Hundreds of constituents from the Bayelsa East Senatorial District, comprising Ogbia, Nembe, and Brass Local Government Areas, took to the streets of Yenagoa on Monday to demand strict adherence to the zoning formula that has governed the district since 1999.
The protest followed investigations revealing alleged moves to lobby the state party leadership to grant waivers to incumbent members of the Red Chamber, potentially allowing them to seek a second term despite the established rotational agreement.
The demonstrators began their march from the NUJ Press Centre along Azikoro Road, carrying placards.
The march concluded at the Toolda Hotel in Ekeki, the venue where the Senatorial Special Screening Committee, appointed by the state party leadership, was conducting its exercise for aspirants.
One of the lead protesters, Quincy Mac-Odo—former National Vice-President of the Ogbia Brotherhood Youth Council—emphasised that the zoning arrangement is a cornerstone of political stability in the district. Notably, Mac-Odo hails from Ogbia, the same Local Government Area as the incumbent, Senator Benson Sunday Agadaga.
“As youth leaders of Bayelsa East Senatorial District, we have a stake in the governance of the people,” Mac-Odo stated. “This zoning formula has existed since our revered leader, the late Chief Melford Obiene Okilo from Ogbia, went to the Senate in 1999. Since then, the seat has rotated every four years among Ogbia, Nembe, and Brass.”
He warned that any attempt to breach the agreement would cause unnecessary friction. “Now, after Senator Benson Agadaga, it is the turn of Brass. We are here as youth leaders, women’s groups, and traditional rulers to demand that the arrangement be honoured. It has produced seven senators and kept us in peace and harmony.”
Echoing these sentiments, High Chief Olerua John Salvation, also from Ogbia, appealed to the party’s hierarchy to prevent a breach of the “gentlemen’s agreement.”
“We are here to say no to a second tenure,” Salvation said. “We have a zoning agreement that has kept us in peace, and we don’t want someone to come and breach it. As traditional leaders, we are saying it is the turn for Brass. The outgoing senator should not contest.”
The protesters remained at the screening venue, insisting that the party must prioritise the collective interest of the three local governments over individual political ambitions to ensure a peaceful primary process.
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