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Democracy has become a universal ideal that has vigorously been pursued by many countries of the world. The promotion of the dignity of man, national unity and social justice as well as inclusiveness is some of the essential ideals of democracy. These ideals were not lost in Nigeria when on May 29th 1999, democracy berthed in Nigeria. It is now in its eighteenth (18th) year. Often taken for granted, it is indeed a great achievement considering this is the longest stretch in the nation’s history. Kogi state has particularly enjoyed the very rudiments of democracy; it is in this vein this article traces the political track of Kogi state since 1991.
Kogi state was created in 1991 as part of the derailed transition program of Gen Ibrahim Babangida. It was carved out of the old Kwara and Benue states. The state has been administered either by a military regime or by civilians.
Upon the creation of Kogi state in 1991, Col. Danladi Mohammed Zakari became the pioneer military administrator of the state. His administration set in motion the blue print for the organization and governance of the state. However, Col. Danladi’s administration came to an end in 1992 when the first civilian governor the state was sworn in.
Prince Abubakar Audu became the first civilian governor of Kogi state in 1992, under the umbrella of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC). He was deputized by Chief Samuel Akande. The administration however was thwarted by a nationwide military coup.
Col Paul Uzoanya Omeruo was appointed as military administrator of Kogi state in December 1993 and remained till August 1996. It should be stated that before Col Omeruo took over, Col. Bassey Asuquo was in acting capacity from November till December 1993.
Col Bzigu Afakirya succeeded Col Omeruo in August 1996. He stayed in power as the military administrator until August 1998 when he was redeployed elsewhere by the military administration.
In August 1998, Col Augustine Aniebo administered Kogi state for the transition period that followed the death of Gen Sani Abacha. His administration terminated as soon as democracy was reinstalled in 1999.
The return of democracy was greeted with pomp. The vision of democratic rule is one of inclusivity, persistent development and bundles of freedoms. Indeed, 1999 marked a watershed in Kogi politics and the politics of Nigeria as a whole. Everywhere, people came out in their numbers to participate in the electoral process. Despite the threat of anti-democratic actions of some politicians over the years, democracy has remained resilient.
Prince Abubakar Audu once again proved his mettle when he won the April election and was sworn-in 29th May 1999, he was deputized by Patrick Adaba under the All Peoples Party (APP). Again, his emergence held promises that came into fruition, embarking on legacy projects that have remained a source of development to the state. His term came to an end in 2003 and he handed over to an opposition party.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will enjoy a reign of power from 2003 to 2015. During this period, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris governed from 2003 to 2012 as a result of legal entanglement. He was succeeded by Captain Idris Wada who governed from 2012 to 2015.
The year 2015 presented Kogi state with an unprecedented event that brought in the full force of democratic powers into action. Governor Yahaya Bello emerged as a governor in clear show constitutional superiority, the very foundation upon which democratic principles are built. His emergence was a win for democracy in various ways, first the constitution and the courts proved to the nation that justice knows no ethnicity; second, his emergence fulfilled the democratic promise of inclusivity.
As Nigeria celebrates Democracy day, it is worthy to note that challenges are not going to go away. However, if the various arms of government are allowed to function to the fullest, democracy has the capacity to surprise everyone.
Thus, the focus should be the deliverance of democratic dividend by all involved in the process as well as well as the strengthening of the democratic enterprise to remain sustainable.
– Danga Jamiu Yusuf
A Public Affairs Analyst, Trainer, and entrepreneur writes from Abuja
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