AN ESSAY ON THE TOPIC: REBUILDING ORO THROUGH EFFECTIVE

REPRESENTATION

By:
Antai Goodnews, 19/AR/EN/1683, Department of English, Faculty of Arts, University of
Uyo.

Effective representation is a concept. That is to say that it is a package of items, which will

only be understood if they are defined or unpacked. The Oxford English dictionary defines the

word effect as meaning "... bring about, accomplish; cause to exist or occur". Effective as the

adjective of the verb effect therefore means "having an effect; powerful in effect; striking,

remarkable" (Oxford English Dictionary). In this context the word effective is equated to the

word successful. We are, therefore looking for the characteristics of a successful representative

through which Oro could be rebuilt. The effectiveness can be measured by the popularity of the

individual, which is itself determined by performance in the polls. In other words, it is unlikely

that an ineffective representative will be popular with his/her constituents.

The concept of representation is also problematic. The dictionary defines representation as

"fill place of, be substitute or deputy for, be entitled to act or speak for, be sent as member to

legislature or delegate to meeting, etc". The definition goes on to emphasise the resemblance

between the representative and the represented or that is a representative must resemble the

people he/she represents. In politics, therefore, representation refers to a person who does or

says things on behalf of those he/she represents. Effective representation implies articulating

and mediating between the competing interests of groups as well as, guaranteeing equal rights

for all parliamentarians, particularly those belonging to the opposition within an assembly.

Effective representation can also mean that representatives possess or acquire the resources,
skills and characteristics that they need to execute their representative duties and consistently

apply them in delivering service to their constituents. However, scrutinised further, the concept

of representation must of necessity involve leadership. In other words, the representative must

not only understand the situation of his/her family, constituents but that of the wider community

which is the entire Oro nation. This requirement immediately separates the representative from

the average members of the constituency/ward and makes him/her a better informed leader.

This aspect of representation is important in that a representative is a delegate with powers to

talk on behalf of but not always in agreement with all those he/she represents. As a delegate, a

representative also has his/her right to personal opinion on issues.

A successful representative must therefore have the likeness of those he/she represents.

He/she should understand their needs and be able to express them in a manner understood and

accepted by them. The question becomes how exactly does one do that? This question above

seems to be the question of many Oro representatives in the past. This work, is an attempt to

explain how upcoming representatives in Oro can achieve these mammoth tasks so that Oro will

be rebuilt.

The guiding principle in representative politics is trust which is absent in many Oro

representatives. Oro representatives seem to treat the motivation of the people of Oro (trust)

with ignominy and subjected it to disrepute. This attribute of self-interest of Oro representatives

has really led Oro down a degrading lane. In electing representatives, the electorate is actually

passing a vote of confidence in the person or in the party whose candidate they elect. Indeed, to

emphasise this principle, this country has allowed electorates the right to recall/call back or

replace a representative whose performance they are unsatisfied with. A representative can
achieve better and effective representation through a number of measures. These measures

include the following:

Increased communication with constituents. For example, motions can be regularly,

properly and adequately raised when a representative is in touch with the constituency that they

represent, thereby leading to better representation of such a constituency. The internet is a

highly useful tool that politicians now utilize to interact with their constituents.. President

Barrack Obama used the internet to outspace his rival Hillary Clinton and later John McCain

the Republican candidate. His blog and social networking platforms registered over 1.5 million

people who organized themselves into 35,000 groups. representatives can leverage the internet

through blogging to help in several ways including: recruiting new members andsupporters,

raisingfunds, debunking negative press, introducing new issues to the media, receiving

instantaneous feedback, conducting survey. Fundamental knowledge of the representating

process is highly necessary. representatives should demand and advocate for training and

capacity building to enhance their capacities for representation in the best interest of

constituents.

Representatives could conduct periodic self-assessments so as to identify weaknesses and

ways to overcome them. Assessments are very helpful in measuring progressing and

highlighting areas in need of further capacity building. And also, representatives have the

responsibility to conduct adequate research into the subject matter presented as bills before

legislature in order to be fully aware of implications of passing such bills into laws. The

utilization of aides in this case is very important.

 Representatives need to be more committed to their responsibilities in whichever positions

and also increase the confidence of the citizens belonging to their constituency. With increased

confidence there would be increased effectiveness as a representative. representatives should

work with other representative to identify and develop methods to insulate themselves from

influence and intimidation from opposing force of government. Again, the current political

party structure is in need of reform. Specifically, it needs to be re-structured around ideological

matters where personalities and tribal sentiments are of little consequence. Strong party

structures and transparent democratic internal management has the potential of transforming the

political process, as well as creating space for diverse groups to be represented in the party and

ultimately, in the leading political offices.

Following from the foregoing, Oro system of representation needs to be improved on to

make it more credible. The on going effort by the Oro Youth Movement, Oro Union etc. to

review Oro representational process is commendable. better still, Oro, in her representative

capacity to be effective, there is need for capacity development and the institutionalisation of

such to carry out a transparent oversight functions. The monitoring of budget or projects

execution must not be compromised by personal benefit to Members against the wishes of

theirconstituents.

The making of an effective and responsive representation goes beyond the laws creating it

and the powers bestowed on it by law. For a representation to be effective and efficient in its

role, it must earn the trust of the people it represents. Thus, a representation, perceived by the
people it seeks to represent as unaccountable or unresponsive to citizens will find it challenging

to take decisions that impact or resonate with them. Nevertheless, the representation in Oro has

developed significantly over the years and only needs to embark on programmes and policies

that would help build confidence in citizens regarding their ability to truly and effectively

represent them. This can be made possible if representatives are more committed to their

constituencies and make themselves accessible to their constituents.

Also, information is essential for effective performance of this responsibility hence

representatives need to build their information base in order to improve the quality of

representation. The use of modern information and communication technology in this work

would not only expand the horizon of the representation, but will provide useful comparative

insights and participation by constituents in the business of legislation. This way, effective

representation of constituents by representatives will be fully achieved.