The youngest governorship aspirant in 2019 and the leader of the Big Tent Obidient movement in Kogi state, Comrade Sunday Bala Oma, has explained that despite his decision not to contest this year’s election, he still hope to contest in future.
In an exclusive interview, Bala Oma made it clear that the unwarranted killings and counter attacks leading to the death of several Kogites as well as the destruction of properties ahead of the 2023 governorship election is not only devastating, but worrisome.
When asked why he did not build on the success he made during his first attempt in 2019 to contest the 2023 governorship election, Bala Oma noted that life is about understanding the times.
Bala Oma, being amongst the 3 selected by the elders from a pool of 40 aspirants then as their choice candidates, said “if you are embarking on a project and you don’t care to put into view what God is saying or wanting you to do per time, you will miss your direction and miss your mark. For me, I was convinced to contest in 2019 and I ventured into same, irrespective of the opposing tides at that time. I thank God for the success I achieved and the impact I made at that time. But this election, after wide consultation, it was obvious, I shelved that idea for now.”
Furthermore, when asked his view about the current players and candidates in the November 11 election. Comrade Sunday was emphatic to express his displeasure over what he termed as a “rather unfortunate scenario”, where politicians can be so desperate as not to value lives above their ambitions that is only but temporal.
He applauded the few who are playing the politics according to the rules and cautioned those who think innocent lives must be lost for their selfish interest to prevail.
He reminded them that both here and the world after, their rewards awaits them. “Therefore, they must stop the bloodshed now!”
Finally, when asked if he will ever contest for any elective position again? Bala Oma responded in the affirmative. He said, if God gives him life, he will contest, but that time, it may be for the governorship seat or a higher responsibility and nothing short of that. He noted that leadership privilege is meant to better the lives of people and impact society, which is what his organization, Sunday Bala Oma Foundation has been engaged in, since he was 27years old till date.
Bala Oma concluded by admonishing Kogites and by extension, Nigerians, not to give up on their state and country.
“For God’s purpose of establishing this nation will sure see the light of day someday. Those planning to ‘JAPA’ – leave the country should think twice, because it is not always green on the other side. Elimelech and his family left the land of plenty (Bethlehem) when it was famine season back then in Jerusalem. Years later, things took shape in same country, but without Elimelech and his children, except for the wife and her daughters in-law, Naomi, Ruth and Orphah, who returned with regrets, indelible scars and pitiable experiences. Let us remain, contribute our quota to rebuild our dear land, no matter how little. For certainly and surely, Kogi state and Nigeria shall be great again,” Oma concluded.
