On entry into most Capital Cities of States in Nigeria, your eyes would be greeted with courtesy inscriptions like “welcome to Jos” “ welcome to Lagos, enjoy your stay” etc. However, on arrival to Lokoja the capital of Kogi State pictures of the Governor of the state alongside a lion white in color greets your eyes and leave your imagination wondering.
In my opinion, picture banners of the Governor alongside a lion at the entrance of the state portrays the Governor of Kogi state as a lion. A lion as described in the book titled the wild cats written by Joel Stench is a “Ferocious Predator” that preys on the very lives of others. Lion be it black, white or brown is an Animal; a less human.
Those who hanged this picture banners at the entrance of the state,i suspect may be aides of the Governor. They have not only insulted their principal but the entire people of Kogi state. As politically expedient as the picture banner of the Governor alongside a lion may seem to them, it is a huge embarrassment to some of us educated and enlightened people in Kogi State let alone our visitors.
The picture banners suggest that we are all being governed or rather “ruled” by a lion. It portrays the state as an animal kingdom such as a “jungle” and as you already know the lion is the king of the jungle.
I make bold to say that, Kogi State is not a jungle and our Governor the last time I checked when being sworn in was human and not an animal. It further goes to insinuate that we indigenes of Kogi state are animals because only animals can rule over animals. Animals can’t rule over human beings.
I would like to make an appeal to those who have painted the above picture of our dear state to please desist forthwith.
However, I am very sure that the Governor in his usually trips to and from Abuja must have seen this picture banners. I would like to appeal to the governor to please order its removal as it portrays our state and its leadership in bad light. More also, if the Governor maybe so pleased to see himself alongside an animal, I would like to suggest that he changes the picture of the lion to a sheep for its notable humility or better still a tortoise for its wisdom.
In conclusion, I would like to ask my fellow brothers and sisters from Kogi state this question; Are you an Animal? Do you live in a Jungle? Is your Governor a lion?
Well I am human and I am proud to be one because, I am fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God.
What about you?
For Man and Society,
– Sani Idakwo Philips.
SDP Candidate for Dekina / Bassa Federal Constituency.
