Aggrieved indigenes of the Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency in Delta State, under the aegis of the Movement for the Rotation of Power in Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency, have described the prolonged stay of Hon. Nicholas Mutu in the House of Representatives as “a generational failure in representation,” accusing him of neglecting the constituency despite spending over two decades in the National Assembly.
The protesters, who stormed the Delta State Government House, Asaba in large numbers, displayed placards bearing inscriptions such as “Bomadi has served, now Patani must serve. No more animal farm politics. Equal rights for all,” “Methuselah of National Assembly, take a bow and go while the ovation lasts. Power must rotate or democracy suffocates” and “One man cannot own Bomadi and Patani Federal Constituency.”
Speaking on behalf of the group it’s Chairman Chief Mrs. Binaebi Keboh, said the people of Bomadi and Patani local government areas, which make up the federal constituency, could no longer endure what he termed “systemic imposition and legislative redundancy.”
According to her, since 1999, Hon. Mutu has held onto the seat through political patronage rather than popularity or performance. “From 1999 to this very day, the member representing Bomadi–Patani Federal Constituency has never raised his hand once on the floor of the National Assembly to speak for his people,” Anthony alleged. “If anyone has evidence of him speaking even once since 1999, I will give that person ten million naira.”
Also speaking another constituent from, Comrade Chris Anthony, lamented that despite Mutu’s 26 years in the Green Chamber, projected to reach 28 years by 2027, the constituency remains one of the most backward in Nigeria, lacking visible federal presence or developmental projects.
“The essence of representation is to take the challenges of your people to the National Assembly, not to occupy a seat for personal gain,” he said. “While younger lawmakers like Rev. Francis Waive and Hon. Eriata Keibiri have attracted lasting projects within a short time, Bomadi–Patani remains completely forgotten.”
Anthony accused the lawmaker of relying on political connections to perpetuate his stay in office, alleging that Mutu often aligns with state and national party leaders to secure his return to the chamber.
He further claimed that Mutu was defeated during the 2023 general elections but was “returned through manipulation of the system,” insisting that the people’s mandate was subverted.
“The continuous return of Nicholas Mutu to the National Assembly is not by the will of the people. It is purely systemic, and it must stop,” Anthony declared. “If the system fails to correct this anomaly, the people will be forced to act to reclaim their voice.”
He called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the national leadership of the ruling party to intervene, warning that the people may take a neutral stance in future elections if their grievances remain unaddressed.
Anthony added that less than one percent of constituents benefit from Mutu’s presence in the legislature, despite his long tenure. “If two local governments make up a federal constituency, why has only one held power since 1999? Representation should be shared fairly, not monopolized,” he said.
Speaking in the same vein a leader from Patani, Elooghene Fredrick, stressed that their protest was not politically motivated but a sincere demand for accountability.
“We are not political jobbers, and we are not working for any individual,” he said. “This is a genuine cry of the people. As my spiritual father will say, what you fail to reject has the right to stay. Because we have not effectively declared that enough is enough for Mutu, he has continued to perpetuate himself.”
He questioned the essence of representation without results or engagement, lamenting that Bomadi, “the central home of the Western Ijaw,” has no trace of federal legislative presence.
“There is no legislative infrastructure, not in health, agriculture, education, or any other sector. There is no single institution or project to point to,” Anthony said. “We have no feedback from him, no constituency briefings, no town hall meetings, no consultations. We don’t even know what is budgeted yearly for his constituency office.”
He said it was disheartening that young people from the constituency were not considered for federal appointments, describing the situation as “a total failure of representation.”
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“That is why we are saying now that enough is enough,” Anthony concluded. “After 28 years, Hon. Nicholas Mutu should kindly step aside and allow another son or daughter from Patani Local Government Area to represent the people. It is only fair and just.”
Addressing the protesters on behalf of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prince Johnson Erijo, commended the group for their peaceful conduct and assured them that their grievances would be duly conveyed to the Governor.
Erijo, who said he had been delegated by the Governor to receive the protesters, praised them for their confidence in both the Governor and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that their peaceful approach was commendable.
“I’ve seen most of the placards you’re carrying and what is written on them. First, I want to salute you for the confidence you have reposed in your Governor, the Right Honourable Elder Sheriff Oborevwori,” he said. “Even in all your comments, you continue to acknowledge that your Governor, on his own, is doing well, keeping his promises, fulfilling his electoral commitments, and doing much for you as constituents and as Deltans.”
He assured them that the Governor, the President, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) would guarantee a level playing field for all aspirants in future elections.
“There will be no form of imposition,” Erijo said. “Whoever you, the people, decide on back home is who we will work with as a party. Our goal is to ensure that the APC wins all seats, gives Mr. President the overwhelming votes required, and returns our Governor to Government House to continue the good works he has promised and is already executing.”
He reaffirmed that the Governor’s administration would uphold fairness, transparency, and the will of the people.
“I assure you, this is what your Governor has asked me to tell you—that there will be a level playing ground. Obviously, there will be no imposition. Whoever you choose will be supported,” he said. “I will take your communiqué and hand it over to the Governor. He has asked me to thank you for your orderly conduct and to remind you to act according to the will of God.”
