The undersigned social and cultural groups from Kogi East Senatorial District, representing the rich Igala land and Bassa kingdom, hereby issue this joint rejoinder to vehemently denounce the divisive and tribalistic rhetoric espoused by Senator Sunday Karimi (Kogi West) during the 2025 Kabba Day Cultural Celebration. His assertion that Kogi West is “engaging” with Kogi East to “hijack leadership” and secure the 2027 governorship for his zone is not only misleading but a dangerous affront to the spirit of equity, fairness, and brotherhood that binds Kogi State together.
We categorically disassociate the entire Kogi East from Senator Karimi’s statement and any purported “collaboration” he claims on our behalf. No authentic representative body from Kogi East has endorsed or engaged in such parochial maneuvers. This tribal agenda peddled under the guise of zonal alliance sows seeds of discord, pitting brother against brother and undermining the fragile peace we have collectively nurtured in our multi-ethnic state. Kogi State thrives on unity, not on schemes to subvert agreed-upon principles for narrow gains. As custodians of our cultural values, we stand resolutely against any narrative that promotes division, exclusion, or the balkanization of our shared destiny.
It is instructive to know that Kogi State governorship should be based on good governance, achievements and quality leadership against any form of tribalism. Kogi East has dutifully upheld a fair share in the state leadership, producing distinguished leaders who served with integrity and advanced the collective interests of all Kogites.
The 2027 election must be anchored on who will make Kogi better, allowing Ododo to proceed without manipulation or “hijacking.” Any attempt to truncate it may deter consolidation and risks unraveling the social cohesion that has held Kogi as a beacon of harmony in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
We call on the Senator Karimi to retract his inflammatory words, apologize to Kogi East, and redirect his energies toward genuine development initiatives that transcends zonal boundaries – much like his commendable N20 million donation to Kabba’s growth, which we applaud as a model for selfless service. To the youths of Okunland and beyond, we echo his call to shun banditry and embrace peace, but we urge all Kogites to resist politicians who weaponize ethnicity for personal ambition. Let us build bridges, not walls; foster unity, not strife.
The people of Kogi East are satisfied with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s performance. His developmental initiatives are both impactful and people-oriented. From the ongoing construction of key roads such as the Idah township road, Ibaji road, the Abejukolo–Bagana link, and the much awaited Oganinugu axis road construction, to the establishment and rehabilitation of modern healthcare facilities across the senatorial district, Ododo’s administration has continued to touch lives in tangible ways. Our people across the nine local government areas of Kogi East have lauded the governor for ensuring that no community is left behind. His focus on infrastructure and healthcare delivery has rekindled hope in good governance and strengthened citizens’ trust in his administration.
Kogi State belongs to all of us – Igala, Ebira, Okun, Bassa, and every other group – and its leadership must reflect that indivisible bond. We remain committed to promoting cultural pride, social justice, and equitable politics that uplift every citizen.
We finally use this opportunity to pass a vote of Confidence on the Chief Servant of Kogi State,His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo for his giant strides in Kogi East and across the entire State. With the pace of work going on across Kogi State, your Re election for Consolidation is the Unanimous Resolution of the people of Kogi East.
Issued Jointly by:
Kogi East movement for Consolidation:
Bar. Ocheja Musa
Igala think Tank:
Dr. Omede Akpenyo
Kogi East Good Governance forum
Chief Phillip Okpanachi
Igala In focus Fct chapter
Halilu Musa
Igala Professionals
Jonathan Samson Enemi
Dr. Akechi Ikagbo
Kogi East critical APC stakeholders forum
Elder Steve Idakwoji
Kogi East Renaissance
Comrade Victor Ademu
Igala Progressives League
Mr. Tokura James 9.Igala Cultural Heritage Forum (ICHF) Represented by: Alhaji Usman Attah Obaka (President) 10.Bassa Progressive Union (BPU) Represented by: Chief Emmanuel Soko (National Chairman)
Kogi East Youth Empowerment Network (KEYEN) Represented by: Comrade Aisha Meliga (Coordinator)
12.Igala Professionals Association (IPA) Represented by: Dr. Fatima Onuche (Secretary-General)
•13Ankpa-Omala-Idah Development Coalition (AOIDC) Represented by: Elder Suleiman Adaji (Spokesperson)
For Enquiries: Contact: info@kogyeastsocialgroups.org
