The Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency stands out as one of the most politically conscious and historically balanced constituencies in Kogi State. Its uniqueness lies not only in the vibrancy of its people but also in its deep-rooted sense of fairness, rotation, and equity between the two constituent Local Government Areas, Kabba-Bunu and Ijumu.
For decades, an unwritten but time-honoured understanding has guided the rotation of representation between the two LGAs. Within Kabba-Bunu, the flagbearer alternates between Kabba and Bunu; and within Ijumu, the pendulum swings among Ijumu Oke, Ijumu Aarin, and Gbede groups. This sense of fairness has been the political compass that ensured peace, stability, and inclusiveness in our constituency’s leadership representation.
A Brief Historical Context
After the one-term tenure of Hon. (now Senator) Dino Melaye from Ijumu, it was the turn of Kabba-Bunu LGA, and the slot naturally went to Hon. Tajudeen Yusuf of the Kabba axis, following Hon. Duro Meseko’s tenure from the Bunu axis. In what became a prolonged tenure, Hon. Tajudeen Yusuf served the constituency meritoriously for three consecutive terms which is a solid twelve years of representation from Kabba. One very important factor that helped Hon. TJ Yusuf to have an elongated tenure was not only due to his performance but at that period, the Kogi West Senatorial seat was oscillating between Senators Smart Adeyemi and Dino Melaye who are both from IjumuLGA. And it could only be fair that the House of Representatives seat remained in Kabba-Bunu.
By 2023 when the Senatorial seat moved to another axis in Kogi West, it was only fair and natural that the pendulum of the House of Representatives swung back to Ijumu. The people, conscious of this historical rhythm, were determined to ensure that fairness prevailed once again. The election that year produced three formidable and charismatic contenders, the late Michael Olobatoke of the PDP, Rt. Hon. Yomi Kolawole of the APC (then Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly), and Arc. Salman Idris of the ADC at that time.
Although Arc. Salman Idris initially lost the PDP primary to Olobatoke, the ADC, recognizing his strength and wide grassroots appeal, adopted him. The electorate, in their political wisdom, chose to honour equity, fairness, and competence over party dominance. Despite contesting under a relatively less popular party, Arc. Salman Idris triumphed, defeating candidates from the two dominant parties. His victory was not a fluke; it was a loud declaration by the people that fairness, competence, and service still matter.
Performance that Speaks Louder Than Politics
Barely two years into his tenure, Hon. (Arc.) Salman Idris has justified the people’s faith in him. His performance transcends rhetoric. It is visible, measurable, and impactful. Across education, infrastructure, empowerment, agriculture, electricity, and water supply, he has set a new standard for grassroots representation in the constituency.
Transforming Education and Empowering the Future
Arc. Salman Idris understands that education is the bedrock of sustainable development. His interventions in this sector have been both visionary and practical. At Government Science Secondary School, Okedayo, he facilitated the construction of a block of six classrooms, while another two-classroom block at GSS Iluke was built to modern standards, complete with suspended ceilings, aluminium windows, whiteboards, and marble tiles.
He also demonstrated compassion through direct financial interventions through the payment of tuition fees for students of the Federal College of Agriculture, ABU Kabba, to the tune of ₦4 million, and offering multiple scholarships to indigent students.
One of his landmark contributions is the donation of a fully furnished ICT centre to Anglican Secondary School, Iyara, equipped with 20 modern computers, desks, chairs, and a generator. This gesture has opened a new digital horizon for students in Ijumu, bridging the rural-urban digital divide.
Illuminating Communities, Empowering Lives
Electricity is the lifeline of modern living, and Hon. Salman Idris has made electrification a major priority. He facilitated the installation of over 1,000 solar streetlights across Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu, enhancing security and extending business hours for traders and artisans.
He also provided 500kVA transformers for key communities, including GRA Kabba and Temidayo Quarters in Ayetoro-Gbede, alongside a ₦2 million donation to repair a faulty transformer in Kabba. These projects have collectively improved the quality of life for thousands of households.
Revitalizing Agriculture, The People’s Heritage
Knowing that agriculture is the mainstay of our local economy, Arc. Salman Idris has empowered farmers with tangible resources. He distributed over 2,500 palm seedlings, over 1,000 bags of fertilizer, and hundreds of litres of agrochemicals and herbicides to boost productivity. Beyond materials, he provided financial support to local farmers, proving that empowerment must be both material and financial.
