Leaders of the Otuan Federated Communities in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of have unanimously endorsed as their candidate for the Southern Ijaw Constituency 1 seat in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a statement signed by the Paramount Ruler, , the community appealed to Governor to support their push for equitable representation.
The endorsement followed a joint stakeholders’ meeting involving political leaders and community executives, where Dr. Tokpo, an Associate Professor of Political Science at , was described as possessing the qualities and character needed for effective representation.
Community leaders, including CDC Chairman and Youth President , argued that since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, all lawmakers who represented Southern Ijaw Constituency 1 have emerged from Amassoma.
They listed former representatives to include Late Hon. Mrs. Vivien Ere, Hon. Stephen Erebo, Hon. Kuroakegha Dorgu, Hon. Mrs. Kate Owoko and the incumbent, Hon. Felix Bonny Ayah.
According to the leaders, the continued dominance of one community for 27 years contradicts the principles of fairness, justice and equity.
Otuan community, which comprises one ward and 24 polling units, said it has consistently delivered significant electoral support yet remains excluded from the Assembly seat. The leaders maintained that the community deserves a sense of belonging in the 2027 elections.
They also appealed to Governor Diri, described in the statement as leader of the in Bayelsa, to support the re-election bid of the member representing Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency, , for a second term.
The stakeholders commended Governor Diri for infrastructural projects in the area, particularly the recently commissioned 360-metre bridge and road network linking Oporoma and Otuan, while reaffirming support for his ASSURED Prosperity administration.
