Today, 28 February 2026, marks a significant milestone in the life of Distinguished Senator Isah Jibrin Echocho, who represents the people of Kogi East in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Birthdays are more than personal celebrations; they are moments of reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to public service. They also present an opportunity for constituents to assess leadership with fairness, sincerity, and objectivity. On this notable occasion, I, Michael Samuel Idoko, write not out of personal benefit nor as a recipient of direct patronage from the Distinguished Senator, but from a sincere conviction that unity, peaceful coexistence, and reverence for elders and leaders must remain the enduring pillars of Igala land.
As the 2027 general elections season gradually approaches, political realignments and permutations have understandably begun to take shape. In any thriving democracy, citizens are at liberty to support aspirants of their choice. However, political preference must never degenerate into vilification, ridicule, or the denigration of a sitting Senator who currently holds the mandate of our people.
Our political engagements must not erode our communal harmony. The strength of Kogi East resides in our unity, shared heritage, and longstanding respect for elders and constituted authority. We can disagree without descending into disrespect. We can canvass support without being combative. We can make divergent choices without disparaging those who hold contrary views.
Since assuming office, Senator Isah Jibrin has, by several accounts, demonstrated visible efforts to justify the confidence reposed in him by his constituents. His stewardship has featured legislative interventions aimed at advancing the welfare of the people, facilitation of infrastructural projects across communities within the senatorial district, support for educational initiatives including scholarships and empowerment programmes and sustained advocacy for increased federal presence in areas requiring development. He has also maintained engagement with traditional rulers, community leaders, and critical stakeholders to strengthen representation at the national level.
Admittedly, no administration is flawless, and no office holder can resolve every challenge within a limited tenure. Nonetheless, leadership must be evaluated with equity and balance. While expectations may vary, the Distinguished Senator has been widely perceived as striving, within the constraints of his office and the broader national framework, to deliver on his mandate. Constructive criticism fortifies democracy; invective diminishes it.
Our cultural ethos teaches reverence for elders and leaders. The Igala nation has historically been synonymous with dignity, prudence, and communal solidarity. We must not permit the excesses of online political discourse to erode the values that define us. As debates around 2027 intensify, let them revolve around ideas, competence, and vision—not personal attacks. Today it is Senator Echocho; tomorrow it could be another son or daughter of Kogi East. If we institutionalise disrespect, we ultimately weaken ourselves.
I also respectfully urge the Senator’s media aides and supporters to exercise restraint and avoid unnecessary online altercations. Reacting to every provocation only amplifies tension and deepens division. Leadership is elevated when its representatives maintain composure and prioritise issues over personalities. The office of a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria commands dignity, and that dignity must be preserved at all times.
For the avoidance of doubt, I reiterate that this message is not motivated by personal gain. I have not benefited in any private capacity from Senator Isah Jibrin. Rather, I write out of a principled belief in unity, peaceful coexistence, and respect for Igala elders. Regardless of political differences, our collective advancement must supersede individual ambitions.
Kogi East transcends any single electoral cycle. It is greater than 2027. It remains our ancestral heritage, our collective pride, and our shared destiny.
On this special day, I extend warm felicitations to Distinguished Senator Isah Jibrin. May Almighty God grant him wisdom, fortitude, and sound health as he continues to serve. May Kogi East witness deeper unity, accelerated development, and enduring peace. May our youths discover purpose, our elders be accorded honour, and our politics remain civil, principled, and progress-driven.
Happy Birthday, Distinguished Senator.
– Michael Samuel Idoko (Real Highnesscfr)
Media Consultant and Founder, Naija Reality News Limited.
