Feb 25 Polls: Lokoja/Kogi Federal Constituency Deserve the Best – Labour Party Reps Candidate

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Barely 12 days to the February 25, 2023 presidential and national assembly elections, the House of Representatives candidate of Labour Party (LP) for Lokoja/Kogi federal constituency, Jonathan Zacch, has assured constituents of people-oriented representation, if elected.

Zacch gave the assurance during a press briefing at the party secretariat in Lokoja on Monday.

He noted that with its strategic location, coupled with abundant human and natural resources, Lokoja/Kogi federal constituency had all it takes to be a leading light in Kogi state, adding that the people deserve the best in terms of representation.

“The history of representation in Lokoja/Kogi federal constituency is replete with sentiments and a sharp disconnect between elected leaders and the people.

“It is worthy to note that Lokoja/Kogi is the only federal constituency in the nation that has not leveraged on its proximity to the Federal Capital Territory for accelerated development. A careful study of consistent, rapid development around Suleja in Niger State, Karu in Nasarawa and others that shares boundaries with Abuja will confirm that Lokoja-Kogi federal constituency need immediate intervention.

“Several communities in Lokoja/Kogi federal constituency can be rightly tagged ‘The Forgotten Ones’. During the annual flood disaster, many of these communities relocate to and find succour in neighbouring Niger state. They are practically ‘political orphans’. The KKE – Kupa, Kakanda and Eggan – for instance never had a sitting Governor of the state visiting until 2015! When a sitting Governor visited in 2015, it was not to initiate or commission projects but to canvas for votes!

“The agrarian communities take their farm produce to markets in neighbouring state because there is no motorable road to connect them with markets in their own state! Funnily, people from Kogi travel to these neighbouring state to buy farm produce supplied from our neglected farmers, bring same back to Kogi and sell at out-of-pocket prices.

“These anomies cannot, and must not continue!,” he said.

Zacch, who was the founding Chairman of African Democratic Congress (ADC) party in Kogi State, said his approach will be based on ‘PVC’ – people, voice and campaign, promising to adopt a bottom-top system of representation where the people give direction and decide for their representative.

“I offer myself as a reliable servant of the people of Lokoja-Kogi federal constituency. I seek to represent my people in the House of Representatives under the solid platform of Labour Part (LP).

“With every sense of humility, I say boldly that I am the best bet for the good people of Lokoja-Kogi federal constituency.

“I have the required 5Cs – competence, commitment, character, compassion and capacity to make a difference. A Leader with these attributes and the fear of God is a gift from God to a generation and a benefit to humanity in that generation.”

Explaining why he appeared in the race long after other candidates had commenced electioneering campaigns, Zacch said his name was not listed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) until a recent court judgement ordered the commission to do so.

“For most part of the ongoing electioneering campaigns, many have asked if Labour Party had candidates vying for elective offices in Kogi West senatorial district. I confirm to you that my name was not listed by the electoral umpire until a court judgment ordered my inclusion on February 2, 2023.

“This was a jolt for some and a big victory song already for me by God’s grace.

“I stand before you today as the lawful, authentic House of Representatives candidate of the Labour Party for Lokoja/Kogi federal constituency in the forthcoming general elections.

“This, notwithstanding, I make bold to say that we are undaunted by the delay. We are fully ready for the polls and will emerge victorious. I am not a stranger to my people and my antecedents speak volumes,” he stated.

Insisting that he is not a stranger to his people, Zacch said without holding any elective and appointive office, he had deployed resources to help bring succour to his people over the years.

“I initiated and sponsored Empowerment Training for some youth in Lokoja in conjunction with Google and Jobberman. I sponsored this training and paid the bills.

“In 2019, I constructed a bridge at the Ganaja junction area where erosion was disturbing residents.

“I provided Primary School for the displaced Bassa and Gbagi people living in Igahachi.

“I donated laptops to the ICT library of Government Secondary School Agbaja in Oworo.

“I helped in providing materials to stabilise the Mosque building against erosion around Ganaja junction.

“With the people’s mandate, I promise to do more.”

He said a vote for Jonathan Zacch is a vote for paradigm shift in representation and a guarantee for a better tomorrow.


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