By Muhammed Nasiru
As the last permutations for the 2027 general election primaries build up, the most discussed analysis in Kogi East today is who will represent the Senatorial District in 2027 and beyond emotions, one name that has continued to top these discussions is the Deputy Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon (Dr.) Abdullahi Ibrahim Ali Halims, PhD. Unlike ever, he enjoys both the support of his party men and those seeking his own current position — a rare political scenario that has raised too many concerns across Igala/Bassa Land and by extension, Kogi State.
One may wonder why it is so but the answers are not far-fetched. Excellent PERFORMANCE! The Deputy House Leader who was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2019 has between that period and now demystified legislation, brought representation to a competitive bar and has set an enduring legacy for his future successors. Thus, whichever office he decides to run for does not raise questions about capacity, save his conviction, convenience and prospective impact for the people: the trio of which form the basis of this article.
To start with, the name Halims is unarguably a compound name in Kogi East; his works speaks volumes, his legislation spells legacy and his endeavours define service. No gain saying that his love for Igala/Bassa as evident in his erstwhile legislative efforts has not only endeared him to the people but now the exact reason they all want him to run for the Senate in 2027. Although he is yet to make a final decision, the feelers within and outside Kogi East today are beginning to leave him with no choice other than bowing to the pressure.
But, on the other side and expectedly for a very deserving office as the Senate, political actors on a race for self-service and mission to build popularities that will not last have long commenced consultations within the district. However, it is safe to say as of today, none of these aspirants have built the much required popular rating that is required to represent a dynamic population as Kogi East. In fact, while the genuineness of some of these aspirants grows by the day, the insincerity of some exposes them to mockery at every outing.
From the unprecedented efforts put forth for the actualisation of Okura State to the numerous engagements towards restoring suppressed State Constituencies in Kogi East, the people of Igala Bassa Land found true Leadership in Rt. Hon Halims. No doubt that destiny knew a day like this would come and so, the Deputy House Leader has been hitherto having sleepless nights over power outages and absence of a Federal Dual road in Kogi East. Beyond motions and committee participation, I am aware of his efforts towards the establishment of a power substation at Anyigba to serve Kogi East as well as an ongoing lobby for the dualisation of Itobe — Anyigba — Ankpa road by the Federal Ministry of works.
Having made all these efforts without an ambition for the Senate save leveraging on the privileges of his office as the Deputy Leader of the House of Representatives to bring development to his land; the good people of Kogi East are now stranded in-between the thoughts of whether or not a third term for the incumbent Senator will advance him towards Principal office, embark on a fair rotation for Idah Federal Constituency which has never produced a Senator since 1999 to produce the next or support Rep Halims who aside being a seasoned Legislator has clearly shown that he understands the socioeconomic deficits of Igala/Bassa Land step up to Senate where he will Constitutionally have a larger jurisprudence to pursue these courses.
In a democracy, everyone is entitled to their opinion and everyone is entitled to their ambition but in societal discussions, the indexes of community development comes before all opinion and interests. Going by the current reality of Igala/Bassa Land; the time is not ripe for where gets what but who gets what. We are in dire need of Leaders who understand our problem, Representatives who strive in the line of our plights and Officials who are desirous of changing many narratives. I dare say that if Kogi East is a round hole, we all know the round peg.
By and large, our conviction is service. No more, no less, just service and it is that clear! The people of Ankpa, Omala and Olamaboro Federal Constituency have experienced it first hand, Keen observers in Kogi East know this, politically conscious Kogites are aware of this and North Central political observers are witnesses of this, too. Be it Senate or a continuity at the House of Representatives, any Halims’ jurisdiction is an enclave of service. Therefore, the choice is entirely before us, Kogi East Stakeholders!
– Muhammed Nasiru is a Legislative Enthusiast With Decades Of Experience and can be reached via naadejohs@gmail.com
