Ogbia Youth Leader Amos Precious Calls for Unity Beyond Party Lines, Urges Second Term for Mitema Obordor

By Anita Wilcox

Bayelsa - The Social Democratic Party (SDP) Youth Leader in Ogbia Local Government Area, Watchman Amos Precious, has called on Ogbia youths and stakeholders to rise above partisan politics and work collectively toward achieving genuine unity, fairness and political stability in Ogbia Federal Constituency. Amos made the call while speaking on the need for what he described as “One Ogbia: A Call for Unity Beyond Party Lines,” stressing that the time had come for Ogbia people, particularly its youths, to place the collective interest of the people above political party affiliations.

According to him, Ogbia youths cannot credibly preach unity while remaining divided along party lines and allowing political affiliations to determine their commitment to the collective progress of the constituency.

“We cannot speak of One Ogbia while we remain prisoners of party affiliation, unable to stand as one people. The Ogbia Brotherhood taught us better: All For Each, Each For All. That motto is not a slogan for convenience; it is a covenant we must live by, even when it costs us political comfort.”

He said the journey toward lasting peace and unity in Ogbia must begin with an honest examination of the constituency's political history, noting that many of the tensions confronting the people today have roots in previous disagreements over political succession, continuity and clan representation. Amos recalled that when Hon. Ipigansi completed his first term representing Ogbia Federal Constituency and sought a second term, he was reportedly denied the opportunity because he did not belong to the ruling political party at the time. He noted that Hon. Ikisikpo subsequently succeeded him and, with the support of Ogbia elders, secured a second term, although the arrangement generated concerns from the Ayama Clan, which questioned why Emeyal should enjoy continuity when other clans had yet to benefit from the principle.

He further recalled that Hon. Nadu of Oloibiri Clan later sought a second term, but could not secure the backing required to continue, while Hon. Omoni of Ayama Clan similarly sought continuity but was denied the opportunity. According to him, Hon. Fred of Emeyal Clan also sought a second term despite what he described as a strong performance record, but was denied on the argument that Emeyal Clan had already benefited from two terms through Hon. Ikisikpo and therefore ought to give other clans an opportunity.

Amos said it was against this historical background that the current Oloibiri Clan beneficiary, Chief Dr. Mitema Obordor, PhD, emerged as the representative of the constituency. He argued that if Ogbia genuinely desires a fair, predictable and sustainable political arrangement, the principle applied in the past must be applied consistently to the present situation.

“If we are truly committed to Ogbia first, then fairness demands consistency. Chief Dr. Mitema Obordor, the current Oloibiri Clan representative, should be given the opportunity to serve a second term - not as a favour, but as the next honest step in a rotation that has too often been interrupted by politics rather than principle.”

He maintained that supporting Obordor for a second term should not be interpreted as a victory for one political party over another, but as an opportunity for Ogbia to establish a political culture anchored on equity, continuity and equal opportunity. The SDP Youth Leader proposed that after the Oloibiri Clan's opportunity for a second term, the Ayama Clan should equally be allowed its own turn, while the Emeyal Clan should not be permanently denied future opportunities on the basis that it has previously produced representatives who served two terms.

“When the turn comes to Obhan Emeyal Clan again, let no one stand up and say, ‘Your clan has already had two terms; wait your turn,’ as was done to Hon. Fred. Let every clan be treated by the same standard we demand for ourselves.”

He described this as the foundation for a united and enduring zoning arrangement capable of reducing political tension and restoring confidence among the various clans of Ogbia. Amos cautioned against a system in which political parties, individual interests or those he described as “managers of the system” determine when a particular clan should benefit or be denied political opportunity. He said the political future of Ogbia must be built on principles that transcend elections and party affiliations.

“One Ogbia is possible, but it will not happen through speeches alone. It will happen when we learn to forgive the past, reject selective justice, respect our history and apply one standard to everyone.”

He therefore called on Ogbia youths, irrespective of their political parties, to unite around what he described as the broader Ogbia interest and support the continuation of Chief Dr. Mitema Obordor's representation. He urged political leaders, traditional rulers, elders, youths and other stakeholders to embrace dialogue and reconciliation, insisting that political differences should never be allowed to destroy the bonds of brotherhood that unite Ogbia people.

Amos emphatically noted that “One Ogbia” must become more than a political slogan, stressing that true unity would only be achieved when fairness, equity and equal opportunity become the guiding principles of political engagement in the constituency.