By Nathan Nwakamma
Some stakeholders in Bayelsa East Senatorial District have taken to the streets to protest alleged moves to abandon existing zoning arrangement in the area.
The protesters who matched from the NUJ Press Center Azikoro Road through the Ekeki Area of Yenagoa City, chanted solidarity songs, insisting on zoning.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the protest is coming on the heels of scheduled screening of National Assembly aspirants by the Bayelsa chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC).
It would be recalled that Sen. Benson Agadaga who joined the APC with Gov. Duoye Diri currently represents Bayelsa East at the Senate.
Speaking during the protest, Mr Qunincy Mac-Odo, the Convener, Bayelsa-East Forum, said that the existing zoning arrangement should be maintained.
“Bayelsa-East Senatorial District is made up of Ogbia, Brass and Nembe Local Government Areas.
“A zoning format has been in existence since 1999. This format should be followed to promote equity and fairness.
“So far, Ogbia has produced three senators while Nembe and Brass have produced two senators each.
“It is now the turn of Brass to produce the senator to represent the district. This will promote peace, equity and fairness,” he said.
Mac-Odo, also a former National Vice President, Ogbia Brotherhood Youth Council urged the APC leadership in Bayelsa to respect the existing zoning arrangement.
“As a people, we have a stake within the system. The existing zoning format has produced seven senators, and this has kept the district peaceful and united.
“Anything contrary will be opposed vehemently because the will of the people should be honored,” he said.
Also speaking, Chief Olerua Salvation, a Community Leader in Ogbia said that respecting the existing zoning arrangement would promote inclusion and justice.
“In Bayelsa East Senatorial District we have a zoning formula that is existing. Let’s honour that arrangement.
“We don’t want somebody to truncate the peace that we are having in our senatorial district.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)