Igbo-Etiti/Uzo-uwani voters launch petition to recall rep Martins Oke

DDM News

A major political shake-up is unfolding in Igbo-Etiti/Uzo-Uwani Federal Constituency.

The Igbo-Etiti/Uzo-Uwani Federal Constituency is located in the southeastern region of Nigeria, within Enugu State.

It encompasses two local government areas, Igbo-Etiti and Uzo-Uwani, each with unique cultural and economic significance.

This constituency is primarily inhabited by the Igbo people, who are known for their rich heritage, vibrant traditions, and a strong sense of community.

The area is marked by picturesque landscapes, with rolling hills and fertile valleys that contribute to its agricultural activities.

As a federal constituency, it plays an essential role in the political landscape, with representatives who advocate for the interests and development of their communities at the national level.

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM) reports, a group of registered voters has formally petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the recall of their representative.

The petition targets Rt. Hon. Martins Oke, a member of the Federal House of Representatives.

The petitioners argue that Oke has failed to provide effective representation for the people of the constituency.

The move to recall him is based on allegations of non-performance, lack of engagement, and incompetence.

This development has sparked intense political discussions within Enugu State and beyond.

Rt. Hon. Martins Oke is currently serving his third term in the National Assembly.

His journey to power has been marked by controversy and legal battles.

During the last general elections, he reportedly lost by a wide margin.

However, an Appeal Court ruling declared him the winner based on legal technicalities.

This decision outraged many constituents who believed their mandate was stolen.

The petitioners claim that Oke was imposed on the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) faithful.

They argue that he was not the popular choice of the party members.

His emergence as the candidate allegedly caused discontent among the party’s grassroots supporters.

Now, these grievances have resurfaced, fueling the campaign for his removal.

The petition was signed by a significant number of voters from the constituency.

According to the document, at least 50% plus one of registered voters support the recall process.

This meets the constitutional threshold required to initiate such a move.

The petition was submitted to INEC on March 27, 2025.

The signatories are led by Mr. Ugwuagbo Emmanuel Chizoba and three other community leaders.

They include Mr. Clinton Ogbonna, Mr. Sabinus Amah, and Mr. Stephen Okenwa.

Their submission relies on Section 69 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended).

This section empowers voters to recall a non-performing legislator through a constitutional process.

The allegations against Martins Oke

The petition outlines several reasons why the voters want Oke recalled.

One of the major allegations is that he was not truly elected by the people.

The document states that he lost the election but reclaimed the seat through judicial maneuvering.

The voters argue that the court’s decision did not reflect their collective will.

They believe the rightful winner should be in the House of Representatives.

Apart from his disputed mandate, Oke is accused of failing to deliver results.

The petitioners say he has not sponsored any significant bill or motion in three terms.

They also claim that he has failed to execute constituency projects.

Despite his long stay in the National Assembly, there are no visible developments in the constituency.

The petition further states that Oke is absent from parliamentary discussions.

According to his critics, he does not contribute to national issues or policy debates.

They argue that his representation has been ineffective at all levels.

Additionally, Oke has been accused of neglecting his constituents.

The petitioners claim he does not have a functioning constituency office.

They also allege that he has never organized a town hall meeting.

There are reports that many residents have never seen or interacted with him.

His absence from the constituency has created a disconnect between him and the electorate.

The people say they do not see him at home, on television, or in the National Assembly.

His critics believe he is out of touch with the realities of his constituency.

The final charge against Oke is incompetence and lack of commitment.

The petitioners argue that he has not addressed key issues affecting the people.

They accuse him of failing to champion developmental initiatives in Igbo-Etiti/Uzo-Uwani.

Many feel that their constituency has suffered from poor representation under his leadership.

The recall process and next steps

The Nigerian Constitution provides a clear process for recalling a legislator.

Once a petition is submitted, INEC must verify the authenticity of the signatories.

The commission will confirm whether at least 50% plus one of registered voters signed the document.

If this condition is met, INEC will proceed to the next stage.

The next phase involves organizing a referendum within 90 days.

During the referendum, voters will decide whether to remove the lawmaker or not.

A majority vote in favor of the recall will officially remove the representative.

If successful, the seat will be declared vacant, leading to a fresh election.

The petitioners have expressed confidence in INEC’s ability to conduct a fair process.

They believe the electoral body will ensure transparency and uphold democratic principles.

Copies of the petition have been forwarded to key stakeholders.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives has been notified of the recall move.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Enugu State has also received a copy.

Additionally, the petition has been sent to the local government chairmen of Igbo-Etiti and Uzo-Uwani.

The petitioners have also made their case known to the media and the general public.

They have set up an online platform for supporters to sign the petition.

A Google Forms link has been provided to facilitate digital endorsements.

The campaigners are urging more voters to sign and support the recall process.

They insist that removing Oke is necessary for the constituency’s progress.

Political reactions and implications

The recall petition has generated mixed reactions from political observers.

Supporters of the move believe it is a step toward accountability.

They argue that non-performing lawmakers should be held responsible by their constituents.

Many believe that Oke’s removal will serve as a warning to other politicians.

They see it as a wake-up call for elected officials to take their duties seriously.

However, Oke’s allies have dismissed the recall effort as politically motivated.

Some of his supporters claim that opposition figures are behind the move.

They argue that his critics are using the recall process as a tool for political revenge.

Others believe the petition will not succeed due to legal and procedural hurdles.

Despite the controversy, the recall process has intensified political activity in the constituency.

Community leaders and political stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation.

Some residents have expressed hope that INEC will handle the matter objectively.

The broader impact of the recall effort

The Igbo-Etiti/Uzo-Uwani recall attempt reflects growing political awareness in Nigeria.

It shows that voters are willing to hold their representatives accountable.

The move aligns with global democratic practices where underperforming lawmakers can be removed.

If successful, it could inspire similar actions in other constituencies across Nigeria.

This could lead to a shift in how legislators engage with their constituents.

More lawmakers may be compelled to improve their performance to avoid recalls.

The case of Martins Oke may also impact future elections in Enugu State.

Political parties may become more cautious about imposing candidates.

Voters may demand greater transparency in candidate selection processes.

Ultimately, the recall attempt underscores the power of the electorate in a democracy.

Regardless of the outcome, the process is a significant moment in Nigerian politics.

For now, all eyes remain on INEC as the verification process begins.

The people of Igbo-Etiti/Uzo-Uwani await the next steps in their fight for representation.

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