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Kogi State can best be described as a miniature of Nigeria considering the diversity of its ethnic groups combination. Right from onset there has always been agitation for power rotation among the three major ethnic groups in Kogi State even though some are considered to be in the political minority ethnic groups or the numerical minority ethnic group depending from whichever perspective you decide to look at it.
Truly, the unwritten phenomenon of power rotation that is gradually becoming a law all over Nigeria has played a key role in strengthening Nigeria democracy and mitigation of conflict among ethnic groups as it help in erasing the undue marginalization of the numerical minority ethnic groups.
This political practice can be traced to the olden days of our fore fathers in appointing custodian for their clans. This custodian position is rotated among the sub clans within every clan. Though some scholars admit that the practice have the capacity to maintain peaceful political order, but they also argued that this occurred more as the minority ethnic groups’ strategy to negotiate continued participation in the political process and access to the national wealth and as such its against liberal politics but I am of the opinion that the advantage of this political practice can never be undermined.
The consequent emergence of a Governor of Ebira extraction in person of Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello as duly elected Governor was as a result of the twist that played out after the demise of late Prince Abubakar Audu of blessed memories. The struggle for power rotation before now was a bloody one as lives and properties have been lost in the past in this quest for equity. The hope of achieving this quest was almost at a never happening stage as people have given up and retired to murmuring and whispering of power shift in their living rooms without the motivation and strength to push further in the open.
It’s no gain saying that the Igalas are the most populous ethnic group in Kogi State hence they stand a higher chance to remain in power for as long as their population can sustain them, but for the purpose of equity and fairness let there be rotation of power to promote equal distribution of development across the state.
Finally, I want to use this medium to appeal to the Governor to not only embark on “4+4” campaign but also the continuity of power rotation. The Governor should take advantage of his executive power and connection across the State and federal level to lobby the leaders of the three major ethnic groups into reaching a mutual agreement to rotate the Governorship seat among the three major ethnic groups in order to ensure even distribution of development across the three senatorial districts and also to maintain the existing peace and harmony in the state.
As was rightly said by Ayn Rand; “Individual rights are not subject to a public vote; a majority has no right to vote away the rights of a minority; the political function of rights is precisely to protect minorities from oppression by majorities- and the smallest minority on Earth is the individual”
I believe it is possible.
– Amb. Aliyu Mahmud Amoto
Convener of Concerned Kogites
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