- Want former Gov. Bello to intercede
A political advocacy group, the Concerned Citizen for True Democracy, has called on Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo to reconsider his stance on the choice of Secretary to the State Government, presently occupied by Yagba East LGA of Kogi state.
The group also urged former Governor Yahaya Bello to come in and impress it on his successor to see the need for the SSG position to be zone to Kabba town.
The group said it is out of place that Kabba, which serves as the headquarters of Kogi West senatorial district is not considered for any elective appointments, stressing that there is need to compensate the community for its loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC) with the position of the Secretary to the State Government.
National coordinator of the group, Dr. Emmanuel Augustine who stated this on Wednesday while speaking with some newsmen, however said the governor, should also not ignore competence and dedication to the party in making his decision.
Augustine also suggested former Governorship aspirant, Jimoh Adebanji, former House of Assembly member, Alfred Bello and Former Speaker of the state Assembly, Prince Kolawole Matthew as worthy of consideration for the SSG position.
He said, “A lot has been said about the zoning arrangement of political position with regard to balancing along the lines of the three senatorial districts of the state. As it stands, all Local government areas in the West have gotten executive and political representation except Kabba town.
“Yagba Federal Constituency are already occupying the Senate seat, the Lokoja/Kogi are already occupying the Speakership position leaving Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu federal constituency – of which Ijumu are already occupying the House of Representatives.
“To make matter worse, the Kabba/Bunu House of Assembly seat, the State Security Adviser and the Commissioner for Education are all from Bunu land – infact, all from the same ward.
“As a body devoted to the ideals of democracy, it is our view that Kabba, been instrumental to the success of the APC in the November 11 governorship elections should not be ignored for political appointment.
“It will be worthy of note that Kabba has nine out of the fifteen wards of the council area and produce the highest number of votes in the last election for the zone.
“On ground of political justice, equity and fairness, such community deserves appointment into key and critical executive position. Considering the community for Secretary to State Government will be a good compensation.
“Another election will come and Kabba people will always pay back – if the right thing is done or not.”
