The member representing Idah Federal constituency, Hon. David Idris Zacaharias has called on the political class in Kogi state to emulate the leadership style of late Dr. Stephen Makoji Achema whose political ideology was anchored on the unity of the Igala people while he was alive.
Hon. Zacharias said this in a statement to commemorate 20 years since the Igala born political icon died on 6th November, 1999.
Zacharias in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity Mr. Jeremiah Ocheme in Abuja called on Igala politicians to develop strategies of uniting the people across political lines instead of the divisions that practically exist in the land.
He said irrespective of political creed; Igala people should learn to preach peace, unity, development and brotherliness as these were the values the late Achema stood and died for.
According to the statement, “the best way to immortalize the late Acheme beyond naming of monuments after him is to stand and promote the ideals he lived for”. “He was loving, respectful and above all was a cultured Igala man whose respect for traditional and cultural values was second to none”
The statement added that “Achema worked and never lived to enjoy the fruits of his labour in the political arena but will be happy if politicians of this generation replicate what he stood for.
“The Igala agenda that is today known and widely spoken about originated from the late Achema when he offered his governorship ambition for Prince Abubakar Audu of blessed memory when political forces were to overwhelm the Igala region.”
The lawmaker noted that politicians should learn to build on the antecedents of Achema who though a sellable political material, supported other political icons to enable the igala candidates succeed in his days.
Zacharias cautioned that ahead of the Kogi governorship elections, politicians across party lines must restrain themselves from tendencies that are capable of causing disaffection, electoral violence and breakdown of law and order.
