By Gabriel Choba
The recent vitriolic attacks and campaign of calumny against Hon. (Mrs.) Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, the esteemed member representing the Ethiope Federal Constituency, spearheaded by former lawmaker Hon. HalIims Agoda, reveal a deeper issue rooted in jealousy and fear of her escalating profile.
Agoda’s unfounded claims of poor representation starkly contrast with the tremendous contributions Ibori-Suenu has made to her community and the nation at large.
It is noteworthy for Deltans to recall that during Agoda’s 12 years in office, he managed to achieve little beyond empty rhetoric; he could not even construct a significant home in his own hometown. This speaks volumes about his tenure and the motivations behind his criticisms.
Agoda’s comments exemplify the frustration of a man who is “hungry, thirsty, and always wishing to occupy the seat forever, which is not possible.”
The misguided chorus of dissent from certain quarters of Ethiope East leadership, claiming that Ibori-Suenu is underperforming, stems not from any factual basis but from envy toward a trailblazing Niger Delta Amazon who has chosen to serve her people with dedication and purpose. It is not only unfair but also unbecoming of leaders to condemn her without just cause, especially when we consider what she has accomplished.
Since entering the House of Representatives, Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu has demonstrated unparalleled commitment to empowerment, grassroots engagement, and people-centric initiatives.
Her record speaks for itself: diverse programs have positively impacted the lives of ordinary citizens in ways that many of her critics, during their time in office, could only dream of achieving.
Her legislative efforts, including the Nigerian Customs Training College, Oghara (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2316) and the Nigerian Paramedic College, Isiokolo (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2317), are on the verge of fruition, significantly enhancing the educational infrastructure in the constituency.
This growth can only be viewed as a beacon of hope as she addresses pressing issues such as kidnapping and the clashes between herders and farmers.
Moreover, the contrast becomes even more striking when we consider that many leaders now undermining Ibori-Suenu were once beneficiaries of Chief James Ibori’s mentorship at times when their own contributions were not proven. It is irony steeped in betrayal that those who rose to prominence through guidance would deny the same support to a capable and deserving daughter of the land.
Substantial achievements of Ibori-Suenu, including youth and women empowerment programs, the installation of streetlights, and the initiation of road construction projects in Igun, have reiterated her commitment to the development of Ethiope Federal Constituency, a region that hasn’t experienced this scale of progress since its establishment.
The Ethiope Federal Constituency Forum has reportedly held frequent meetings focused largely on discussing Ibori-Suenu’s impact, including conversations around a failed recall attempt against her. Their destabilizing efforts against the APC represent a misguided attempt to undermine her contributions.
Legislative responsibilities in today’s Green Chamber transcend mere visibility and photo opportunities; they hinge on delivering tangible benefits to constituents in the form of job creation, federal appointments, and project empowerment.
As Hon. Ibori-Suenu continues to make strides in her mission, it should serve as a wake-up call to the Ethiope Federal Constituency Forum, led by Chief Ighoyota Amori, that her (Ibori-Suenu) commitment remains unwavering despite their criticisms.
Her tenacity and determination to foster transformation in her constituency ought to stir reflection rather than resentment in those who fear her influence.
Indeed, it is evident that her critics are suffering from “sleepless nights,” and as she works to innovate and uplift her constituency, the narrative is one of progress and hope, not envy and sabotage.
