As a state, we are at the brink of extinction. Governance process is in disarray. The land, sea and air locked-economy is plummeting. Domestic and external debt is alarming. Kogi ranks sixth poorest in Nigeria with an ever shrinking GDP. Unemployment rate; 38.97% is on the rise. More than 90% of Kogites lives below poverty level, and insecurity worsen by the day! Therefore, it is not just about 2023. It’s about changing the narrative.
As the saying goes, ‘’you don’t allow a pilot to fly a plane based on sentiment or other mundane considerations, s/he has to be qualified’’. So, changing the ugly trends involve searching for capable hands – a trip we ought to have embarked via consultation and perhaps, in our conscience.
Fellow Kogites, let’s talk Lugard 2023.
Of all aspirants indicating interest from the other room, beer parlor, et cetera, the aforementioned are popular. But the ultimate question is; can they fly this plane? What should be the requisite check of the next governor with regards to the yearning expectations?
His Excellency, Kogi’s deputy governor, Chief Edward Onoja, on whose shoulder Yahaya Bello’s second reign was championed has never taken his eyes off his Boss’s seat. As a matter of fact, he murdered sanity among his kinsmen, stretched his luck and sold his birth right while climbing the ladder to be deputy governor. I will not go political, thus, I sheath enumerating his chances. But for the record, if Edward was to take over from Bello, his former position as chief of staff was the best strategy point. Story for another day!
Having served in government not-so-popular for a positive stride, and in lieu of our cravings, can Edward Onoja fly the plane?
Distinguished Senator Jibril Isah (Echocho), the serving lawmaker representing Kogi East federal constituency is also an existing toaster to the Lugard seat. Until he became a victim of political permutation, Mr Jibril spent his political life eyeing the number one seat – a trip some sections described as desperation mixed with emotion.
I will not go political discussing Echocho also, but everyone ardent with happenings understood his senatorial advent wasn’t by merit but a perceived 2019 road bump. But, almost three years on, Echocho is acting like one who was taken hostage. As if some aides loyal to powers that be were initially planted in his government, he has failed woefully in the legislative business, and on constituency projects, he is far below standard- four bills with little headways. Painstakingly, his recent stance on electronic transmission of election results, the recent visit to EFCC’s office on the N20 billion saga disgusted many, and he alongside his colleagues from Kogi state were nick-named ‘’Bello’s errand boys’’. By and large, Jibril’s political proclivity is currently tied to the whims and caprices of faces grandstanding for 2023, so, can the senator fly the plane without interference?
Last on the subject matter is the chief of staff to the governor, Pharmacist Jamiu Asuku.
Asuku was a manifestation of Bello’s 2019 intentions. His advent was, and, is a niche and a slipper to Edward’s feet. Unlike Onoja, he helped Bello heal broken wounds and build fences that has politically given notches to Anebira flanks. He is currently Bello’s trusted hand and a rumored successor who’s being groomed before party stakeholders. Let me also sheathe the fact that he hailed from same llocal government with the governor. He is a gentle man in the hand of an emperor. Besides, unlike the deputy governors, chief of staff often succeeds a sitting governor. But, can Asuku put on the big hat? This brings us to the story proper.
If we must change the narratives, something extraordinarily ought to be done. There is need for independent candidacy; a character of proven antecedent; a progressive mind with clear-cut ounce of the prevailing predicament. Above all, s/he must be a democrat with zeal for service, guts to call a spade a spade irrespective of whose ox is gored. To achieve this, status and affiliation are out of context. Everything is centralized and all hands are on deck to rejuvenate the state. Ethnicity, religious grips, social status and political affiliations should be stripped. Competence is the core-value, whereby, we are purpose-driven collectively to get things done.
To this end, how has Edward Onoja used his current position as the deputy governor to confront the existing woes? Several issues never digested in our political abdomen, yet, there’ve never been a time the governor and his deputy disagreed to agree in the interest of the masses. Does it means political appointment/election is now a license to slavery? Will I be wrong if I posit that Edward is instrumental to the emergence and continuity of a government that has blotted sanity? We will understand better as events unfolds.
How well can Echocho, a once political giant now fast diminishing popularity lead if voted in the saddle? What can a man supposedly elected by the masses, now defending odds in favor of one man do differently to change the status quo?
Asuku on the other hand is not been peddled on the altar of competence but a desperate move by folks who were so politically famished over the years. No! Not at all, there are quid-pro-quos to be unearthed. Therefore, we need a candidate whose phone will be on by 12 midnight when EFCC will call requesting for past files.
And to this effect, Edward, Echocho and Asuku means calamity. Kogites should look elsewhere!
– John Paul writes from Abuja.
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