By Felix Eshalomi

DELTA State can be regarded as the cradle of rotation amongst the Senatorial zones in our political culture. The origin began during the commencement of the Fouth Republic in 1999 with Chief James Onanefe Ibori at the helms of affairs. Chief Ibori was from the majority tribe in Delta Central Senatorial district, the Urhobos.

Considering the fact that when he muted the idea of rotation, he picked the candidate from his maternal linage in the person of Emmanuel Uduaghan, an Itsekiri man-from Delta South Senatorial district. The inevitable question is, did Ibori do that for his own interest or for the interest of all Deltans. Be that as it may, that is where Deltans stand today because rotation has come to stay. It will be foolhardy for the south or Northern senatorial zones to support a fresh candidate from central having regards to the cumulative effects of the powers created by section 176 Of our constitution coupled with the inherent powers in incumbency.

It will be foolish for anyone from central to think of running against Elder Sheriff Oborovwori, when he or she knows what is perfectly at play here. Besides it will be stupid for Delta south and Delta North to vote a fresh candidate from Central. However, before this present administration, and since the advent of rotation, we have had three governors from the three Senatorial districts. And each of the governors served two terms of eight years each. Thus, confirming the movement of the governorship to all the Senatorial zones of the State.

The burning question here is, having gone through three Senatorial zones, and back to the Central zone where it originally started, what did we achieve in terms of development by the former three governors who have governed the state for the past 24 years? The answer to this question will be reserved for another day because of diverse opinions from people of the 3 Senatorial zones.

Above all, we are now witnessing a new dispensation from the beginning of rotation back to the central Senatorial district with the coming of Elder Sheriff Oborerwori. However, this commences the Second phase of rotation in Delta State. Note that rotation has come to stay and its expected that it will be 8 years for each Senatorial zone. Therefore, we Deltans are looking forward to having Elder Sheriff as our governor from now till 2031 when he must have completed his second term.

Please, Governor Oborerwori should note that this calling, is the wish and desire of all Deltans. He might have His say on other Issues but on this issue of 8 years it is imperative and mandatory , because on this He has no say. This is a decision taken by Deltans and He must comply to it as it is for the general good of our people. What have we achieved in the past two years since the governor came on board? We shall leave that for our next article. Delta state has been turned into a reconstruction site in the last two years. In our next article we shall elaborate on what we mean by reconstruction site being carried out by Elder Sheriff Oborevwori.

Eshalomi, a constitutional lawyer, resides in Kokori, Ethiope East LGA, Delta State.