By Abu Mike
Every breaking of a new day puts the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and Capt Idris Wada to still remain the candidate to beat in the forthcoming governorship election stated for November 21, 2015.
That Capt Wada is humble, humane, has the interest of the people at heart than his co-contestant, a
non – violent person who would not hurt a fly, he is not an autocratic but a
democratic leader are no longer issues in contention in his character among those aspiring to Governor the State.
Knowing fully well that power rotation is a fundamental issue in Kogi State, Capt Wada’s commitment to support a shift to Central or West, and not an individual also brightness his chances.
Amidst scarce resources, Capt Wada has ensured that all section of the State have benefited from his administration in the last three and half years.
The recent stopover of the campaign train of the PDP in Kabba, in its quest to sell his programmes and vision can aptly be described as a home coming for the Governor. People in their numbers, dancing and singing and boldly written on their faces, indications that on their own free volition, trooped out to receive a man, many at the rally referred to as the next governor. The shout of
carry go, Wada Na you we want, No shaking filled the air in all the surroundings, and streets the governor’s convoy passed through.
Economic, social and activities on that faithful day came to a halt, as the crowd that greeted Kabba from all across the western district was unprecedented. Supporters, and admires of the Kogi State Governor trooped out in different colours and attire to welcome the Governor, in what the Obaro of Kabba, Oba Michael Olubayo described as a home coming.
The campaign train made a stopover for all Royal Fathers blessing from the district who all
waited at the Obaro’s Palace. Indeed, Capt Wada’s visit had a torch of Royalty as the Governor
and his entourage, including Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, General Tunde Ogbeha, Prince Olusola Akanmode, Alhaji Musa Ahmadu, and a host of other leaders, testified that such reception could only have come to honour a leader who has done well, as an endorsement for continuity in office.
Speaking at the Palace, the Governor who stood to addres the revered leaders, beamed with smiles, assured the Traditional Institution and Traditional Rulers from the area of his commitment to their welfare. While he promised to improve infrastructures and the well-being of the people, Capt Wada thanked the Traditional Rulers for their prayers and support in the years past.
The Governor’s campaign train after receiving the blessing from the Royal fathers, at a snail speed, due to the unprecedented crowd, took over an hour to drive to the Kabba township stadium, venue of the rally where the people had waited patiently to received a man described as the most preferred.
Women, youths groups, several political organizations in an attempt to outdo one another could not hide their joy, as they described the aspiration of Capt Wada as the best thing that would help consolidate on the transformation agenda.
Several Nigerian Music Artists and top actors from the Nollywood Industry also added colour to the campaign.
Addressing the mammoth crowd, Capt Wada thanked the people of the area for their support, promising to do more if re – elected. Capt Wada described the election as an opportunity to secure the future of the State, used the opportunity to highlight what should be expected of if him if he is re – elected.
In his words he said, “By returning the Kabba Specialist Hospital, I am not playing politics. I am only doing what is just and equitable. We are working on township roads across the state and we are committed to injecting more funds to get them completed. Omigbo is a project after my heart and we will soon release funds to back up our approval. I have responded to the yearning of the youths by initiating YAD4KOGI to get them employed and empowered. On power rotation, we have set the machinery in motion to get it actualized. I am a governor you can trust. I am not an arrogant dictator. Those who asked their supporters to kill are only out to derail our commitment to security. I want to assure all of our people in the state that they shall be safe. It doesn’t matter who you support, your lives are more important than our ambitions. I have been working on the bailout funds and as soon as it comes, we hope to sink it into the payment of Council workers’ salaries and also pay the teachers. In healthcare, infrastructures, education and agriculture, we have done quite well. Anyone that is politicizing bailout is anti-people. I thank you for your continued support as I march on to consolidate our achievements”
Speaking at the rally, Yomi Awoniyi, the running mate to Capt Wada, said “I am your son. All I know is Kogi. I have never represented any other place. My boss is a man of integrity that can be trusted by Kogi State people because he has fulfilled his electioneering promises. I urge Kogites to troop out enmasse to reelect Capt. Idris Wada” Awoniyi said.
He added that “The November 21 election is an election between light and darkness, between integrity and corruption, between sincerity and deceit. Wada represents light, integrity and sincerity.
I am supporting him because he is humble. I am supporting him because he has performed. I am supporting him because he is committed to power equity.
Adding his voice to also solicits the support of people of the West, Sen. Tunde Ogbeha, DG, Wada/Awoniyi Campaign Council said Capt Idris Wada is our best option. He has done well and so we in the West are proud of him. We also know Yomi Awoniyi our son. He has never represented anywhere except Kogi. We will not worship foreign gods who are sent to cart away our resources to Lagos. Vote for humility against arrogance. This election is about moving our state forward and not backward”
The rally which had the Chairman PDP governors forum, and Governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko advised the people of the district to hold on to the Wada and the Yomi you know. Vote for integrity. Don’t vote for crooks, and described the humility of the governor and his ability to manage scarce resources in a challenging time as an asset which must not be traded. Mimiko who intermittently Spoke in Yoruba assured that one of West or Central District will produce Wada’s successor in 2019. He admonished the Okun people to try and out vote Kogi Central for Wada in November so as to put the zone first in contention for 2019.
Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, former governor of the state whose presence elated several people, assured that “In Kogi East, we know where we are going. When I brought Capt, Dr, Prof, Idris Wada in 2011, little did people know that I have brought a good material. Today, Kogi has a listening governor that has done so much. I am proud of Wada. All of us in PDP are behind Wada and he will win and win well. Kogi has rejected arrogant powers. Kogi students, can I yarrrrrn…….greatest of the greatest of the greatest Kogi youths. I know you are winning with Wada. On November 21, just be pressing piam…piam…….piam……piam. Na Wada we want, Na Wada we know. PDP….power” he chorused.
The rally which allowed for speeches from other districts representatives, all pledged their resolve to deliver the PDP and Capt Wada in the November poll.
November is weeks away. But like the African adage, a good friday is better known on a thursday. Every indication no point to the fact that the PDP is edge over others, looking to coast home an overwhelming victory.
The Western Senatorial District rally and the multitude it attracted is truly a statement that the people of the area are looking optimistic to reenact their support for the PDP. Since 1998, the area has been PDP dominated. Even with the tusnami that wiped out the PDP in the just concluded general election in the country, the area largely voted the PDP. Their enthusiasm, turnout and commitment made individually and collectively at the rally if sustained, would once again swing victory for an area that has produced the two deputy governorship flag bearers for both major contending parties in the governorship election.
