Chairmanship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2019 local government elections, Comrade Ajagun Opeyemi Samuel has advocated for power to shift to the western part of Kogi State.
Ajagun, while celebrating the state on its 31st anniversary, appealed to Governor Yahaya Bello, his appointees, royal fathers, and elder statesmen to ensure that the next governor of the state emerge from the western part of the state.
“I join the rest of Nigerians, Kogi State indigenes in the diaspora to congratulate the good people of Kogi State on the occasion of another year marking its creation. Hearty congratulations to the Executive Governor of Kogi State His Excellency Gov. Yahaya Bello and his cabinet members.
“Kogi is a state laced with diversities in culture, religion, and ethnicity. Yet we find beauty in our diversity and lasting peace over the years.
“I humbly use the occasion of this 31st anniversary to call the minds of Kogi indigenes home and in the diaspora as we reflect on our past, assess the present, and plan for the future of our dear state. The call and the need to contribute towards the development of the Confluence State is highly germane at this crucial time of ours.
“I also call on His Excellency Governor Yahaya Bello, other political leaders and political parties to see the need for power to shift to Kogi West in particular for the sake of fairness and justice, and the love for the people who have always shown their support,” he said.
Ajagun also urged the governor to explore the means of reviving Ajaokuta steel while working on industrializing the state for employment opportunities.
“Ajaokuta steel must be revived. Kogi Rice mill and other industries are our heritage and it must not be abandoned.
“Let me use this medium to acknowledge Kogi State indigenes in Nigeria and particularly across the world who have continued to make the name of Kogi state great by their achievements in sport, entertainment, business, and most importantly in education, we see you and we celebrate you. I congratulate our Royal fathers; The Attah of Igala, The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, the Obaro of Kabba, and other traditional rulers, community leaders, and religious leaders for upholding peace and development in the state.
“I call on the youth in Kogi State to embrace peace and shun violence. Let’s take our diversity as an advantage to create an enabling environment for the generation to come,” he added.
