A socio-cultural organization, the Niniji Nupe Development Association (NNDA), has, on behalf of the Nupe people of Kogi East (known as Bassa-Nge), rejected any attempt to include their people in the proposal for the creation of Okura State by Igala people.
In a statement signed by Barr. Abdulaleem Haruna and Pharm. Gabriel Gambo Nmadu, National President and National Publicity Secretary respectively, the group said including Bassa-Nge District in the proposed Okura State is a ploy for the continued subjugation and marginalization of their people.
The statement added that the attempt to subsume their identity under an arrangement for which they were neither consulted on, nor consented to, is ridiculous and totally unacceptable.
“Our people, who are largely located in Bassa-Nge District of Bassa Local Government Area of Kogi State, with kith and kin across the rivers in Lokoja and Ajaokuta LGAs, have a long and historical connection with the larger Nupe family spread across Kwara State, Niger State, and the Federal Capital Territory.
“Even if we had been consulted, we would have unequivocally expressed our firm desire to remain united with our Nupe brothers and sisters across the Niger and Benue rivers. The mere existence of rivers should not be construed as natural boundaries that justify political separation. Many states and communities in Nigeria have rivers and bridges within them without such barriers defining their political affiliations. For instance, Kogi State itself spans both banks of the Niger River, just as Rivers and Bayelsa States share water boundaries without losing their internal cohesion. In the same vein, River Benue does not separate North Bank from Makurdi in Benue State, and River Kaduna passes right through Kaduna State. Lagos and several other capital cities of the world have rivers flowing through them,” the statement read.
The group called on the National Assembly, its Committees on State Creation, the Kogi State House of Assembly, and all relevant stakeholders to take note of their position and ensure that their people’s will is respected.
“Any proposed state creation process must be inclusive, just, and reflective of the historical and cultural ties of the communities involved. It is their claim that all the other tribes in Kogi East, including the Bassa-Komu people, the Igbira people, the Ibaji people, the Ibos, the Hausas and even our own Bassa-Nge people, are just about 15% of the Igala population – a clear signal of perpetual socio-economic and political marginalization.
“Accordingly, we, the good people of Bassa-Nge District in Bassa LGA of Kogi State are NOT FOR OKURA STATE and must immediately be expunged from every map or proposals for consideration of Okura State.
“Furthermore, we urge our traditional institutions, community leaders, political representatives, and other stakeholders to stand firm in defending the unity and integrity of the Nupe people in Kogi State.”
The group restated its commitment to peace, development, and the continued unity of their people within a just and fair political framework.
