By Labaran Tijani, Lokoja.
As activities towards Kogi state November 16 governorship election hots up, traditional rulers from the Eastern senatorial district of Kogi state have cried out to All Progressive Congress (APC) frontline ticket contender, Admiral Usman Jibrin (rtd) to fix deplorable roads and install social infrastructure in the district, especially those linking the flank to other states in order to boost the economy of the area.
The Monarchs from Kogi East dropped this hint yesterday during a courtesy visit to their respective palace by the APC gubernatorial aspirant, Admiral Jibrin (rtd) as his political team berthed their campaign ship in a fanfare to receive royal blessing from them.
The APC chieftain who was conferred with the highest title of the Igala nation, ‘Oga Ata Igala’ by his eminence, Ata Igala and the President, Kogi State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Majesty, Michael Idakwo Ameh Oboni II on Wednesday was told categorically by the traditional chiefs to as a matter of emergency prioritise rehabilitation of roads in their domains if he wins the party ticket and secure the mandate to rule the state at the November polls.
The Traditional rulers, the Eje of Dekina, Alhaji Usman Obaje; Etsu Bassa- Nge, Col Abu Ali(rtd); the Aguma of Bassa, HRM Williams Keke; the Oyeigba of Mozum, Alhaji Ali Bukar; Onu of Ibaji, Egwemi and host of others expressed their satisfaction over the contributions of Admiral Jibrin Usman(rtd) to the development of the state, especially in the eastern district.
The traditional chiefs praised Jibrin, among other things, for a Naval base in Idah and the Naval Secondary School in Okura where their children and others across the nation are receiving education on different fields of human endeavour.
According to Aguma of Bassa, the district is blessed with fertile land which makes agricultural activities a house hold profession. He noted, however, that with deplorable roads networks, most of the produce could not reach the market where the farmers can acquire pride of income to their efforts.
The monarch posited that Admiral Jibrin has made his mark in his chosen profession by cutting a niche for himself as a dogged fighter which made him to reach such a lofty height in his in the Nigerian Navy, stressing that he is one leader in the Igala /Bassa nation who places the welfare of his kinsmen in his heart.
In the same vein, the Etsu of Bassa-nge in Bassa local government, Col. Ali described the former Chief of Naval Staff as a courageous and unique man who had made the nation proud on many occasions.
He stated that he has no doubt in his mind that if given the ticket and the mandate, he will fix Kogi for the benefit of all in the state.
He added that being from a disciplined profession, which has the spirit of tolerance and patient as a driving force, the APC chieftain has the capacity to navigate the job of governance which everybody will be proud of.
“I know him as a very vigorous, determined person. He has fought many wars and came out victorious.
“I have a dream, that there will be a bridge on River Niger between Shintaku and Lokoja, that the road linking Shintaku to Dekina will be constructed, that social amenities that makes life worth living will be on ground,” Col Ali said.
The Oyeigba of Mozum, Alhaji Bukar, who said he ascended the throne of his ancestors at the age of 25, said he has got to understand in life that “there are shoes, but shoes have different sizes”.
He added that Jibrin has a pedigree that endeared him to the people of his community.
Oyeigba of Mozum, who personally thanked the APC chieftain over his role in the educational pursuit of his children in Naval secondary school in the district, said the ancestors of the land and his good works will speak for him in his bid to become the governor of Kogi state.
However, the royal fathers noted that they are apolitical, admonishing the supporters of Admiral Jibrin to shun betrayal and get working seriously to see that the APC chieftain realise his ambition and deliver the state from the present challenges.
“No double game. You brought him. Politicians should endeavour to play their role and we will do our own. No betrayal! You have to cultivate before you harvest. No royal father can deliver him, it is you, his supporters that brought him here that will deliver him at the polls,” Etsu Bassa-Nge said.
The Director General of Jibrin’s political group, Comrade Isah Daniel commended the Ata Igala and other monarchs for receiving them with rousing welcome, saying they visited to receive their royal blessing and to solicit for their support in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
He stated that Jibrin and his team are out to ameliorate the hardships in the land which was deliberately created by the present administration in the state.
Equally, the Director General of Vice Admiral Jibrin’s campaign team, Engr. Olushola George Olumoroti told the royal fathers and APC party delegates in the district that the guber aspirant remains the hope of a better Kogi state.
Olumoroti added that the current sorry situation of the state can only be corrected by the person in the mould of Usman Jibrin.
He noted that their votes is a vote for liberation, security, development and a rise in living standard of the people in the state.
