By Jerry Ochada
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) senatorial candidate for Kogi East, Idris HK, has called on the Igala/Bassa people to prioritise the development of their land over partisan political interests, urging them to reject self-centred leadership and support leaders committed to the welfare of the people.
Idris made the call during an interactive visit to members of the Igala/Bassa community in Gwagwalada, Abuja, where he was received by a large gathering of residents, traditional rulers, student bodies and political stakeholders from Kogi East.
He expressed appreciation to the people for their turnout, assuring them of his continued commitment to the development of Igala/Bassa land and the improvement of the people’s living conditions.
Highlighting some of his interventions in communities across the area, the senatorial candidate challenged other aspirants to account for their contributions to the development of Kogi East, particularly during periods when communities faced serious infrastructure challenges.
He cited the erosion that cut off Emewe-Opada community and the situation in Obeya-Elile, Anyigba, as examples of challenges requiring urgent intervention which he attended to prior to his ambition. He also recalled his intervention in Ofakaga, where he said he replaced a faulty transformer that had disrupted electricity supply to the community.
According to him, these interventions were undertaken without holding an elective office, demonstrating his commitment to public service beyond political appointments.
He also recounted his initial plan to donate a borehole to Holy Family Nursery and Secondary School, his alma mater, explaining that the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Idah advised him to redirect the project to the Sisters’ Convent in Idah.
Reflecting on the state of development in Igala land, Idris expressed concern that political activities had not translated into commensurate infrastructure development over the years. He specifically cited the road linking Anyigba and Dekina, which he said was tarred about 28 years ago but had since deteriorated significantly.
“My people, the time to say no to self-centred politicians is now. If politics is dirty, let us get dirty together and develop our land. If politicians claim that politics is dirty, why are they unwilling to leave the terrain? They remain in the same environment, amassing wealth for themselves. This is not the kind of politics we want in our land,” he said.
The candidate also acknowledged the contributions of prominent Igala personalities, including the late Dr Stephen Achema, Humphrey Abah and Unwuchola, whom he described as individuals who demonstrated a strong commitment to the development of the area.
Outlining his legislative priorities, Idris pledged to pursue the development of the coal mining site in Ankpa into a free trade zone, with electricity generation as a key objective. He said the initiative would create economic opportunities and support industrial growth in the area.
He also promised to advocate the construction of a standard road linking Ibaji, an oil-producing community in Kogi East, arguing that the area should not remain without adequate electricity despite its contribution to the nation’s oil resources.
To address the electricity challenge, he pledged to push for the construction of a dam in Ibaji. He further promised to prioritise the Lokoja–Shintaku Road and pursue the construction of the Shintaku Bridge to improve connectivity and ease transportation for residents of Bassa communities.
In addition, Idris promised to advocate the establishment of a modern rice mill in Ibaji, saying the facility would support agricultural development, improve local processing capacity and create economic opportunities for residents.
He urged the Igala/Bassa people to place the collective interest of their communities above political affiliations, noting that ethnic identity was not a matter of personal choice, whereas political party membership was.
“We did not choose the ethnic group we belong to, but we can choose our political parties. Therefore, we must put our land first and ensure that our political choices reflect our collective aspirations for development,” he said.
Addressing rumours that he intended to step down from the senatorial race, Idris dismissed the claims as false, alleging that they were being circulated by political opponents concerned about his growing grassroots support. He urged his supporters and the general public to disregard the rumours.
The event was attended by traditional rulers, student representatives, residents and political stakeholders, who gathered to interact with the candidate and hear his plans for the development of Kogi East.
