The west has always supported the east to govern Kogi State. They did it three consecutive times with the late Prince Abubakar Audu, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris and Capt Idris Ichalla Wada. All these Igala sons became Governors through their support.
In a mysterious circumstance, power shifted to the central where it currently resides and would expire in the process of time.
In the spirit of equity, fairness and Justice, it is appropriate that power shifts to the west. When this happens, we would have succeeded in creating a system around our politics and governance in Kogi State as it is today in some other states of the federation. As a people, we must deliberately build on those things that unite us rather than those that divides us. Little wonder the campaign slogan of the PDP “One Kogi! One Destiny!”.
The November 11 governorship election in Kogi State should not be viewed as an avenue to display our voting strength as a zone as it is not in contention. It should rather be an avenue to show appreciation and to demonstrate mutual respect for the people of the west for standing by us through the years.
In a speech addressed to the United States Congress, Thomas Jefferson the Third President of the United States said this, “I hope that our wisdom will grow with our power and teach us that the less we use our power the greater it will be”. Power rotation to the west should not be seen as a show of weakness but one that guarantees peace, tranquility and political stability in our dear state.
It is pertinent to note, that the candidacy of Senator Dino Melaye of the PDP is formidable in the west and central zones of the state. All he needs to win convincingly, is a corresponding value from the east. Alhaji Murtala Yakubu Ajaka do not possess this political capital as his support base is predominantly in the eastern zone which would be put up for scramble on the day of election. I make bold to say that the realities of gubernatorial elections are quite different from the perceptions many of you my brothers and sisters hold in the east.
Except if we want a repeat of the outcome of the presidential election where an unpopular candidate won, it is advisable for the east to allow power rotate to the west by voting en masse the candidate of the PDP, Sen Dino Melaye. After all, our standard candidate from the east Alhaji Muritala Yakubu Ajaka has never kicked against the rotation of power to the west. I have humorously said that the difference between the SDP and the PDP as a party is the letter “S” which I believe stands for sacrifice. It is time to make the most needed sacrifice for the liberation of our dear state.
Ethnic politics operates like a charm. It is deceptive and a fleeting illusion. Not until the deed is done the people will not be able to see beyond it.
Senator Dino Melaye of the PDP and a possible government of state unity is the way to go in defeating squarely the demonic orchestrations of Gov. Yahaya Adoza Bello in this election.
A stitch in time saves nine.
– Sani Idakwo Philips writes from Dekina Local Government in Kogi State.
