Democracy, nay politics, demands the equitable distribution of its end products, be it infrastructure, appointments, or elective positions. Equity remains one of the strongest pillars upon which true democracy stands. As the saying goes, he who comes to equity must come with clean hands.
The question before Bende Federal Constituency today is simple but critical, have we truly been fair?
A brief look at history tells a very revealing story.
Representation of Bende people in the House of Representatives started with Senator Ojukwu Bende North, who served from 1959 to 1967 (2 tenures).
Bar. Ukaegbu Bende North, represented Bende State Constituency when Bende LGA had only one constituency (1 tenure).
Ogwe K. Ogwe from Bende North, served from 1979 to 1983 (2 tenures), though his second tenure was cut short by the military.
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu Bende North, was elected in 1992 (1 tenure).
Nnamdi Njoku, Bende South served from 1999 to 2003 (1 tenure).
Mba Aja Bende North followed from 2003 to 2007 (1 tenure).
Hon. Nnenna Elendu Ukeje Bende North held the position from 2007 to 2019 (3 solid tenures).
Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu from Bende South has served from 2019 and is expected to complete his tenure in 2027 (2 tenures).
From these records, the facts are clear and undeniable.
Bende North has occupied the House of Representatives seat for about ten (10) tenures, while Bende South has had only three (3).
This is not a sentiment, it is a reality.
Even more, Bende North (Umunna) held the seat for 16 consecutive years before the emergence of Benjamin Kalu. That long dominance makes the current moment even more sensitive and calls for deliberate fairness.
So, the question is, should this imbalance continue, or should it be corrected?
Equity is not about convenience.
It is not about who is louder or more politically positioned.
It is about doing what is right, even when it is uncomfortable.
As it stands today, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu is poised to return to the Senate for a third consecutive term.
In the spirit of fairness and balanced representation, it is only just and reasonable that Bende South be allowed to retain the House of Representatives seat, at least to complete the tenure cycle initiated by Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu.
Anything short of this will only reinforce the long-standing imbalance and raise further questions about fairness in our political structure.
This is not a fight.
This is not a confrontation.
This is a call for justice.
Let equity speak.
Let fairness prevail.
Let Bende South complete its turn.
May the grace and light of Almighty God guide us all.
Royal Chief Comrade
Iroham Ndubueze (Ahamba)
