Kogi State Security Adviser, Navy Commander Jerry Omodara (rtd) says Okun land is yet to speak with one voice due to fragmented leadership, personal ambitions and the absence of a common front.
Speaking at the second Okun Summit held in Kabba over the weekend, Omodara solicited the support of the people of Okun land for the re-election of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
He said the Governor has justified the confidence reposed in him over the last over one year with improvement in every sector of the state economy.
“As 2027 draws near, Okun land stands at a defining moment in its political journey. The ambition to produce the Governor of Kogi State is valid, heartfelt, and long overdue. But there comes a time in every struggle when wisdom must take the front seat, and emotion must yield to strategy.
“This is one of those times. We must be honest with ourselves: despite our rich history, educated elite, and clear demographic strength, Okun land has yet to speak with one voice. Fragmented leadership, personal ambitions, and the absence of a common front have made it difficult to build the kind of political momentum required to win the governorship. Our inability to consolidate support – even among ourselves has become our greatest weakness.
“Rather than go into 2027 divided again, chasing an ideal we have not yet structurally prepared for, perhaps the nobler path – the wiser path, is to rally around a consensus candidate from another District. One who aligns with our values, respects our sacrifices, and is willing to carry Okun interest into the centre of power,” he pointed out.
The Security Adviser noted that the Okun people need to be more united now to take their rightful place in governance and security of lives and property of the area.
He maintained that escalating insecurity on social media cannot solve the problem, applauding the establishment of Security Committee by the leadership of Okun Development Association (ODA).
While stressing the need for meaningful engagement of Okun youths, Commander Omodara pointed out that instead of empowering youths with motorcycles, they should be trained in skills such as cyber security which according to him is currently trending.
“Some of the root causes include; the several clearance operations in the North West pushed many of the bandits to North Central, presence of large forested areas in Okun land bordering other troubled regions (like Niger, Kwara, and parts of Nassarawa), provides hideouts and easy movement for armed groups. Influx of non-indigenous groups or displaced populations, some with criminal intentions, into rural areas without proper monitoring.
” Today, we have some known, confirmed bandits on our land. In response to this threat, the Kogi State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo FCA, has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards criminality. We have intensified security operations, engaged local hunters/ vigilantes, and collaborated with federal security agencies to dismantle these criminal networks.
“The office of the National Security Adviser has regularly taken proactive participation through deployment of capital assets including; drones, and helicopters to assist the State. Likewise, we have solid synergy among the security agencies in the State, fighting the threats.”
He added that the state has every security apparatus to deal with any security threats as Governor Ododo is committed to nipping crimes and criminality in the bud.
