DINO-LOKAN: A CALCULATED PLAN FOR KOGI WEST’S QUEST FOR LUGARD HOUSE
Since creation on August 27th 1991, Kogi State has had it share of governance between Kogi East and Central extraction- Kogi West has continued to ‘siddon look’!
For how long should we continue in this waiting game!
For sure, our political shock absorbers have let loosed and the centre can no longer hold!
In Kogi West, power rotation among the key ethnic groups is not debatable and should no longer be a hidden – secret. From Jege – Ilu – Agba- Obajana, the echo ought to be reverberating through the political landscape if we truly believe in an egalitarian society where equity, fairness, justice and inclusivity should reign supreme.
Sadly, we are our own albatross each time genuine Kogi West aspirants eye the highly coveted but elusive seat.
Due to our selfish interest, ego – massaging propensity, disaffection, age – long retardiating histories and extraneous excuses etc, we sabotage the efforts of our ‘own’ and rather prefer to do the biddings of ‘ outsiders ‘!
Deliberately and for posterity sake, Kogi West political gladiators should do away with selfish negotiations that has continued to yield no fruit. It is the time to dwell on the wellbeing of the entire people of Kogi West jettisoning short – term personal benefit.
The time to act responsibly and responsively is NOW!
For our ‘neighbours’ to consider us as speaking in one voice and an indivisible entity, we should close ranks among the critical stakeholders – youth, women, religious, political, traditional, community leaders etc. If we are in unison and tilting towards the same path of actualising this dream, our days of long searching will soon be a thing of the past.
Fact be told, aspiring for a governorship election in a multi -ethnic group require making alliances, relationships and synergizing with with others. Our numerical voting strength alone can’t help us actualise the dream of being in Lugard House.
It is time to impress on the political actors from the other zones that we have visionary leadership with the required intellectual sagacity and capacity to steer the mantle of leadership in Kogi State to an eldorado.
Party affiliation is a platform where you can be identified as belonging to a group. Remember, other zones have continued to succeed in their quest for being Governor by indirectly working against the interest of their party rather opting for personality. The goal is to actualise our own dreams.
It is the time for you and I, as sons and daughters of Kogi West to visit our various units, wards and local governments and engage in grassroot mobilization and sensitisation.
Though, some people believe that social media doesn’t win election. Only grassroot networking does the magic wand. They might be wrong in this instance.
We must as a matter of exigency utilise the power of social media as a rallying point to dissuade people from the negative impression they have about us.
In the time past, some Kogi West political bigwigs have shown interest in the elusive seat.
Without mincing words, showing interest doesn’t make you a real contender. Some actually wanted to make up for the numbers.
Among the very few who have shown interest and financial war – chest to go the whole hog is Distinguished Senator Otunba Dino Melaye.
‘Dino – lokan’ is now the political slogan among political inclined individuals in Kogi West Senatorial District.
Forget about the literal meaning of Dino – lokan in Yoruba!
For us in Kogi West, Dino – lokan is all about bargain; it is a stake on a claim given to negotiations. It is NEVER throwing down the gauntlet and challenging any opposition to a duel.
For us as one entity, who has NEVER tasted power in Lugard House, it is a readiness and an invitation to settle a score with peace moves, making alliances and genuine relationships towards an enduring prosperity, unity and inclusivity.
Dino – lokan is our own negotiating rallying cry in our march (Kogi West) towards governing Kogi State from Lugard House for the very first time in 2027.
For equity, fairness and justice, it is the turn of Kogi West, is it not?
Some political pessimists might ask – it’s Dino’s turn to do what?
Let’s forget about the rhetoric and conjectures. It is his turn to lay a solid foundation for the future of Kogites through – accountability, transparency, fairness, responsibility, integrity, clear policies and procedures, effective leadership, robust oversight, people – centric leadership, stakeholder engagements etc.
– Grace Oritokun,
For: Imole De Visionary Leadership Movement
