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The Senator-elect for Kogi East, Air Marshal Isaac Mohammed Alfa has called on all stakeholders in Igala and Bassa lands to organise a roundtable discussion to redirect their political journey to return to the golden age of the district.
In a press release signed by the Senator-elect and made available to Kogireports, Alfa called on Senator Attai Aidoko and Senator Abubakar Abdulrahman to sheath their swords and join hands to unite Kogi East.
“It is no longer news that the Kogi East Senatorial District, which comprises Igala and Bassa is currently passing through and abysmal political phase compounded by unhelpful electoral litigation. Even the traumatic loss of two of our political icons; Prince Abubakar Audu and Barr James Ocholi within a period of three months has not forced us into sober reflections”, he said.
“What Kogi East Senatorial District needs now is a sound political direction and not enmeshing itself in unnecessary political litigation that are inimical to the progress of the region.
“Considering the enormous responsibility ahead of me as the Senator-Elect to represent the Kogi East Senatorial District, this is no time for celebration but for sober reflections. This is the time for all Igala/Bassa sons and daughters to have a roundtable discussion to redirect our political journey to return to the golden age where our political harmony and interaction within ourselves and with our brothers and sisters across the divide aided us to produce ministers, National party leaders, Ambassadors, Governors and more.
“If our Zone is to progress, our leaders and followers alike must imbibe the spirit of conciliation and reconciliation. We must suppress our individual instincts, our personal gains and considerations, our animosities, and put our land first above all other thoughts. The spate of election litigation that has denied our Zone full representation in the National Assembly for almost 18 months cannot in any way portray us as selfless people.
“As leaders, we must discourage losers from embarking on frivolous election petitions rather than encouraging them. We must subdue our individual animosities and work for the progress of our land.
“This is a period to heal, forgive, to unite and support. We must, one and all, suppress our individual and selfish desires for the common good. The war we must wage at this time must be on our core principle of restoring a heritage of values (love and harmonious co-existence) known to Igala/Bassa people. My people, we must now recover the spiritual and moral attributes that Igala/Bassa land was celebrated for – courage, character, competence, compassion, candour and integrity. Igala/Bassa people were known for these ideals and we now have a sacred duty to return to them.
“This task to reunite Igala/Bassa land politically might appear daunting; it is not insurmountable. We must move our people beyond our most recent wounds. In fact, our only choice is to continue on the path of reconciliation because the region is bigger than all of us.
“By keeping the spirit of oneness as homogeneous people, united by force of character and the core values of hardwork, candor, honesty, determination and integrity, we need all the people of our Zone at a roundtable to discuss the progress of our land.
“I want to be specific at this point by calling on, and telling, all those that contested the Senate seat with me that they have fought a good fight. For those of them who have accepted the choice of the people, they have demonstrated patriotism which history will not forget in a hurry. I appeal to them to reach further.
“I equally appeal to Sen Attai Aidoko and Sen Abubakar Abdulrahman to join hands with me in rebuilding Kogi East rather than embarking on continuous and needless fresh litigations which have not helped us in the past. Let them discontinue or withdraw these cases. The mandate that was bestowed on me by the people of Kogi East is a privilege that belongs to the people of Kogi East. For them to continue these needless litigations will portray individual agenda above common interest. As leaders they must reject selfish and destructive advisers who have not been able to rise above personal considerations and animosities.
“If I must justify the privilege to represent you at the Senate, all individuals; young and old, men and women, traditional rulers, religious leaders, political leaders irrespective of Party affiliation, opinion moulders in Kogi east must join me in ensuring good representation for the best of our people.
“I give absolute credit to The Almighty God for His immense Grace and favour. I sincerely thank every son and daughter of Kogi East, young and old for all their unending love and support over the past 15 years. I want to thank the State Government for providing a conducive environment that enabled INEC to conduct their best, free and fairest election ever on 23rd July 2013. Let us always accept God’s time as the best”.
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