- Says Governor Ododo’s honesty is assurance of equity
The campaign for a constitutionally grounded framework for equitable power distribution in Kogi State received a boost on Wednesday when the Maigari of Lokoja, Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Kabir Maikarfi IV, endorsed the initiative as a timely step toward guaranteeing peace and unity in the state.
The endorsement came during an advocacy visit to the Maigari’s palace by the Kogi Unity Accord, a socio-cultural and political advocacy group registered to promote equitable power and resource distribution at all levels of governance in Kogi State. The visit was led by frontline political activist and public policy advocate, Omoluabi Bode Adeyemi.
The group says its objective is to build popular acceptance for a forthcoming bill on equitable power distribution in Kogi State, anchored on the federal character provisions contained in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Speaking to the royal father, Adeyemi described the visit as being driven by a desire to find lasting solutions to the perennial power struggles that have strained relations among the state’s ethnic groups. He noted that thirty-six years of governance in Kogi State had been largely marked by ethnic suspicion, political animosity, and deep-seated disagreement along ethnic lines, which he said posed a danger to both development and the wellbeing of the people.
He expressed confidence that the wisdom, neutrality, and fairness of traditional and religious leaders would guide the process toward a lasting document binding on all parties, in the overall interest of the state. Adeyemi described the moment as historic, one that would allow posterity to look back favourably on the initiative.
Responding, the Maigari of Lokoja commended the initiators for the thoughtfulness and patriotism that gave rise to the initiative, and urged the organizers not to be weary or discouraged, assuring them that posterity would speak well of their efforts. He said the idea would foster an atmosphere of peace, unity, and development in the state.
The monarch noted that the initiative was coming under an administration led by a governor with the integrity and courage to create an enabling environment for it to succeed, commending Governor Usman Ododo for quality leadership and good governance across the state.
The delegation that accompanied Adeyemi to the palace included senior government officials and other patriotic Kogites keen on seeing the initiative implemented without delay.
