As the 2019 elections draw closer, a massive choice challenge faces the citizens of the nine local government areas of Kogi East Senatorial District. The choice before the political class and the electorate is one between progress and retrogression; unity and disunity; equity and inequity; and of course a wide prospect of prosperity for millions and not just the elite few.
In the words of Benjamin Franklin, “justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are”.
Similarly, Rick Riordan asserts that “fairness does not mean everyone gets the same. Fairness means everyone gets what they need”. Having said that, it is worth mentioning that despite our dynamism, resourcefulness and an appreciable number of credible, vibrant and competent personalities, Idah Federal Constituency remains largely overlooked as far as Senatorial representation is concerned since 1999.
Zoning is a popular phenomenon in Nigerian politics. It is a mechanism for uniting various diverse people if carried out on the basis of equity and fairness to all parties and interests. No senatorial district needs an unbiased application of this all important mechanism in 2019 better than Kogi East Senatorial District because the zoning formula in existence today has “marginalisation of Idah Federal Constituency” boldly written all over it.
Keen followers of Kogi East politics would recall that between 1999 and 2003, Dr. Alex Kadiri, a Dekina citizen was elected into the Senate. Senator Nicholas Ugbane also from Dekina succeeded Dr Alex Kadiri and served in the Senate for eight consecutive years. The zoning formula favoured Dekina yet again in the race for Lugard House which led to the emergence of Captain Idris Wada as Governor of Kogi state.
Similarly, Ankpa Federal Constituency has also been largely favoured since the return to democratic rule. Alhaji Ibrahim Idris governed for nine years (no thanks to INEC and the judiciary). Attai Aidoko Ali, another native of Ankpa Federal Constituency has been in the Senate since 2011.
The Idah born legal practitioner, Bar. Dangana Ocheja was elected in 2011, his reign was truncated by Attai Aidoko Ali through the judiciary after just six months. The implication is that since 1999, Idah Federal Constituency (comprised of Idah/Ofu/Igalamela-Odolu/Ibaji) despite its massive voter strength has not produced a Senator. This clearly indicates that equity has been conspicuously overlooked in favour of marginalisation.
Some may argue that several sons and daughters of Idah Federal Constituency were beneficiaries of high profile political appointments. But we need to remember that appointment is a prerogative of the Chief executive and is not necessarily a true representation of the desire of masses.
Recall that in 1999, President Obasanjo appointed Dr. Eyitayo Lambo and Bayo Ojo as Minister of Health and Attorney General & Minister of Justice respectively. Both were from Kabba town. The office of the Deputy Governor today is an outcome of a doctrine of necessity by the powers that be and not a product of consensual agreement by Igala political stakeholders. Deputy Governor Simon Achuba was forcefully shoved down our throats and we were forced to swallow without complaints.
In other words, appointees are mainly handpicked by chief executives and their loyalties usually bend in the direction of their respective bosses. But an elected official works primarily to satisfy the electorates that trooped out massively to vote.
The clamour for a Kogi East Senator of Idah extraction has never been this deafening. It is a major topic of discussion where two or more are gathered. If the leaders of the major political parties are serious about balancing this highly lopsided senatorial representation in 2019, and are also serious about retaining the massive votes of Idah, Igalamela-Odolu/Ofu/Ibaji citizens, the political class must act quickly and smartly to exterminate the political oppression, subjugation and marginalisation that has been handed down on these politically sensitive people for so long.
Idah Federal constituency has one of the largest voting population in Kogi state. Collection of PVC in the four local government areas have been impressive. Any political party thinking about zoning the senate to another constituency besides Idah in 2019 should have a rethink. Several able bodied individuals with vast experience and impeccable records of hard work, honesty and credibility are very ready and willing to join the senatorial race in 2019.
The “systematic marginalisation” of Idah Federal Constituency must be brought to a halt. The recycling of “expired” familiar names with dismal performances in the Senate must also stop. We demand fresh ideas, fresh approach and better results in 2019 and Idah Federal Constituency has a large pool of intelligent, honest and hardworking persons that are ready, able and willing to do the job. Idah deserves a chance.
– Vincent Adaji
Twitter: @dajivince
