LEADERS and political stakeholders across the Ethiope Federal Constituency have delivered a harsh verdict on their House of Representatives member, Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, accusing her of “ineffective, distant and constitutionally inadequate” representation since assuming office.

The assessment emerged during a high-level strategic meeting held over the weekend in Eku, Ethiope East Local Government Area, where political leaders, community representatives, youth groups and opinion leaders from both Ethiope East and West converged to review the constituency’s political direction.

At the end of the closed-door session, participants resolved to reorganise and “rebuild the constituency’s political relevance” ahead of the 2027 general elections. They vowed to intensify grassroots mobilisation and present a candidate they described as more competent, present, and responsive to the needs of the constituency.

Delivering one of the strongest remarks at the gathering, former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Halims Agoda, criticised Ibori-Suenu’s performance, alleging a complete absence of visibility and accountability.

Quoting Section 14(1) of the 1999 Constitution, Agoda noted that democracy thrives on representation anchored on physical presence, vocal advocacy and legislative output—qualities he said were missing.

“The young lady there now is not representing us,” Agoda said. “A representative must be on the floor of the House—moving motions, sponsoring bills, defending the interests of the people. What we have now is silence, absence and constitutional non-compliance.”

He recalled a recent incident where a member from Edo State raised an issue concerning land in Mosogar, yet it took Hon. Francis Waive of Ughelli North/South and Udu Federal Constituency to defend Ethiope’s interest.

“If not for Waive, our constituency would have been abandoned. That is the shame we are facing,” he lamented.

Agoda urged the constituency to field a “more intellectually and physically capable” candidate for 2027—one who can “stand daily and speak boldly on the floor of the House.”

Chief Adviser to the Governor, Senator Ighoyota Amori, described Ethiope as the “political heartbeat of Delta Central” and reaffirmed its loyalty to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

Amori expressed confidence in the PDP’s dominance in the constituency.

“This is the governor’s constituency. In 2023 we delivered; in 2027 we will double it. What we are seeing today is a united political force preparing for total victory,” he said.

He maintained that the emerging coalition was strong enough to defeat any opposition in 2027.

State Director of Protocol, Chief Sunday Onoriode, said the gathering reflected the determination of Ethiope’s political leaders to take full control of their destiny.

“The leadership here today represents the true custodians of Ethiope’s political future. We are taking our destiny in our own hands,” he said.

He described the meeting as a decisive step toward rebuilding political structures and ensuring more effective representation going forward.

Leader of the APC in Ethiope East, Chief Bernard Edewor, described the meeting as a major milestone toward building a formidable coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.

“There is no old or new APC—only one united family working for the good of the people. Our objective is clear: re-elect the governor, support our presidential candidate, and win all legislative seats,” he said.