By Chancel Bomadi Sunday 

High Chief Thompson Fuoye is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, an electrical engineer and petroleum economist. He is an aspirant for the Burutu Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives in the 2027 general elections. In this interview, High Chief Fuoye unveils the motivations behind his aspiration for the seat of the Burutu Federal Constituency at the Green Chambers. Excerpts:

Who is High Chief Thompson Fuoye?

 Well, I am a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Burutu local government area of Delta State. I am an electrical engineer, a petroleum economist and former Special Assistant to former Gov Ifeanyi Okowa on Community and Rural Development. I’m married with children.

What inspired your decision to vie for the seat of the Burutu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives in 2027?

My decision to represent my people at the Green Chambers is driven by the aspiration to draw federal presence to my area. I discovered that in my Federal Constituency, particularly the people of Burutu South, we really need a voice at the National Assembly to draw federal presence to the area, and I believe I have the capacity to speak for my people at the Green Chambers. As an Ijaw, I was born in the northern part of the country, schooled in the Southwest and that means I will be able to liaise with my colleagues in the House to press on issues affecting my people and the area. It is evident that my area is backward in terms of development and we really need infrastructural and human capital development in the riverine area. So, I think is it time we had a voice at the National Assembly, who can influence the needed federal presence in the area. Moreover, a lot of young people in my constituency have been urging me to enter the race due to their perception of my humanitarian efforts. Some have even taken to social media, sharing my photographs and imploring me to run for the office. Following extensive deliberations with select members of my constituency, I have resolved to give my best effort. My decision is driven by a fervent desire to serve my people. In politics, there are certain arrangements that are very salient, and there is an arrangement that is already put in place regarding the seat of the Burutu Federal Constituency. Please be aware that the office of the Burutu Federal Constituency is jointly held by Burutu North and Burutu South, and it is now the turn of Burutu South, my place of origin. According to this arrangement, I am afforded the opportunity to contest.

What observations can be made regarding the legislative achievements of the incumbent representative, Hon. Julius Pondi?

You will concur that the current legislator has received steadfast support from the entirety of the Burutu Federal Constituency. The constituents have undeniably demonstrated their affection and support by electing him for a third consecutive term, an unprecedented occurrence. It is indisputable that he has excelled in his legislative responsibilities. Hon. Tam Brisbe and Hon. Frank Enekorogha, who were his predecessors, did not have such opportunities and I think he will be grateful to the people of the constituency for this unwavering support over the years.

What is your manifesto for this particular ambition?

My manifesto will be fundamentally rooted in peace, unity and empowering the citizens of Burutu Federal Constituency with a cohesive sense of purpose. I have observed a lack of communal spirit within our constituency, and we must eradicate the so-called political dichotomy in Burutu politics to foster collaboration. When I’m elected, my aim is to advocate for a unity initiative among us, as only through collective purpose we can usher in the necessary development to our constituency. Let us eschew division and work collectively to nurture unity and progress within the constituency. We must do away with division among us and work together to foster unity and progress in the constituency. Our campaigns shall not be constructed upon tales of promises, for we are acutely aware of the hardships we endure as inhabitants of the riverine area. We refuse to deceive our people; thus, our campaigns will be anchored on the conspicuous development challenges. I assure my constituents that I am committed to advocating for a manifesto that aims to influence infrastructure and economic advancement within riverine communities.

The primary function of a lawmaker is to make laws for the state, as well as influence national decisions and influence government presence to his or her constituency. Going through your manifesto, what would be your priority if elected?

 My priority will be to work in collaboration with my colleagues in the House to address challenging legislative issues affecting our dear nation. I will also focus on building the capacity of the youth of my constituency by engaging them in meaning ventures through the building of factories such as Roofing Sheet Factories, Table Water production factories and among others. You know, the poverty rate is very high in my area and what I intend doing in my first term in office is to work to engage the youth in productive ventures. Again, I will work in collaboration with my colleagues in the House to influence a higher institution of learning to my constituency. My people travel long distances to gain admission into higher institutions and this will be a priority project that I will pursue assuming office. I will work with all my effort and personal resources to realize this vision. Moreover, I will ensure that a higher institution of learning is established in Burutu South, which is a necessity. As I’m speaking with you, I have made contacts with some authorities in both private and public institutions and departments on this issue. I believe a lot of progress will be made under my representation of the constituency.

Last year, a political organization known as the Progressive Grassroot Crusaders (PGC) expressed their endorsement and passed a vote of confidence in your decision to vie for the Burutu seat in the House of Representatives in 2027. How has this development fueled your aspiration?

It was indeed a surprise when I saw the publication of this youth group in the Vanguard newspaper and various online media outlets last year. I wish to convey that many constituents are rallying behind my aspirations solely due to the modest gestures I have undertaken to positively impact lives. I observe my photos being shared across numerous online platforms in support of my aspiration, many of whom I am not personally acquainted with. Many others continue to urge me to become the Fresh Breath in Burutu Federal Constituency. My belief is that the emergence of these support groups is a testament to the humanitarian services I have extended to members of the society, and I perceive them as an encouragement of my aspirations. I have committed myself to serve the nation and my people in the Green Chambers. Furthermore, my philanthropic endeavours for the betterment of society, which bring me great joy, have led to the honour of being bestowed with the title, “Owôûfiniowei” (Way Opener) of Tuomo Kingdom by the Ebenana-owei of Tuomo Kingdom. My ambition and vision for my people is to unite as leaders, combining our efforts and intellect to alleviate the rampant poverty by engaging the burgeoning youth in productive endeavours. As I previously mentioned, one of my foremost priorities is to facilitate the establishment of factories to provide employment opportunities for these youths.

Could you kindly enlighten us with details regarding the humanitarian services you have provided thus far?

I wish to express my thoughts succinctly: “I can’t recall.” Occasionally, I fail to remember gestures I have done for various groups until my attention is drawn to such benevolent gestures. On numerous occasions, others have reminded me of my humanitarian acts towards individuals or collectives. Undoubtedly, I am aware of my modest contributions in providing humanitarian aid to both individuals and groups. However, I must candidly admit that the poverty rate in my area is exceedingly high, necessitating proactive measures to assist those facing adversity. Sometimes you would go to the village with the intention of spending time with your people for, maybe, seven to ten days. But you find yourself staying for just three days because all you have brought with to the village have been exhausted in giving and you hurriedly run back to the city. This is a vivid depiction of what my people are going through and I believe I can do something better when elected. We must consciously work to see how we can bring our people out of abject poverty.

So, what’s your word of hope to your constituents?

My word of hope to the people of Burutu Federal Constituency is that I’m part of the suffering and I have a vivid understanding of the challenges and pains of our people, and this Fresh Breath will put all his effort, including his personal resources to pursue the vision of a better Burutu Federal Constituency. I have long been an activist, I have been in the struggle for fair treatment for the Niger Delta region and I want my people to understand that I have the passion for the development of my constituency. If I’m given the mandate, I assure them that my manifesto for a better Burutu Federal Constituency will be a done deal.