…Says Their Foresight Will Strengthen Unity, Stability and Democratic Values
The Senior Special Assistant to the Kogi State Governor on Ethics and Values, Shaikh Sani Musa, has commended Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo and his predecessor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, for their foresight and commitment to promoting peaceful dialogue on political power transition in Kogi State.
Shaikh Sani described the power-shift summit as a significant initiative capable of promoting understanding, inclusiveness and peaceful political engagement among the three senatorial districts of the state.
According to him, the willingness of both leaders to encourage dialogue on political succession demonstrates their understanding that the peace, unity and stability of Kogi State must remain above individual and sectional interests.
He particularly commended Governor Ododo for providing an avenue for stakeholders to discuss sensitive political issues openly and constructively, stressing that dialogue remains an important instrument for resolving political differences in a democratic society.
“Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has demonstrated remarkable foresight by encouraging dialogue on an issue that concerns the political future of our state. His approach shows that political questions can be addressed through understanding, consultation and mutual respect.
“We must also acknowledge the leadership and contributions of Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello. His support for a peaceful and orderly conversation on political succession reflects an understanding of the need to preserve the unity and stability of Kogi State,” he said.
The Senior Special Assistant noted that the three senatorial districts have contributed significantly to the development of Kogi State, stressing that political succession should be approached with fairness, mutual respect and a strong sense of collective responsibility.
He said the significance of the summit goes beyond the question of which district produces the next governor, describing it as an opportunity to strengthen a political culture where sensitive issues are addressed through dialogue rather than confrontation.
“Every part of Kogi State matters. Our political conversations must therefore be guided by the understanding that the state belongs to all of us. No political ambition should be allowed to undermine the peace and unity we have collectively built,” Shaikh Sani stated.
He further commended Governor Ododo and former Governor Bello for demonstrating that political leadership and succession can be discussed through peaceful engagement and mutual respect.
Shaikh Sani urged political leaders, traditional rulers, youth organisations, civil society groups and other stakeholders to continue contributing constructively to conversations about the future of Kogi State.
He maintained that the legacy of political leaders should not be measured only by physical development and government policies, but also by the values, institutions and peaceful democratic culture they help establish for future generations.
“Leadership is also about what we leave behind. If we can build a culture where political succession is discussed peacefully, where every senatorial district feels respected and where differences are resolved through dialogue, we would have made a lasting contribution to the future of Kogi State,” he said.
Shaikh Sani expressed confidence that sustained dialogue among stakeholders would strengthen the bond among the people of the three senatorial districts and further promote peace, unity and democratic stability across Kogi State.
