citizen of the oil rich state. Considering the fact that Delta state is a stronghold of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) those who are keen on succeeding the incumbent governor are presently strategizing on how to be nominated as the party flag bearer in the 2015 general elections.

However and in spite of the avalanche of credible aspirants from different parts of the state, there seems to be a serious clamour for a Delta state governor of Delta North extraction come 2015. The proponents of the above argue that since Delta Central and Delta South have had their taste of the job, that Delta North should also be given a chance to serve the state in that capacity. As equitable and fair as this may appear, there are those who have also argued otherwise that it should be for all parts of the state.

While this point of view is not without its merit, the fact remains that in a multi-ethnic group like Delta state, which aspires to be a united and indivisible unit the political paradigm and rhythm of zoning key political offices already established cannot be dismissed. The wisdom of zoning offices to different political sub-divisions gives a sense of belonging should therefore be maintained.

Consequently, if political gladiators in Delta state consents to a Delta state governor of Delta North extraction, come 2015, then such governor ought to, and should come from the Ndokwa nation for this is the only way equity and fairness would be guaranteed.

Ndokwa nation is a peaceful ethnic nationality; evidence of this abounds in the fact that Ndokwa nation is the only oil bearing area in Nigeria that did not engage in militancy and destruction of oil facilities as a way of expressing their frustration and marginalization in the oil exploration processes by the different corporations of all the ethnic district. Ndokwa nation is the only area where crude oil which is the major source of our revenue is being explored in Delta north.

Renowned for being endowed with the best quality of crude oil in West Africa and very large quantities of natural gas, Ndokwa nation has contributed tremendously to the development of Delta state in particular and the Nigeria  nation at large. The region is also blessed with large arable land for agricultural and wealth creation.

Thus, Ndokwa nation is described as the economy of the Anioma region presently constituted as Delta North senatorial district. While hoping that wisdom of zoning will prevail and a governor of Delta state from Delta North senatorial district emerges, I see no reason such a man or woman cannot come from Ndokwa axis. This will be a proportionate recompense to them for bearing the burdens and frustrations of being blessed by nature yet impoverished.

At the same time and sadly too, the Ndokwa nation is the least developed when compared to other ethnic groups in Delta North senatorial district. This is a verifiable fact in terms of infrastructure, good road networks, institutions of higher learning and access to health facilities. This is an aberration.

Furthermore, Ndokwa nation by its location is a miniature Delta state. This is because the people of Ndokwa share the same cultural traits and norms with every other ethnic group in Delta state. The mode of dressing and type of food of the Ndokwa people are eloquent testimonies to the above notion.

This semblance in culture coupled with the kind hospitality and peaceful disposition of an average Ndokwa man allow for inter-marriages and today our brothers and sisters from other senatorial districts resides and enjoy full privileges and right in Ndokwa nation. The Urhobos, Itsekiris, Isokos and Ijaws live freely by ancestral arrangements without fear of discriminations or domination in Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West and Ukwani local government areas. A Delta state governor of Delta North extraction will therefore not only ensure the balance of power but will also serve as a unifying factor in the policy.

Mr. Olisaneku, a social activist, wrote from Agbor, Delta State.