When Oladele Nihi called me broaching the idea of seeking a way out of the assembly imbroglio, I was skeptical but when it changed from a mere platform on WhatsApp to a committee, I was intrigued. With superior argument from friends who felt being part of this effort was better than just criticizing, I had to give it a try.
The crisis in the assembly had nothing to do with the people’s welfare rather, it was the creation of ego, greed and ambition of few individuals but sadly Kogites are bearing the brunt. The chaos litigations and self-help wrought was, to say the least unpardonable but elders, statesmen and stalwarts of the political parties in the state either feigned ignorance or took just a passing interest in the confusion and allowed it to linger. To buttress this, an occurrence related by a committee member is apt; his four-year old son was given an assignment in school to name the speaker of his state assembly. A definite and correct answer to this simple question was not possible at that time; it was as bad as that.
The composition of the committee cuts across political, religious and ethnic divide and our collective resolve making the restoration of peace to KGHA a non-negatiable issue went a long way to ensure success.
For the benefit of the ignorant, the committee was a child of necessity composed of young Kogites who felt peace in KGHA is a prerequisite for progress in the state. All parties to the crisis exhibited a common desire for peace. If the body with the constitutional responsibility to make laws for good governance is in disarray, the adverse effect on governance is better imagined. Our positions on issues should not always be about politics and self-interest but about what is best for the state and its people.
To those who called and sent messages, be rest assured that I remain my principled and focused self and I will continue to express my views on issues of state and national importance without fear or favor.
It was really a privilege and honor to be part of the self imposed process that restored peace and normalcy in KGHA and I am unapologetic about it. For those who prefer to see issues only through the prism of politics and parochial proclivities, I wish them all the best. Kogi state is faced with lots of challenges as it were and only a purposeful and vibrant assembly can assist in tackling them; the newfound peace and tranquility in the assembly could not have come at a better time. Though some people have insinuated that my stand on the crisis ab initio is in complete contrast to my participation in the process that led to its resolution, I oblige them in their exemplary exhibition of ignorance but in all of this, I am at peace with myself because after a successful outing, I can proudly and honestly say my adherence to strict moral code in my conduct remains intact. Even if some people cannot imagine the possibility of being part of any process without altruistic motives especially pertaining to pecuniary gains, it is possible and this is what has happened in this circumstance. Expressing divergent views on issues is the hallmark of democracy but it comes with a lot of responsibilities people ignore. I might not agree with Gov. Yahaya Bello on many issues but on the issue of peace in KGHA, which he shares the conviction of its non-negatiability I have no beef with that. If and when the need arises to take a stand on any issue I will not hesitate to do the needful. Criticism ought not be just for being read or heard sakes. I refuse to be infuriated by those whose myopia is nauseating and because I am in a good mood, my combative side will take the backstage for now.
Kogi state is greater than any individual or group of interests and our actions and utterances must be guided by those things that will be of benefit to a greater number of kogites.
What elders and critical stakeholders could not comprehend talk less of resolving in over four months, eleven young men successfully resolved in just four days speaks volume and demonstrates the power in dialogue.
May the Lord give us the grace to know that which is right and do same.
– Aiyenigba Olalekan, a member of the Peace Committee, writes from Ilorin.
