Ahead of Kogi governorship election, the leaders in Okun, on Wednesday, disclosed their resolve to work with the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a bid to deliver its governorship candidate, Alhaji Ododo Ahmed Usman.
They made their position known after a meeting convened by the Obaro of Kabba, Oba Solomon Owoniyi, which drew all the first-class traditional, political and opinion moulders from the five local government areas of the Okun-speaking part of the state.
The Royal Father had convened the meeting to appeal for peaceful election, however, the stakeholders told the Royal Father that they had unanimously agreed to support the APC as they were not prepared to play ethnic politics when Kogi needs to be at the centre.
The various speakers concluded that they could not be in the opposition to the APC-led administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the centre.
The various political leaders and opinion moulders therefore resolved to return to their various Local Government Areas to work for the victory of APC in the forthcoming November 11 governorship election.
“With the love the administration of Governor Yahaya Bello has shown to the Okun nation in the location of projects, infrastructure and in appointment, we have every reason to go in the direction of Governor Bello, President Tinubu and the APC,” a prominent stakeholder in Okunland, Erick Fiki, said.
The Chairman of Ijumu Local Government Area, Taofiq Isah, stated that it was a collective agreement to deliver Okunland to the APC and its governorship candidate, citing many good things Governor Bello had done for the Okun people.
“The people of Ijumu have resolved to stay with the APC. We have never had it this good since the creation of the State. We have therefore resolved to vote for the APC in the forthcoming Governorship election,” he said.
On his part, Hon. Philip Orebiyi described Yagba as the home of the APC, insisting that the outcome of the November 11 Governorship election would reflect the people’s reward for the love Governor Bello has for Okun nation.
“Let me assure that in Yagba, we will reward the APC with the love Gov. Bello has shown to us in the upgrade of infrastructure, traditional institution and appointment. The outcome of the Governorship election will reflect a landslide victory for the APC,” he assured.
In his address at the meeting, the Commissioner For Information and Communication and Spokesperson for the APC Governorship Campaign, Kingsley Fanwo, described Governor Bello as a lover of Okun nation.
“Beginning with the Ejiba Ricemill, one of the biggest projects of this administration; the construction of Kabba township roads, the landmark project of the GYB Model Science Secondary School in Kabba Bunu and the recent establishment of the Kogi State University, Kabba, the administration has proven without mincing words that Okun is dear to its heart,” he said.
He added, “The Governor understands that education is our industry. Over time, we have had to use our taxes and resources to develop other universities where our children go to seek education.
“The message of Governor Bello to this meeting is for us to build and develop a partnership that will enable us remember Kwara State and old Kabba province.
“This partnership, according to Governor Bello, will enable us record another history regarding the Governorship of the State in the future. Let us work therefore in building enduring legacies that will work with this meeting.
“Governor Bello has urged us to strive towards unity amongst the people of Okun and Ebiras that dates back. He has promised that in or out of office, he will continue to add his voice in ensuring that Okun nation is rewarded abundantly.”
Fanwo described Governor Bello as a highly detribalised Kogite who believes in fairness and justice, assuring that the Okun nation would remain a priority under Usman Ododo if elected.
He urged the leaders of Okun nation to ensure that the November 11 Governorship election reflects an overwhelming result for the APC.
In her remarks at the meeting, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr (Mrs) Folashade Ayoade, described the meeting convened by the Obaro of Kabba as one in the right direction.
In his welcome message, Oba Solomon Owoniyi said the meeting became necessary for the leaders to set an agenda and direction for traditional institution and for Okun people so as to ensure a peaceful election.
The Royal Father also thanked the Governor for all he has done for Okunland.
Highlights of the meeting was the setting up of a technical committee that would collate the views of Okun people with regard to their expectations for the incoming administration and chart the direction for Okun people in the forthcoming election.
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