By Abubakar Y. Ojimaojo.
Ahead of the November governorship electionRector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Dr. Salisu Usman Ogbo has stated that individuals and groups clamoring for the Igala agenda in the state are doing so for their selfish interests.
Dr. Salisu, an associate professor, stated this while speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the adoption of Ahmed Usman Ododo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, by the Angwa Ogebe community in Ankpa local government area of Kogi State over the weekend.
He firmly stated that every group advocating for the Igala agenda has its own personal agenda.
He added, “I don’t want to get involved in the issue to avoid being misunderstood.” However, he disclosed that there is no written agreement on power rotation, and those clamoring for the Igala agenda are using it as a cover for their individual interests.
“If you think that you’re in agreement, you may wish to tender a copy of the agreement. People are saying we agreed that once it is done at this level, it goes to the other area. After that area, it goes to the other area. But when you go on your own personal and selfish agenda to negotiate on behalf of people, trying to impose it on behalf of the people, I think you won’t be fair to yourself, and you are not fair to the people.
“If you know you’re pursuing your personal interest, do not set a community on fire all in the name of the Igala agenda; it is very dangerous.
“Setting tribal or religious agendas is like setting a harmattan fire; you know where you set it, but you don’t know where it would go.
“The same people who said Yahaya is good in 2015 are the same people who say he is not good today. But Yahaya Bello contested against an Igala at that time, and some of us did support Yahaya at that time.”
Regarding his community’s support for the APC candidate, he mentioned that any other candidate who had visited the area was met with a “fake” crowd and should not rely on it.
“My Angwa community was not part of the group that welcomed Muri recently in Ankpa,” he said.
He also donated a brand-new motorcycle to one of his dedicated supporters, distributed bags of rice to the community, and officially commissioned several campaign offices established to support Ododo’s bid.
