Ahead of Kogi state All Progressives Congress, APC, gubernatorial primaries, which draw nearer, another aspirant, Air vice Marshal Salihu Atawodi, rtd, has indicated interest to join the race to rule the state, The retired Air Vice Marshall vows he will stem criminal activities and create job opportunities if given the chance.
The former Air Force officer turned politician disclosed this in Lokoja at the weekend while addressing stakeholders and youth leaders across the state.
He stressed that the fragile security situation in the state where kidnappers and armed robbers have made it their den can only be handled by an experienced security expert who have enough military background like him.
Atawodi said: “Kogi State, said to be a gate way to the Federal Capital of Nigeria, Abuja has been under siege of hoodlums. Surprisingly, the present setting in the state could not found solution to their onslaught, which has become an embarrassment to the indigenes of the state.
I know the language, dose and solution to these criminals ravaging the state, if given the mandate to rule the state.”
He enjoined the people of the state to remain calm and calculative, adding that another opportunity has come for them to change and institute the leadership that will address their plight, not those who will come and feather their personal nests.
The governorship aspirant stated that as one of the stakeholders of the state, he had been so vocal of the obvious ineptitude of the previous administrations, adding that since they are not ready to effect the desired change, he has decided to come out and offer his service to clean the mess they have thrown the state to.
He said it was highly noted that the present administration signed litany of Memoranda of Understanding, MoU, with international core investors, but unfortunately none of it has materialised because of the fragile security condition of the state.
He added: “Nobody will agree to stake his money in an environment that is riddled with violence, armed robbery and kidnapping.
Until the investors are sure that the hoodlums operating in the Confluence State are cleared to a manageable level, it is not feasible for them to come in and stake their money.”
Against this backdrop, he pointed out that he will use his military experience and connection to apply the necessary dose that will keep the hooligans tormenting the state off, for investors to come in and develop the mineral resources, create jobs and income for the people of the state.
