The people of Bille community in the Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State have decried the high level of political marginalization in the area especially in the areas of political appointments and elective offices.
This was contained in a letter sent to the governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike by the members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Bille kingdom Degema Ward 16, it was stated that the Bille Kingdom believes the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and has been identifying with the party since 1999.
The letter entitled “marginalization of Bille indigenes of PDP extraction with respect to political appointments/offices in Degema Local Government Area as well a state appointments” and dated April 21, 2016, the members of the Bille PDP maintained that, “right from 1999 to date we voted massively given our block votes to the party. It is also on record that the Bille block votes have accounted for some political victories in the past in the LGA.”
The letter was jointly signed by High Chief Bebeowibo Jacob, (leader ward 16), Hon. Agiriba B. Bibi (Delga Apex member), Opukon Herman Imor (LGA officer), Nemgim Innocent Fenibo (ward chairman), Duko-ipiri Horsfall (ward secretary).
Others include: Elder Stephen Horsfall, Chief Boma R. Dappa, Barr. Nelly Francis, Chief Ibiso Benjamin, Elder I. N. C. Herbert and Sir. Ibim Diri.
The Bille PDP pointed out sadly that, no Bille indigene has ever occupied any key position, it was however, alleged that the various towns and villages in the Degema LGA have benefited a lot in the current political dispensation.
According to them the Bakana community has occupied the following offices: Civil Service Commisison, Local Government Service, Rivers State Microfinance Bank, Greater Port Harcourt and Board member Governing Council Rivers State University of Education. Tombia town has the House of Assembly and Public Bureau Committee; Obuama is the home town of the deputy Governor of Rivers State, while Degema has an officer in the Road Maintenance and the Caretaker Committee Chairman. Ke and Bukuma have gotten Caretaker Committee Chairmen. Oguruma Community in the present dispensation has the Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation.
The letter reads in part, “Suffice it to state that the nine (9) communities that made up the LGA, Bille kingdom which is the one of the dominant communities has not been represented in any form. Consequently, to address this anomally, Hon. Doctor Farah Dagogo as well as Hon. Randolph Brown have promised fervently that they will use their offices to consult appropriate authorities for Bille to produce the next Degema Local Government chairman”.
The members of the Bille PDP Ward 16 recalled that on Wednesday 18th April, 2016, members of the Degema PDP stakeholders Forum (Apex committee) were contacted for a meeting, “but another text messages was sent canceling the said meeting”, without any cogent reason.
They alleged that to their greatest astonishment, the cancelled meeting was held with an agenda for nominating the next LGA chairmanship candidate, excluded the attendance of members from Bille, Ke, Bukuma and Degema.
In conclusion, they pleaded with Governor Wike to consider Bille indigene for the position of Degema Local government chairman in the forthcoming Local Government Council election. ###
