By Femi Segun – Kabba.
The immediate past Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Matthew Kolawole has hosted a thank you meeting with the executive members and party faithfuls drawn across the thirty wards that makes up the Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency to appreciate them for their support and dedication towards the realization of his political ambition to the Federal House of Representatives in 2023.
The meeting which was held yesterday at Jivco Hotel hall in Kabba, had in attendance over 300 party executive, stakeholders and party faithfuls.
He eulogized them for their unwavering support before, during and after the electioneering period, urging them not be annoyed that he was not able to come before now to appreciate their support.
According to him, he will ever remain indebted to Governor Yahaya Bello who made him what he is today politically, stressing that without his support he wouldn’t have been privileged to be the longest serving Speaker of the Assembly that the state has ever produced since it was created in 1991, pointing out that he will not forget the monumental support he enjoyed from his colleagues in sixth and seventh Assembly.
He also asserted the fact that he remains grateful to the Royal Fathers in Kabba/Bunu led by His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr) Solomon Dele Owoniyi and Oba Adebayo Ikusemoro, the Olubunu of Bunu land who ensured that he returned to the Assembly for the second term being the first person to enjoy such gesture in the constituency.
Prince Kolawole used the occasion to appreciate individuals and groups who played prominent roles during the time like the political leaders, party leaders, market men and women, community chiefs, women groups, clergy men etc.
He noted that he has put behind all that happened in the past that did not allow him to proceed to the National Assembly, saying that he is not holding any grudge against anyone or group, pointing out that he believes that it is God that did not want him at that level for now.
He said some people who were elected on the 25th February, 2023 even died before June 13th inauguration day, praised God who had kept him alive and doing well. He urged the party faithfuls not be discouraged as better days are still ahead.
He said as a member of the APC and for someone like him that has benefited from the party, he has no other choice than to appeal to them to once again join him to deliver Ododo/Project in the federal Constituency come November 11 Governorship election.
He noted that campaign programs will commence towards the end of the month, hence he will want them to get ready and join him as campaign materials will be made available for them to move from community to community to give huge votes to the APC.
Kolawole called on the people of Okun land to give their overwhelming votes to the APC, considering the state owned university recently established in Kabba, stressing that with the project Governor Yahaya Bello has fulfilled an age long desires of the people of Okunland.
In his welcome address, the party Chairman in Kabba/ Bunu local government area, Comrade Solomon Jemigbawondo commended the former speaker for finding time to appreciate the party despite he was not able to realize his aspirations and urged party members not to be discouraged as the upcoming governorship election offer an opportunity to return APC for the party to continue it’s good works in the state.
He said with APC as the Governor in the state, they should be rest assured that people will be carried along in the state or local government when the time comes, urging them to return home to continue to preach the message of hope (Ododo/Joel) to the people.
Other speakers who spoke at the meeting commended former Speaker Kolawole, stressing that they are ever ready to join him to give overwhelming votes to Ododo come November 11.
Highlights of the event were the victory prayers offered for Ododo/Joel Project.
