As much as I wish to avoid trading words with anyone over the coming 2023 governorship election, Austin Okai’s recent article, which attempts to label the people of Kogi Central as tribal bigots pushing a tribal agenda, is not only divisive but also synonymous to mischievous antics of a political jobber.
Okai’s track record has shown a disturbing classical example of a youth who lacks principle, often shifting his stance to serve his own interests. Accusing an entire tribe of tribal bias without concrete evidence nor taking cognizance of the past is not just irresponsible but also dangerous, as it can inflame tensions and sow discord among the people.
Austin is making frantic efforts to sow the seed of hate between tribes in Kogi state all in a bid to cunningly support his kinsman running under tribal agenda. The question begging for answer is if Austin suffers dementia not to have remembered the support Kogi Central people has given to past administration led by Igala people even at the detriment of their lives and properties. Maybe he has forgotten how the numerous deputy governors from Kogi Central that have served under Igala governors in the past were never considered qualified enough to succeed their principal. If we are to talk about tribal agenda, this is where it all started.
I find it utterly mischievous to blame a zone for not being considered for deputy governorship position by any party. The question we should be asking is why has other parties aside APC refused to give Governorship ticket to members of their party from Kogi central? Is kogi central only good for deputy governorship position? I understand, as a career political jobber he needs to justify every hypocritic and anti party action that he will take in the coming Election But Austin needs to be a man and pursue his tribal agenda and his self serving interest of enriching his pocket without necessarily pitching tribes against each other.
Austin has made numerous false insinuations in his recent article and it calls for concern by every well meaning kogite. In these times when unity and cooperation should be paramount, it is crucial for self serving “comraids” like Austin Okai to set a positive example by promoting tolerance, inclusivity, and principled governance. We must remind Okai and others like him that serving the public should not come at the cost of pitching tribes against each other.
– Aliyu Mahmud Amoto writes from Okene.
