No society can develop in an atmosphere of rancour and confusion. If the people of Okunland wants to be Governor, preparation should start now. Okun people ought to work in synergy, promote unity and oneness of the government and people of Kogi State. We must end decisive politics and promote peace, oneness because the task ahead requires the concern and contribution of all in a manner necessary to bring about positive change.
Marginalization has continued to be prominent in the political lexicon of Kogi State and the impact of the menace has continued to be felt mostly by the Kogi West/Okun extraction of the State. lt is time to understand ourselves and replace the urge for vengeance with an accommodating spirit of forgiveness.
Without an iota of doubt, the EbIgO agenda is commendable and one of the best move of the New Direction Government of the former Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello as it confirmed that Kogi State belongs to all, Igalas, Ebiras and Okuns as against the claims of some quarters in the past.
Fellow Okun patriots, marginalization has continued to be tightened around the neck of the people in the Kogi West Senatorial District, it is time to speak with one voice and not to be divided on our decisions and should let maturity play a major role in our political decisions. If we are not starting now, am afraid, we may have to blame ourselves learning late.
One thing that I want us to understand is that we must not break the relationship between us and the central, and the way to break that is if someone comes up in 2027 to contest for the Governorship seat, we need to fight a good fight when the time comes.
When we cannot see or accept the other person’s point of view, then we are going to have issues. Especially when we’re trying to argue over who’s right/wrong/more righteous/moral and out to make the other person feel bad for their stance. l am appealing to all of us to stay united.
Good numbers of Northern politicians are seriously working on cruel means against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu continuation of power in 2027. Of course I know that they will hit rock. lt is a prophetic word “TINUBU FOR 8 YEARS AND ODODO FOR 8 YEARS”. After Ododo, Kogi West Lokan. Together we can make it a reality.
One will be foolish to say that Ododo will not consult FGYB on whom to handover the mantle to. There is no politicians in the Central, living or dead that has done what FGYB did for them. So, as long as FGYB is alive, they understand politics more than us and we need to key into their policies to give Kogi West citizens a better chance to occupy Lugard House. As a matter of fact, the lgalas have record of 16years as Governor, the Ebiras are presently occupying Lugard House and at end of Governor Ododo’s administration, the central will have 16 years record of Governing the State.
It is time for real sense of purpose. I am pleading to all Okun sons and daughters to lay low and play a lesser role in the crucification of FGYB. Being too inquisitive to know where, when and how FGYB will be arrested may jeopardize our hope for the governorship seat. We should allow the Judiciary to carry out its Constitutional functions. The Society is dynamic. The lgalas are at alert to take the mantle from Ododo, we must be wise to disguise on this scrutiny. I don’t mind been called names but if we refuse, it may bring regrets later.
A close scrutiny of the political appointments so far made at the Kogi State level and at the federal level under the present political dispensation /the cordial relationship between the Governor and political leaders in okun kingdom, will make political pundits to say, okun people can make it.
In competition or struggle over societal resources, collective demands are prone to be predicated and organized on shared interests or socio cultural identities…identity politics are closely linked to access to state power and benefits associated with it, leaders are prone to use necessary means to establish such access.
My appeal to start preparation now and for power shift to Kogi West/Okun extraction reflects the region’s historical support for other Districts in the past. We can both have our views differently and still care about each other.
Let us remain focused, four (4) years is around the corner and is enough time to have perfected the process and eliminated the glitches that featured in past polls.
* Chief Richard Asaje is the National Coordinator, Like Minds Alliance Pressure Group.