The need for an all-inclusive representation in democratic governance cannot be overemphasised. It promotes ethno-regional balancing and rule of law. It also helps in maintaining peaceful political coexistence among the various groups.
In Borno State, the occupation of Borno South senatorial chair by someone based on an unpopular agreement between a very few minorities and denying the majority of the people their right to choose a popular and generally acceptable candidate has become a source of concern.
For the people of Hawul Local Government, in particular, the opportunity to aspire for the Senate has always been denied by this so-called agreement and rather, forced them to settle for a lesser office in the political equation of the state.
Therefore, beyond the need for inclusive representation, which has been lacking in the senatorial district, there is a consensus among the people from Southern Borno that they want change.
The current senator representing Borno South, Sen. Ali Ndume, has so far spent 18 years in the National Assembly as he had represented part of his present constituency as a member of the House of Representatives (Gwoza-Damboa-Chibok) between 2003 and 2011, and as a senator from 2011 to date.
However, never in the history of Southern Borno politics has someone from Hawul Local Government Area become the senator, hence the elite, the youths, women, opinion leaders, religious leaders unanimously reached a consensus for a change seeking for an all-inclusive representation.
Looking at the indices of development, southern Borno is lagging behind compared with other geopolitical zones in the state so that is why the people are driving for a positive change to bring about development.
If truly the present presidential system in Nigeria has made provision for each state to have three senators who will represent them at the Red Chamber of the National Assembly, it is necessary for this narrative to change that the position of senator can only be contested by people from a particular area in a senatorial district to the exclusion of all others. This is sad, hence the need for a constitutionally qualified candidate from Hawul LGA to contest for the position as soon as the whistle is blown for the contest.
The people of Borno State believe in the practice of liberal democracy and want it practiced in its most real form. The sanctity of freedom of choice to vote and be voted for should not be jeopardized by any interest because we are true democrats and shall practice democracy for the advancement of our dear state.
Mohammed Askira is a public affairs analyst based in Maiduguri
