By Abdullahi Yunusa.
Anyigba, an ancient town in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi state, famously known and regarded for her rich historical and cultural appurtenances recently played host to thousands of Kogites from across the 9 LGAs in Kogi East who gathered for the official presentation of flags to all candidates of the African Democratic Congress vying for State and National Assemblies seats.
In their thousands, assembled in coordinated groups; associations and unions, illustrious Igala and Bassa sons and daughters poured into Anyigba from far and near to witness ADC’s show of seriousness and readiness to wipe away tears off the faces of Kogi Easterners.
The event, given the calibre of individuals and groups who graced it can easily pass as one of the few very successful and well attended political gatherings in recent times in the whole of Kogi state. Youths, women, entertainers, grassroots politicians and well wishers defied all odds to keep a date with history and to also listen to ADC’s message of hope and political renaissance.
The gathering was principally about Kogi East and how to collectively address the challenges currently confronting her. Without mincing words, it is common knowledge that Kogi East hasn’t been fortunate when it comes to parliamentary representation. In honest terms, what we’ve had in the last 16 years, in terms of state and National Assembly representation is a caricature of what parliamentary democracy entails.
The electorates are disenchanted, they feel alienated and are never carried along by their elected representatives. Ours is almost a case of zero parliamentary representation. This is simply why our senatorial zone has not gained much in terms of national projects and interventions that would have impacted positively on our people.
The Anyigba gathering wasn’t about any individual, it was about Kogi East and her people. It was a deliberate move to initiate a process that would prepare us for the task of electing credible, competent and capable hands to represent us in the State and National Assemblies. A Senatorial zone like the Kogi East which is home to some of Nigeria’s brightest minds across different fields of human endeavours shouldn’t lack capable people to represent her.
The Igala and Bassa people have been patient for too long. We are ready to free ourselves from the grip of our oppressors who present themselves as liberators.
The man Victor Alewo Adoji, ADC’s Senatorial candidate for Kogi East, was one of those presented with party flags yesterday. He has agreed to lead the campaign to enthrone a regime of innovative parliamentary representation that will address the yearnings and aspirations of our people.
Dr. Victor Alewo Adoji clearly knows and understands the demands of public office. He is venturing into partisan politics with his rich experience and expertise as a first class academic and reputable banker. The knowledge he’s garnered over the years puts him a very good position to represent his people in the hallowed chamber of the Nigerian Senate
The Anyigba declaration was audible enough for even the deaf to hear. Never again shall the Igala and Bassa people surrender their rights and privileges to representatives who see public office as avenue for amassing wealth. Ideally, public office should be about service to the people. It should be about self denial and sacrifice for the good of all.
Dear Kogi Easterners, as we approach 2019, I beseech us to put our best foot forward. Let’s queue behind people that can defend our interest. We say no to perennial bench warmers. The parliament is designed for the best, brightest, intelligent, smartest, engaging and the most knowledgeable among us.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has come as an answered prayer. Kogi Easterners are ready to have a HANDSHAKE with good governance, purposeful representation and people-based government.
