The Senate race in Kogi Central promises to be an interesting one with the array of A-rated politicians jostling for the positions.
The All Progressive Congress (APC) parades two old war-horses, former Senators Muhammed Ohiare and Salihu Ohize battling for the party’s sole ticket with a formidable and vocal politician, Alhaji Bashir Sani.
In the court of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the race to pick the party’s sole ticket is predicted to be stiffer as incumbent Senator Nurudeen Abatemi-Usman faces three formidable aspirants; Alhaji Ahmed Ogembe, and M.I. Onimisi. The incumbent senator is viewed by many as a colossal failure for his total disconnect with his constituents and below par performance in the last three and half years in the upper chamber of the National Assembly. So many of my friends here in Ebiraland felt totally disappointed by Senator Abatemi who was supported enmasse against all odds and against strong forces in 2011. He over-promised and under-delivered. Even the foetus in the womb will tell anyone who cares to listen that Nurudeen Abatemi-Usman will not get a second term from Anebiras.
Monday Onimisi is a business man and philanthropist who would have had a great chance but for his elitist posture. He recently drew the ire of Ebiras when he ignorantly asserted that 70 Percent of Anebira Are Illiterates! Imagine our would-be representative making such a ludicrous statement!
As it stands today in PDP, there is only one person we look to as decent and acceptable candidate for the senate seat; Alhaji Ahmed Ogembe. Among these aspirants, he is the closest to the people at the grassroot.
Ahmed Ogembe, who was projected to win the PDP senate ticket in 2011 until some leaders sold out, is currently the executive chairman of Okene Local Government Area.
Political watchers believe that Ogembe has worked enough to deserve the consideration of the people of the central for the seat.
Seen by many as an exemplary leader with sincere love for his people. This is evident in his pro-people leadership and projects as council boss and as a grassroot leader.
Many will readily give Ogembe credits for working with the State government and security operatives to restore peace in Ebiraland.
As Liaison Officer, he renovated the motor park in Okene, and since he won election and assumed duties as Executive Chairman of Okene LGA, he has mounted over 200 street lights, given scholarships to students, provided hospital equipments for improved health care delivery. Ogembe made education a top priority with provision of books in the library, and provision of free exercise books for students in Primary and Secondary Schools.
Aside provision of water through boreholes, provision of refuse van in a bid to make Okene clean, Ogembe also have over 800 youth enrolled under his Human Empowerment Scheme and these youth are attached to different vocational learning centres.
That Ogembe is well loved by his people is an understatement. He does not need rented crowds anytime, any day in Ebiraland. His recent visit to condole with the family of the late Honourable Ahmad Owudah Raji, former Adavi LGA Chairman, is a testimony to this fact. Women, youths and okada riders followed Ogembe to the bereaved family’s residence in a rare display of solidarity.
PDP cannot afford to gamble with her ticket in Kogi Central come 2015. The option of returning Abatemi is a forgone issue and the replacement must be formidable and acceptable to ensure a victory against a predictably tough challenge from the opposition APC.
The Ogembe factor in the 2015 senate race cannot be brushed aside if the ruling PDP want to maintain her success streak in Kogi Central. A youthful leader who is in touch with realities in Ebiraland and who is loved by young and old holds the aces.
– Habeeb Etudaye Writes From Okene
