The House of Representatives has passed a resolution calling for the immediate restoration of suppressed state constituencies within the Ado, Okpokwu, and Ogbadibo Local Government Areas of Benue State.
The motion, spearheaded by Hon. Philip Agbese, highlights a long-standing grievance among the Idoma-speaking communities of the Enone federal constituency, who argue that their current level of representation in the Benue State House of Assembly is both constitutionally inadequate and historically inconsistent.
Hon. Agbese reminded the House that under the legal framework provided by Sections 91, 112, and 113 of the 1999 Constitution, the Independent National Electoral Commission is mandated to review and delimit constituencies to ensure fair and equitable representation.
He pointed out that historically, each of these three local governments boasted two distinct state constituencies. However, subsequent delimitation exercises during the Fourth Republic saw these seats suppressed, leaving vast territories and growing populations to be managed by only a single representative per local government area.
The lawmaker expressed deep concern over the socio-economic fallout of this reduced representation, noting that the suppression of these seats has stifled the legislative voice of his constituents. According to the motion, the lack of adequate seats in the State Assembly has led to inequitable access to developmental projects and state resources.
Agbese argued that the current arrangement is not only a demographic mismatch but also a violation of the principles of federalism and justice, fueling widespread agitation among the people of Ado, Okpokwu, and Ogbadibo.
The House further noted that a precedent for such restoration has already been set, citing previous National Assembly resolutions that directed the restoration of constituencies in other parts of Benue State, such as Ukum, Gboko, and Nyamatsor. By restoring the seats to their original count of six across the three local governments, the House believes it will finally correct a historical injustice and align the state’s political structure with current demographic realities.
To ensure this resolution translates into action, the House has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to activate these restored constituencies in time for the 2027 General Elections. The resolution also calls for the Senate to concur with the motion for greater national enforcement and mandates the Committee on INEC to interface with the Benue State Government and the Attorney-General of the Federation. Certified copies of the resolution are to be transmitted to the Chairman of INEC and the Governor of Benue State to ensure the immediate operationalization of the new legislative districts.
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