Youths in Okura state constituency, Dekina Local Government Area, have appealed to stakeholders in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state to allow Comrade Salisu Ogwu Apeh, the former Chief of Staff to late Rt. Hon. Enema Paul, to replace him as the next member to represent the constituency in the Kogi State House of Assembly.
In a letter of request signed by Suleiman Bashiru and addressed to various stakeholders, including the State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Aliyu Umar Yusuf and others, the youths said Comrade Apeh was, among other reasons, one of the most loyal APC stakeholders in Dekina Local Government Area and the State in general.
According to the youths, until Rt Hon Enema Paul’s death, Hon Apeh worked very closely with his principal as the Chief of Staff, a position he executed to perfection and was the closest to the deceased lawmaker.
The group stressed that Comrade Apeh was always the first and the last to see the deceased lawmaker until his death, noting that Comrade Apeh’s dedication and passion to the policies and programmes of the former Deputy Speaker attracted him to his deceased boss, whom he had served as the Personal Assistant in his first term.
Among other reasons they further enunciated, the youths noted that Comrade Apeh is the Convener Ododo Grassroots Mobilization Team for 2027, adding that he is better suited to represent the people of Okura Constituency because he possesses the requisite experience, skills, and passion to provide effective representation for our constituency.
The letter recalls that the many years of experience of Comrade Apeh as the Coordinator National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Dekina LGA chapter, his records as the Senior Special Assistant on Youths and Mobilization Dekina LGA, Supervisory Councillor for Health in Dekina LGC, among others, set him apart as a grassroots politician worthy of the opportunity to succeed his boss.
“The recommended individual has been working assiduously with the late lawmaker and has firsthand information and experience in the workings of the lawmaking processes for the development of Okura Constituency,” further reads the statement.
“With his solid educational background, requisite experience, deep loyalty to the APC party and it’s stakeholders, as well as his concerted efforts in promoting the growth and progress of the APC.
“Our resolution stems from many years of the recommendee steadfast belief in the APC, especially during the Just-concluded governorship election, when it almost seemed a like a taboo to identify with the APC due to the widespread agenda. Despite all threats to his life and family, he stood his ground. He worked for the APC and the public supported him.
“We urge you to consider Hon. Ogwu Salisu Apeh for this vacant seat, as he is committed to working tirelessly to promote the interests of our constituency and the state at large,” the letter concluded.
