By Comrade A. M. Nasir
It is often said that the reality of life is not by how well one lives nor how well one can afford, rather-it is by how consistent one could be to an endeavor or pride. Going by this premise, the Igala nation which is unequivocally the ninth largest ethnic group in Nigeria and the most dominant tribe in Kogi state is indeed guilty of worth.
Whereas, readers may have argue feel of which what, I will save brainstorm to posit it with general knowledge of facts and events.
To start with, the Igala has for a very long time been at the fore front of ethnic groups clamouring for an independent state but, it has one distinctive difference from other clamouring groups and that is the fact that it overtime unlike others control the activities of her current state as a result of vast majority in terms of population and land mars. Yet, this long privilege may be the Igala first guilt of worth or does the Igala land and her people have anything significant
trace to show for the past dominance against other ethnics in the state?
Secondly, the Igala people has in the past been politically worthwhile in terms of mathematics and results… Little wonder former president Olusegun Obasanjo appointed late Steven Achema as an adviser despite his obvious anti party activities that saw to the victory of Late Prince Abubakar Audu. Who from the Igala race is at the helm of
national strategy or presidential advisory today? Or was the Achema event a coincident? If otherwise, then we may still be guilty of political calculation worth.
In terms of legislation, Igala people has produced more state and federal law makers than any other tribe in the state, either as a result of simple majority or intra instituted court cases challenging victories. In fact, despite always been governor in the past; the Igala also got accustomed to deputy speaker/majority leader in all preceding Kogi assemblies but where is the position of Igala in the present state assembly? Well that may be negligible but isn’t it
shameful for the ninth most populous tribe in Nigeria not to have a senator or we are also guilty of that worth?
Also in doubt for the guilt of worth is a single representation at national hierarchy. Although PMB was magnanimous to appoint one of our own (James Ocholi, SAN) as minister before death took its cause, who do we have in the top paramilitary/armed forces, Judiciary, as an ambassador, minister and even presidency? “Hmmmmm”, No! We are not guilty of this one at all but I cannot fathom how we got so relegated in national affairs.
Whenever I ponder this matter, the words of Albert Einstein-“all that is valuable in human society depends upon the opportunity accorded for its development”. In all earnest, the Igala have had several opportunities to develop itself but all were abused. Now that almost everything seem dwindling for the ninth most populous Nigerian tribe and Kogi most dominant ethnic group, I believe it has become a moment of ease for reflection and attitudinal change that will make renaissance of the lost glory.
God bless Ané Igala,
God bless Kogi State,
God bless Fed Rep of Nigeria.
– Comr A. M. Nasir writes from Minna, Niger State.
naadejohs@gmail.com
