The Warri Federal Constituency stands on a tripod- Warri South, Warri North, and Warri South-West LGA.  There exists an unwritten agreement between the three LGAs on the need to rotate the Warri Federal Constituency seat in the spirit of fairness, equity and justice.

Ironically, its only Warri South West and Warri North that had occupied the coveted seat for a period of 16years, implying that since 1999, Warri South has experienced this growing discrimination which should not be.

Yet, it has always supported every candidate brought out by the so-called structure. It would therefore amount to inequity if the present occupant of the seat is allowed re-election, his constitutional right notwithstanding.

Instructively, proponents of zoning had  stressed that they aren’t sacrificing merit for rotation by canvassing for power rotation to Warri South. They are, however, inspired by the words of Victor Hugo, the French philosopher who said that “nothing is more powerful than an idea whose time has come”.

The people of Warri South now feel they must be masters of their own collective fate in the future. But realizing that they would throw away the opportunity to ascend the Warri Federal Constituency seat in the Green Chamber, they reached out for a man who can be described as the best man for the job. The choice of Barr.

Ada Val Arenyeka by the Warri political leadership appears not only logical, but also destined as well. Arenyeka is an independent –minded leader with an even-keel temperament, charismatic speaking skills and a knack for consensus-building. He is also a talented and introspective writer.

His values are strongly shaped by his expertise as a constitutional lawyer and civil rights attorney, and by Christianity, Arenyeka  mingles easily with others, but is most comfortable addressing large crowds.

At any rate, contrary to  false propaganda, widely publicized by his rivals, the people of Warri Federal Constituency know better than casual visitors who are easily duped of facts, that Arenyeka is a detribalized Deltan who made a lot of developmental statements in the geography of the oil producing communities of Delta State.

In 2005, he was appointed Delta State representative on the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). His record and stances as commissioner and Delta State representative reflects “practical, common sense progressive “thinker who emphasizes rapid development in the Niger Delta Region.

The monumental Gbaregolor-Gbekebor-Ogulagha Road with bridges which has changed the history of the Ijaw from that axis is a testament to behold, and the Ijaw are very grateful for that unique insight of giving Bomadi and environs vehicular civilization.

As for the Warri Federal Constutuency, he began the spadework for the Koko-Ogheye Road. He embarked on the construction of numerous road networks in Warri metropolis, in an effort to bring back the glory of Warri as we used to know it as an oil city. In Okerenkoko, we remember him for kick-starting the road that would link Omadino-Okerenkoko, amongst other growth catalyst.

He donated transformers to countless communities in his catchment. When it comes to health matters, he gave his all to it. Twice, he embarked on medical missions to Koko community and, on those occasions, medical equipment, ambulances inclusive, were donated to Koko General Hospital.

Such a man with a clear purpose of overall performance in bettering the living standard of the people should be encouraged to take the plunge. His passion to give effective representation to his people is incontestable. His faith in their good judgment is not in doubt. His loyalty to President Goodluck Jonathan, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, the People’s Democratic Party, and its leadership at all levels remain an unshakeable article of faith.

MICHAEL TIDI, a Principal Investigator in Political Fact-Finding Forum, lives in Warri.