BENIN CITY – The Benin Leaders of thought (BLT), a socio-cultural organization has charged members of the incoming House of Assembly in Edo State and the state government to urge the federal government to initiate a review of the constitutional arrangement which is unfair to Edo South Senatorial District, going by its population.
In a communiqué made available to newsmen in Benin City, the Benin Leaders of thought noted that Edo South Senatorial District, with 52 percent of the state’s population has seven Local Government Areas, while Edo North and Edo Central Senatorial districts, with joint population strength of 48 percent have eleven local government areas.
The communiqué was signed by Prince Edun Akenzua, the Enogie of Obazuwa and Mike Ogbeide-Ihama, Convener and Hon. Protem Secretary respectively after a meeting of BLT on April 15, 2015 where the recent elections and the political equation in Edo South vis-à-vis the other parts of Edo State were reviewed.
BLT disclosed that Edo South has 10 seats in the state House of Assembly while Edo North and Edo Central that jointly have less population have 14 seats.
While commending the National Chairman of All Progressive Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie Oyegun for leading the party to victory in the last general elections, BLT commended Governor Adams Oshiomole of Edo state for successfully leading the party to victory at the State Assembly poll, a development which pulls the state out of opposition status.
The group urged the state governor to address the issue of developing the Gele-gele port; rehabilitation of Benin communities in Gele-gele and as well facilitate the movement of Okao, to the community.
Besides, it urged the state government to ensure that Benin is able to enforce the 32-years old Supreme Court judgment on the matter between the Benins and the Ijaw settlers in the community which was entered in favor of the Benins.
Congratulating the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd) on his victory at the presidential poll, BLT also commended President Goodluck Jonathan for promptly conceding defeat at the poll.