By Emmanuel Ndon
On the surface, the principles of majority rule and protection of individual and minority rights would seem contradictory. However, these principles are twin pillars holding up the very fabric of democratic government.
And this is exactly the case presently in Itu local government area, where a minority is attempting to impose itself on the majority. There are frayed nerves (albeit contemptuously misled) trying to stir up a needless controversy surrounding the seat of the Itu people in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.
While there exists a guaranteed right to freely agitate, it is better to do so on the basis of sound judgment and informed perspective.
Itu is made up of ten (10) INEC recognized wards (of two blocs – Itam and Itu -OMA). Eight of these wards are located in Itam while Itu -OMA is blessed with only two. It is only logical that since democracy is mostly a game of numbers, those with a majority will always determine the flow of power. This does not in any way eliminate the minority from partaking in the governance process.
The majority rule is a means for organizing government and deciding public issues. In fact, one author noted that “it is not another road to oppression”. Just as no self-appointed group has the right to oppress others, so no majority, even in a democracy, should take away the basic rights and freedom of minority groups or individuals.
Minorities – whether as a result of ethnic background, religious belief, geographic location, income level, or simply as losers in elections or political debate – enjoy guaranteed basic human rights that cannot be wished away by the government or a majority.
This is exactly the scenario in Itu State Constituency. Despite her minority status, Itu -OMA has always been effectively accommodated in the power-sharing arrangement of Itu local government. There is no political dispensation that Itu -OMA has been left unattended politically in the scheme of things, particularly, in sharing of elective and appointive offices. Depending on who takes a turn, it is either they occupy the office of chairman or vice chairman within the council area. They have also fared well during political appointments at the state level.
Now Itu -OMA is agitating to occupy the House of Assembly position – which they claim they are yet to assume since 1999. There is nothing wrong with such agitations. However, as earlier enunciated, if it has to be by election, the majority will always decide who represents them – and in this case – Itam is the overwhelming majority considering the fact that they are in the custody of 8 of the 10 wards in Itu Local Government. But Itu -OMA can still get to the House of Assembly through a fair and just negotiation – and this is why and how zoning arrangements came into force.
Also read: 2023: Itu/Oma People Want House Of Assembly Seat
But beyond this point, there are other significant considerations regarding who to field for maximum electoral value and benefits. First, the practice everywhere, is that returning legislators accumulate more value than freshers, particularly when an incoming administration is new, as is the case at the moment.
The returning member stands to benefit from the advantages of ‘ranking’ members in the House’s pecking order. He is certain to be part of the House leadership at a level no fresher can. These benefits do surely rob off on the area of the office holder of which the constituents are indirect beneficiaries.
The fact that we are having a new administration coming into power makes it all the more important to have a returning member in the Assembly. Those agitating unnecessarily should bear in mind that they are not barred from contesting for the seat (and in any case, they will fail), and that electoral positions are not distributed based on geopolitical blocs and clans but on constitutionally recognized wards.
Minorities need to trust that the government will protect their rights and identity (and the case in Itu is exceptionally beautiful with equitable distribution of power). Because it is only through such guarantees that such groups can participate in, and contribute to the growth of the area.
Those bent on using impulsive opposition to make irrational agitations should sheathe their swords. As Recep Erdogan noted, “We are against the majority tyrannizing the minority. But we are definitely against the minority tyrannizing the majority”.
