The candidate of the Young Progressive Party (YPP) in the forthcoming governorship election in Kogi State, Dr. Sam Omale has urged the electorate to look beyond the old fabrics of money-bags parading themselves as leaders as they prepare for an epochal election in November.
Addressing supporters and party faithful in his ancestral home, Ikem Ogugu, Olamaboro local government during the 32nd birthday anniversary of the state, the London-based revered banker and consultant lamented the deteriorating state of things despite enormous opportunities as one of Nigeria’s most central states, emphasising the need for electorate to take destiny into their hands by electing a leader who can turn the fortune of the state around.
According to him, Kogi is 32 years in reverse order which poses unavoidable threats to our corporate existence and unity of purpose.
“The fast approaching November 11 governorship election is a make or mar. We either choose a pathfinder and get the state working or relish the old fabrics of money-bags at our own peril.
“Also, the narcissistic politics of ethnicity playing out in Kogi state is a cog in the wheel of progress. We should rather embrace character, competence and capacity of the candidates as the real deal.
“Let us not forget that Kogi East has always played motherly-role in the affairs of the state, and if there must be an agenda, it should be Kogi agenda from the Eastern sphere, not clannish affinities or perceived political strengths. To achieve this, we ought to imbibe required democratic precepts subjecting contestants to public scrutiny, and getting to know what they can offer, how they want to offer it, and if possible, when it will be offered.
“Gone are the days when wealthy men spend money to impose themselves on the people. The jet age has invalidated that. Right now, leaders are assumed base on their antecedents in organised private settings,” Dr. Omale said.
While stressing the need for public debate and transparent process among contestants, Omale noted that if elected governor of Kogi state, he will leverage his years of experience and expertise in the economic sector to pull the state back on track through sound policies, innovation, creativity, and massive infrastructural drive.
