Khana Chairmanship: A Tale of Marginalisation

For over four decades, the people of Babbe Kingdom in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, have been systematically marginalised and excluded from leadership positions, despite being the principal landlords of the headquarters. This grevious injustice has perpetuated a cycle of under-representation and disenfranchisement, denying the Babbe people a voice in the governance of their own local government. Khana Local Government is divided into three districts; Babbe, Ken-Khana, and Nyokhana. These districts are further subdivided into two state constituencies. However, despite this seemingly fair distribution, a closer examination reveals a long history of marginalisation and exclusion, particularly against the people of Babbe/Bori district.The statistics are stark: out of 19 political wards, Babbe Kingdom boasts seven, yet they have been consistently overlooked for the chairmanship position.
Meanwhile, the people of Ken-Khana and Nyo-Khana have governed the local government consecutively, ignoring the pleas of the Babbe people and perpetuating a cycle of exclusion. Again, Ogoni is divided into six districts: Babbe, Kenkhana, Nyokhana, Gokana, Tai, and Eleme. These were political districts established  under Nigerian colonial authority. Gokana, Tai, and Eleme are now local government areas in their own right, although Khana is grouped with Babbe, Kenkhana, and Nyokohana. Only Babbe is excluded from  Khana as a political slave. For decades, the people of Babbe have been systematically denied representation in key leadership positions, including the chairmanship of Khana Local Government. This trend has continued unabated, with Nyokhana producing two elected chairmen and Ken-Khana producing four, while Babbe has been excluded from the chairmanship position since 1999 till date.
This marginalisation is not only wrong, but  also contributes to the Babbe district’s underdevelopment and poverty. Babbe residents have been denied access to resources, development initiatives, and opportunities because those who come from afar to run the local government area lack the enthusiasm and fervour to develop Bori because they believe it does not belong to them. The continued exclusion of Babbe from leadership positions is a clear violation of their rights and a betrayal of the trust placed in the previous government. It is a stark reminder of the systemic inequalities that persist in our society and the need for urgent action to address them. A closer examination reveals a glaring imbalance in leadership positions, perpetuating a cycle of marginalisation and exclusion.  Nyo-khana has had the privilege of producing a serving House of Representatives member and a State constituency representative. Ken-Khana, on the other hand, has had a State assembly member and has just completed a tenure as chairman of Khana Local Government Area.
Meanwhile, Babbe district has been consistently overlooked for key leadership positions, leaving its people feeling like political orphans. It is only just and fair that the next chairmanship position in Khana Local Government goes to a capable and deserving individual from Babbe district. This would not only address the historical marginalisation of Babbe but also promote inclusivity and equity in the political representation of Khana Local Government. Leaving Babbe vacant or politically orphaned would perpetuate a cycle of underdevelopment and disenfranchisement, denying its people access to resources, opportunities, and a voice in their own governance. We urge the political stakeholders in Khana Local Government to prioritise fairness, justice, and inclusion in their decision-making processes. However, there is optimism for a shift. As an advocate for equity, justice, fairness, and peace, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has the chance to address this historical injustice in the upcoming local government elections.
By giving the people of Babbe a chance to lead, we can start to address the systemic marginalisation they have endured for far too long. This includes ensuring that all political parties in Khana Local Government give a Babbe son or daughter the chairmanship ticket  in the forthcoming chairmanship election  and demand equality in representation in key decision-making positions, access to resources and development projects, and an end to the systemic marginalisation that has persisted for far too long.  Babbe residents seek justice, equality, and inclusion. It is time for the government to listen and take action. By collaborating, we can create a more just and equitable society in which every citizen has a voice and a chance to succeed. Let us seize this opportunity to build a better future for everybody.
Chief  Deemua wrote in from Khana.

Nuka Lesuanu Deemua