After the recent election in Kogi State, Kabba, the community with highest votes in Okunland, second highest votes in Kogi West, and highest voting community in Kogi state after Lokoja, Okene, Dekina and Ankpa is feeling left out.
Despite helping the APC and Governor Usman Ododo with a lot of votes, Kabba hasn’t gotten any political roles, unlike nearby places that have commissioners and even higher positions despite losing in the election.
Kabba as a town gave the fourth-largest number of votes to the APC and Governor Ododo in the last election across Kogi State. It seems unfair that they haven’t received appointments that match the crucial support they provided, especially in the Okun land.
Looking back at the last eight years under Governor Yahaya Bello, Kabba didn’t get a commissioner. On the other hand, a particular waard in Kabba/Bunu enjoyed continuous commissioner appointments and advisory roles.
Comparing Kabba to a local government in Okun land that lost to other party but got a commissioner and Okene, which has four state commissioners, makes Kabba’s lack of representation more obvious. A single community with nine wards should be given a Commissioner slot, even if it will make the LGA to have two Commissioner slots, afterall Okene has more.
People in Kabba supported Governor Ododo and the APC not just because of leadership but also as a way of saying thank you for the efforts in starting a new university in Okun, hosted by Kabba.
But the absence of a commissioner or any significant appointment for Kabba might lead to fewer votes for Ododo in the next election, even if he does well. Kabba people are already agitated and the issue brewing animosity already.
It’s crucial for Ododo’s government to notice Kabba’s dissatisfaction and fix this quickly. This issue goes beyond Kabba; it affects the whole region’s political landscape.
As someone who cares about Kabba and isn’t a member of the APC, it’s important to highlight that this isn’t just about feeling let down; it’s a call for fairness. Kabba, with its rich culture, deserves to be represented in politics.
The history of leaving out Kabba from political appointments raises questions about how decisions are made. Other areas have shown success in getting political roles, proving that Kabba has untapped potential.
Highlighting the contrast with Okene, which has four state commissioners, makes it clear that Kabba needs fair treatment. The community wonders why, despite playing a significant role in APC’s success, it continues to be overlooked.
Advocating for fairness, it’s essential to point out that if this issue isn’t fixed soon, the people might lose their trust on the new government.
Loyalty and support from Kabba demand fair representation, or else people might lose trust in the election process.
Urging Ododo’s government to address this situation emphasizes the need for quick and inclusive action. Appointing a Kabba commissioner is an investment in the community’s diverse skills and perspectives.
This plea for fair representation is not about political sides but about wanting what’s best for Kabba and, by extension, all of Kogi State. As someone who cares about my community, I join others in hoping the Kogi State government will take active steps to address the concerns and aspirations of its citizens.
In wrapping up this appeal, I sincerely hope Governor Ododo recognizes the urgency of fixing this perceived mistake. Being inclusive and fair in political appointments will surely lead to a more united and prosperous Kogi State.
– Olayinka Samuel writes from Kabba.
