The political history of Kogi state is replete with stories of political disappointments which the Kogi people are desirous of discarding. One of such recurrent political episodes that has brought the state to its knees is the gory story of godfatherism.
Godfatherism has brought sorrowful consequences to Kogi state. This regrettable phenomenon is borne out of an incurable penchant for an all time relevance in the affairs of Kogi state and it denies our people right to choose leaders of their choice.
Secondly, those so appointed by the godfathers are deprived of the political will to subscribe to the whims of the people.
This piece is about the need to sound very clearly a word of advice to such leaders that the people of Kogi state are now politically sophisticated and are now not ready to again surrender their political patrimony to a docile few in the name of political godfatherism.
We, therefore, wish to be blank here by calling on the former Governor of Kogi state, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, to decline the political urge of a selfish few to foster unpopular candidates on the people of the state and a particular constituency.
It is being rumoured in the state that Ibrahim Idris is angling to sponsor and foist his son, Abubakar, on Kogi people as governor.
However, today, the Kogi people are wiser and know a good leader when they see one.
Thus, the Kogi people who are known for respecting their former leaders, wish to advice the former governor that the respect for him comes with a lot of responsibility.
The time for filial political dynasty in Kogi state is long gone because it has never brought development to the state. We no longer wish for the old type of politics as represented by the likes of idris.
It is instructive that Ibro, as he is popularly called, should be humble enough to admit to the fact that the old arrangement has failed and the new order does not welcome cronyism imposition.
The only honorable path to retain his hard earned reputation is to discard his ignoble intentions and stick with the people’s leader that will be elected for the development of the generality of the Kogi people. We are of the view that he helps the people seek from the Dekina zone a true leader that would generally fight the symmetric and asymmetric warfare of the people.
Kogi is for our development and never again shall this state be allowed to be a personal estate of any godfather. This state is well endowed both materially and in human capital potential and together we shall salvage it. People in Kogi state shall be compelled to retire any politician that plays the politics of godfatherism and Ibro is not an exception.
We, therefore, call on him to discard the idea of imposing his son for the sake of peace and development of our state.
– Comrade Monday Adejoh, Lokoja, Kogi state
