Ahead of the November 11governorship election in Kogi State, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for equity among the three senatorial zones of the state, adding that Kogi Kogi West senatorial zone deserves to produce the next governor.
The ADC national chairman Dr. Ralphs Okey Nwosu, who stated this yesterday also called on eminent sons and daughters of Kogi State, including John Cardinal Onaiyekan, Prof. Eyitayo Lambo and Dr. Ahmadu Ali, to organise a talk-shop on the political leadership of the state.
ADC governorship candidate Leke Abejide is from Kogi West senatorial zone.
Nwosu, who called on the federal government to ensure free and credible election in the November 11 governorship election in Kogi State, said equity, grows democracy, fuels development and creates a harmonious and secure environment for economic enlargement.
Nwosu, at a press conference in Abuja yesterday, stated that “For equity, peace and progress, Kogi West deserves consideration and support of all.”
He noted that Kogi East had ruled the state for 16 years, while Kogi Central is about completing its eight years of political leadership.
“For the first 16 years the Igala people (Kogi East) felt it was proper to occupy the Lugard’s house, at the exclusion of the other two senatorial areas, the Okuns and the Igbiras.
“The Igbiras of the Kogi central senatorial zones were once calling for equity, but now, the two terms of eight years for Governor (Yahaya) Bello are not enough.
“They seem not to have learnt from the past and the ‘lion’ is intent on keeping power in Igbira land for God knows how long.
“To these two power blocs, the Okun people of Kogi West senatorial area seem irrelevant and do not matter,” Nwosu regretted.
He noted that Kogi State holds a great promise to the Nigerian nation, advising that “Early intervention to break the debauchery and mundane thinking of self-serving politicians will boost the fortunes of the state.”
Nwosu, who referenced the situation in Imo and Benue States where one senatorial zone and ethnic group has retained political leadership for the better part 1999, said “The fact that Nigeria has diversity of people and cultures has provided resiliency in spite of our country’s failures.
“Continuously undermining each other because of ethnicity, tribe, religion and language affects quality of governance, leadership culture and development with adverse impacts on the character, psychology and socialisation of our people.
“The elites who hide under whatever guise to perpetuate or watch such indiscretions will be victims of the opportunism of the quicksand on which they have taken refuge.
“Deliberately inculcating diversity principles in our institutions, leadership, learning and being will privilege our national transformation and global standing,” he added.
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