By Francis Sadhere

Delta State House of Assembly hopeful, Comrade Sheriff Mulade has urged the Ijaws and Itsekiris in Delta South Senatorial District to look beyond ethnic politics and concentrate on quality representation.

Comrade Mulade was reacting to statement by a political group, Ijaw Political Movement, who were quoted to have said the Ijaws will not trade senate seat for the House of representatives or the House of Assembly seats in the upcoming 2019 elections.

“The group is of the opinion that the Itsekiri ethnic nationality and Ijaw are negotiating the senatorial seat for House of Assembly seat. Such views does not accommodate the interest  of Isoko ethnic nationality which make up the Delta South Senatorial District,” Comrade Mulade said.

While dissociating himself from the group, Comrade Mulade said the Delta South senatorial seat belongs to the three ethnic groups, Ijaw, Itsekiri and Isoko.

He therefore added that the issue of trade and not trading is not applicable to fair and legitimate power rotation.

“It is not out of place for Itsekiri to project candidates  seeking elective offices. Ijaw, Isoko and Itsekiri must unite politically to grow politically and attract development to our region, anybody can run for the elective offices if anyone feels qualified; it is not a commodity to be given a price tag but a process governed by law.

“Having spent about 16 years in the Red Chamber of the National Assembly, Senator James Manager, representing the Delta South Senatorial district is a product of Democratic process which fair participation is the right of every eligible aspirant.

“It is important we look beyond ethnic politics and consider quality representation for the betterment  of our communities and region,” Mulade added.