"Stay united, speak in one voice," Gov Bello to Igala people »

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has called on Igala people to stay united and speak with one voice and avoid selfishness as well as those who peddle their own agenda in the guise of being pro – masses.

He made the call on Wednesday in Anyigba at a Roundtable and Grand Reception organised by the Igala Cultural and Development Association (ICDA) held in Anyigba.

He said the area could only progress and develop further if they speak in one accord because a divided people were bound to continue to make mistakes of old which has been characterised by lack of genuine love or passion for the development of society.

The Governor who was represented by his deputy, Chief Edward Onoja said elections had come and gone and that it was not a tribal contest but a Political one where one party – the APC emerged winner over the rest of the political parties and candidates.

He said the Igala were not defeated in any way as there was no inter-ethnic contest, and urged the people to avoid those who have continued to market the “Igala Agenda” mantra, saying any course that doesn’t bring development to the area is a selfish one that should be jettisoned.

Governor Bello said no ethnic group is superior to the other even though some ethnic groups are more populated in number than the other, and stressed the need for the Igala people to see other ethnic groups in Kogi State as one with them and advised them to create bond with them for the advancement of Kogi’s development which has been the objective of the New Direction Government that he runs.

According to the Governor, his administration would continue to accord respect to all people irrespective of their tongues and how they worship and enjoined the Igala people and the entire state to imbibe the same philosophy.

In his opening address, the Chairman of Igala Cultural and Development Association, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Amodu harped on the need for Igala people to rest any animosity garnered over the course of the last election in the state and forge a common ground for unity and progress irrespective of their Political or ethnic affiliations.

He appealed to government to run an all-inclusive administration to build on the needs of humanity for posterity sakes and the growth of all parts of Kogi State.

Speaking, the administrator of Olamaboro Local Government Area, Hon Friday Adejoh who spoke on behalf of the rest of his colleagues expressed their preparedness to ensure they execute projects that would bring development to the rural areas of Igalaland.

Highlights of the occasion include paper presentations on development in Igalaland, cutting of a specially prepared victory cake prepared by the ICDA, certificate presentations to the Governor and his Deputy, musical entertainments by artists and cultural groups from the area among others.

The event was graced by political and academic giants in the area, traditional rulers and religious leaders, youth and women groups among others.