It is no longer news that James Faleke has thrown the governorship candidate of African Democratic Congress, ADC, Leke Abejide under the bus. Few days ago, Faleke led a group of politicians to Yahaya Bello to pledge fealty to APC’s Ahmed Usman Ododo.
Faleke’s latest political capitulation is not the first but will be the last time he will trade with our collective interest. Recall how many from across the 3 senatorial districts had tied down their destinies since 2015 in hope that Faleke will come through and put up a fight to be governor.
Many would have joined Yahaya Bello’s government since inception but stood with fairness and justice that they believed Faleke represented. They endured shame, boos and jeers for 4 solid years waiting for 2019 to come so they can reclaim their beloved state from the cankerworms. Faleke began moves to contest House of Reps election in his Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu federal constituency in Kogi and entire Kogi West started looking forward to commencing a march towards 2019. But, silently, Faleke transferred his voters card back to Lagos.
In the 2019 governorship election, Faleke ended up supporting Yahaya Bello’s reelection fully. Many suggested that he struck a deal with Yahaya Bello that will see him or someone else from Kogi West succeed Bello in 2023.
Fast forward to 2023, these beleaguered supporters queued behind Faleke enmass to vote Tinubu as President. Tinubu emerged. Hope was high, higher than ever that they can now take back what was rightfully theirs. People wasted over N50m to buy APC nomination forms for Faleke but he ran away from the primaries. Determined to right the wrongs of the past, they queued behind sensational Leke Abejide of ADC immediately he announced his intention to contest for the November election.
In a sharp turn of events, Faleke has abandoned them again and has pledged his avowed support for Bello’s third term agenda.
It is obvious Yahaya Bello has effective control over Faleke, now and in future. He has his mumu button. We cannot continue to hope in a fatally hopeless situation. We have wasted 8 good years hoping in vain.
Let it be clear that what some have against Dino Melaye was the report that he thwarted Faleke’s chance of emerging governor after Prince Audu’s death in 2015. Many found that difficult to forgive but with Faleke doing same now by effectively thwarting Abejide’s chance, all is now fair and square. We can honestly forgive Dino, if the allegations were true afterall.
We are well aware that the leaders of Kogi West in respected groups like ADA, KWEF and OTT have already endorsed Abejide as our preferred candidate for the November election. However, with the latest development and given time constraints, it is expedient that they quickly reverse the endorsement and anoint Dino as our unanimous candidate.
Some argue that Dino has offended many but the names they call are those of non-indigenes of Kogi. These offended big men are not affected by percentage salaries or maladministration we have suffered in last 7 and half years in Kogi. If they are angry with Dino, they should kindly deny him food anytime he visit their domain. We in Kogi are at home with Dino. He was the voice of the voiceless when many stayed away from Bello’s Kogi. He fought for the masses and endured severe persecution in the course of doing this.
We will not accept another promisory note from Bello-Faleke in 2023. We accepted it in the past and the promises failed. Once beaten twice shy. We refised to be raped again.
– Oladimeji Bamidele writes from Lokoja.
