•Demand restoration of ‘suppressed constituencies’
By Christiana Ekpa
The House of Representatives has intensified calls for equitable representation in Benue State, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to restore previously suppressed state constituencies across Ado, Okpokwu and Ogbadibo Local Government Areas.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Philip Agbese, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, and was seconded by Kelechi Nwogu.
Leading the debate, Agbese argued that the affected LGAs were historically entitled to two state constituencies each, reflecting their population size, landmass and administrative significance within Benue State. He lamented that delimitation exercises carried out during the Fourth Republic led to the suppression of three constituencies, leaving each LGA with only one representative in the state assembly.
According to him, the development has resulted in widespread under-representation, limiting access to development projects and weakening the legislative voice of constituents in the affected areas.
He maintained that restoring the constituencies, Ado II, Okpokwu II and Otukpa, would correct longstanding imbalances and align with principles of fairness, equity and federalism.
The House, presided over by Tajudeen Abbas, unanimously adopted the motion, directing INEC to not only restore the constituencies but also conduct elections into them in 2027.
Lawmakers further mandated the House Committee on INEC to engage with relevant stakeholders, including the Benue State Government and the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, to ensure swift implementation of the resolution.
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