By John Olu Bello, Abuja
“LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOU LOVE YOURSELF” — Law of nature.
In 1991 Kogi State was created out of old Kwara and Benue States with the sole aim of bringing together minority ethnic nationalities that suffered acute marginalization in their former State to operate an Equity, Unity and Brotherhood government for the purpose of prosperity and societal development.
In the build up to Political activities and electioneering an unwritten gentleman agreement were reached among ethnic tribes within the polity on how best elective position could be best arranged for harmonious and cordial relationship amongst the various ethnic nationalities.This rapour and agreement gave birth to a rotational syndrome of the elective positions within the Nigeria State vis-a-vis North and South rotation of President.
In the case of States other positions were given consideration to grantee peace and Political fair representation.In Kogi State particularly in the Central, House of Representative Position was canvassed and agreed upon to be rotated between Okene Local Government and Ogori/ MAGONGO Local Government as a way of integration and purposeful Politicking.
As beautiful as the arrangements may be Twenty-two (22) years down the line, i.e from (1999-2021) Ogori/Magongo indigene have never tasted the position hence the gentleman accord was abused and bastardised by our brothers from Okene Local Government without fear of God and fair representation. Ogori/Magongo indigene have been a Political loyalist to the people of Okene Local Government and in general Ebiraland from the first Republic till date. It becomes a matter of concerned to the people of Ogori/Magongo to keep wondering why the people we loved so much hated us with passion?
With this romantic and umbilical cord ties between the two Local Governments the big question is that, ” Twenty-two year of our nascent democracy where is Ogori/Magongo in the House of Representative equation?” in Kogi State and the central in particular.
It is indeed embarassing and worrisome for the too long neglect and unwarranted marginalization by our brothers from Okene Local Government.This action have elicited and triggered our emotions to ask whether it is a crime to be loyal in a partisan Politics?
The House of Representative Position have been commandeered as a birth right of Okene Local Government indigene despite our loyalty, high level of understanding and Political alignment with Okene Local Government people as a lead brother.
Ogori/Magongo is often a determinant factor and fire work place for most Political parties to drawing their victories. Be that as it may, the people of Ogori/Magongo therefore, call on the good people of Okene Local to hands off 2023 House of Representative Position to us as it is long overdue.
TIME TO THINK
The Central were in the past advocate of good governance and fair play in the Political business of the State when Power was across the sea on the ground that the people were marginalized from Power sharing.
Thanks to Governor Yahaya Bello Adoza a divine governor elected by providence to salvage the State of wrong doings and align things in the right perspectives.
From His Excellency many public speeches he has instituted the State on a Tripod stand of Equity, Unity and Peace thereby abolished ethnic marginalization of any kind, cheat and Political slavery of any tribe irrespective of their status.
All things being equal if these beautiful phrases sang by His excellence 24/7 at different fora are still found in his domain and purview , however, people will be forced to likened his statements as that of voice of Jacob and hands of Esau.
So far GYB have demonstrated his sincerity of purpose by righting the wrongs in our Societal settings through his several awards of excellence from reputable body and agencies. The people of Ogori/ Magongo therefore, call on him to use his position as peoples’ governor to correct the anomalies and misnomer in the rotation of House of Representative Position between the two Local Governments as it is always normal to remove the log in ones eye first before trying to remove speck in another person’s eyes.
WHERE ARE THE LEADERS IN OGORI/ MAGONGO??
Leaders are found in the time of crisis to provide leadership and save the citizens from predators and anguish. Ogori/ Magongo have become a Political captives of Okene Local Government on a position we supposed to have equal rights in a healthy and ideal society.
If i may recount Ogori/ Magongo was citadel of Education in the central with early production of professors, academic Doctors and professionals in academia, the local government equally leads in both Military and paramilitary frontiers in the Country.
Despite these personalities and VIPs the land is suffering from Political leadership which is the only veritable source to societal development and attitudinal reorientation.
I use this medium to call on the following leaders to wake up to their responsibilities and salvage the community from Political slavery and master to servant treatment by Okene Local Government people by rendering their voices on Political way forward come 2023 on the request of House of Representative by the people.
The names read this;
* Hon. E.D Olufade.
* Hon. M.D Keyi
* Prof. Olugbemiro Jegede.
* Hon. (Maj.) Albert Soje.
* Hon. Gabriel Daudu.
* Hon. Godwin Osiyi
*Hon. Akande Moses.
* Hon. Goke Oparison
* Barr. J.B Daudu and host of others time did not permit me to mention.
Finally, I use this medium to commend His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello Adoza on his giant stride in Kogi governance system which indeed is encompassing. I wish the governor good luck in his bid to be president of this Country.
Long Live Nigeria !
Long Live Kogi State !!
Long Live Ogori/Magongo !!!