Water for All: Bringing Relief to Communities
Access to clean water is a human right, and Hon. Salman Idris has brought that right closer to home. From Odo-Adde to Iluagba, Ayegunle to Oke Aluju Iyamoye, Ogale, Edunmo, Odo-Apeh, Origa, and beyond, solar-powered boreholes have sprung up bringing relief to communities that had long suffered from water scarcity.
Even institutions like the Kogi State University Kabba have benefitted, alongside faith-based centres such as ECWA Church, Odolu. Moreover, he didn’t neglect old infrastructure repairing and upgrading boreholes in Arima, Osomule, St. Mary Kabba, and Odae.
Empowerment and Human Capital Development
Arc. Salman Idris believes empowerment is not charity but it’s a pathway to independence. He has trained 250 people in fish farming, providing them with startup capital, and 200 others in welding and solar installation, complete with tools.
He distributed over 200 grinding machines, 50 deep freezers, 60 hairdressing and barbing kits, 80 generators, 50 industrial sewing machines, 50 water pumping machines, 72 motorcycles, and 2 Keke NAPEPs thereby spreading economic hope across communities.
Every year, he reaches out to widows with food, clothing, and financial support, reminding us that compassionate leadership still exists.
Building Roads, Connecting Communities
In infrastructure, Arc. Salman Idris has also delivered. His projects include the Olle Bunu bridge providing an alternative route linking Olle, Oke-Offin, and Ayede communities as well as the asphalting of Amadia Road and Prince Akanmode Road in Ayegunle, and the dual-drainage Legacy Hotel Road in Egbeda. The Korede Road in Kabba is already 80% completed.
These road projects are not mere construction works; they are lifelines connecting communities, boosting trade, and facilitating access to education and healthcare.
Creating Employment Opportunities
His influence extends beyond constituency projects, into facilitating employment for constituents in critical national and state institutions, including the Nigerian Police Force, Federal Fire Service, Nigerian Army, FCT College of Education Zuba, Kogi State University Kabba, FIRS, NIWA, and several others. Through these efforts, many families now enjoy renewed hope and stability.
Equity, Fairness, and the Case for Continuity
Given this record of performance, equity now demands continuity. For years, Kabba enjoyed three consecutive terms, twelve solid years,under Hon. Tajudeen Yusuf. Ijumu, by that same standard of fairness and justice, deserves another term to consolidate the gains of Arc. Salman Idris’ transformative leadership.
His achievements within just two years have surpassed the expectations of many. Imagine what another term, a continuity of vision, connection, and commitment could bring. The foundation has been laid; now is the time to build upon it.
To deny Ijumu another term would be to interrupt progress, disrupt equity, and betray the principle that has kept Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu politically harmonious for decades.
Hon. (Architect) Salman Idris has demonstrated purposeful and results-driven legislative leadership through the sponsorship of key motions aimed at accelerating infrastructural development and improving the socio-economic wellbeing of his constituents. Prominent among these are motions calling for the urgent completion of the Iluke-Aiyetoro-Kiri-Abugi-Eggan Road project awarded to Setraco Nigeria Limited, and the rehabilitation of critically damaged sections of the Akunu-Ayere-Kabba-Road both of which are strategic transport corridors essential for commerce, agriculture, and community integration. These interventions reflect his unwavering advocacy for improved rural-urban connectivity, enhanced economic activities, and the overall upliftment of communities within his constituency.
Beyond infrastructure, Hon. (Architect) Salman Idris has shown strong commitment to national security, institutional accountability, and democratic equity. He sponsored motions to investigate the persistent loss of firearms and ammunition from the Nigeria Police armament between 2012 and 2022, as well as the prolonged stagnation of promotions within the Federal Civil Service, underscoring his dedication to strengthening public institutions and boosting workforce morale. Furthermore, he championed the restoration of twelve (12) Kogi State constituencies reportedly suppressed by the Independent National Electoral Commission, reaffirming his stance on fair representation and electoral justice. In response to the growing security challenges facing his people, he also raised a Matter of Urgent Public Importance demanding decisive action to halt the incessant terrorist attacks on communities in Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency, thereby reinforcing his reputation as a proactive, courageous, and people-centred legislator.
Conclusion
Hon. (Arc.) Salman Idris is not just a politician; he is a people-builder, a bridge between fairness and development. In him, the constituency has found a leader who listens, acts, and delivers, a true architect not just by profession, but by purpose.
In the spirit of justice, equity, and sustained progress, Ijumu deserves another term through Hon. (Arc.) Salman Idris. Let the voice of reason echo again not just for party, but for people; not for politics, but for posterity.
– Dayo Babalola Esq. writes from Abuja.
