Now That Propaganda Has Stopped Selling and The Emotions Stirred Up Are Calming, What Next for Kogi East? »

By Abdul Mohammed Lawal.

The Kogi East Senatorial District in Kogi State stands out as arguably the most prosperous region within the North Central geopolitical zone of Nigeria. This prosperity is attributed to its vibrant youthful population, which predominantly resides in rural areas and engages in primary economic activities such as agriculture and mining. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the region possesses over 20 commercially viable solid mineral resources, enhancing its economic potential and offering significant opportunities for development and investment.

The area is predominantly inhabited by the Igala people, who are celebrated for their resilience and unity. This community, known for its hospitality, has a rich cultural heritage that has fostered a strong sense of identity among its people. However, my esteemed grandfather often pointed out that the region’s most significant challenge lies in its often-overemphasized unity. He believed that while unity is generally a strength, in this context, it has sometimes masked underlying divisions that have hindered collective progress.

Historically, a latent rivalry for superiority has existed among the region’s former local government areas (Idah, Dekina, and Ankpa), now Federal Constituencies. This internal competition has occasionally undermined efforts to present a unified front on critical issues affecting the Igala people. My grandfather recounted a notable incident involving the late Atta of Igala, Alhaji Aliyu Obaje, and the distinguished leader Pa Amodu Ali. These figures represented the Igala people on the national stage, yet their efforts were sometimes stymied by regional divisions.

One illustrative incident highlights this issue vividly. During a period when the Arewa leadership sought two Igala engineers for top positions in the Federal Civil Service, the opportunity was lost because the old Idah LGA did not have graduate engineers. As a result, it was reported that the Igala people lacked qualified engineers, thereby missing a chance to elevate the community’s representation at the federal level. This example underscores how internal divisions and the lack of coordinated efforts among the regional elites have historically impeded the progress of the Igala people.

Despite these challenges, the Igala community remains resilient and forward-looking. Efforts to bridge these internal divides are crucial for harnessing the full potential of the region. Prominent leaders and stakeholders must prioritize unity and collaboration to ensure that opportunities for development and representation are not squandered.

During the 2023 Kogi State Gubernatorial Election, the Igala people experienced an unprecedented level of unity. However, this newfound solidarity was overshadowed by a significant oversight: essential questions were not asked to derive viable answers. Instead, ambitions were fueled by hate and the calculated use of propaganda as a political demarketing tool by a select few to stir emotions. This strategy benefited those few, while others who dared to question the approach were labeled as traitors. Despite this, standing firm and asking critical questions was necessary.

The political evolution in Kogi State is undeniably exciting, yet many Kogites remain unaware of the progressive path our state is charting. Despite any perceived flaws in the political process, Kogi State is ahead of its contemporaries in practicing a polity driven by functional ideologies rather than established norms. Regardless of one’s opinion of His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, it is undeniable that he has played a pivotal role in this evolution, setting a pace that others have yet to match.

The tensions that arose from recent agitations in Kogi East, which made the 2023 gubernatorial election so captivating, are now subsiding. This presents an opportunity to start asking the real questions that were overlooked during the election. If the rhetoric and promises were not merely fleeting, then when will the emerging new generation of elites address the genuine concerns of the average Igala person? Now that the elections are over and it is time for governance, do these individuals who claimed the All Progressives Congress (APC) was not suitable for us truly understand the needs of the people, or were they merely projecting their struggles onto the populace?

As the political landscape in Kogi State continues to evolve, it is imperative for leaders and stakeholders from my beloved Kogi East to move beyond political theatrics and address the substantive issues facing the Igala community. This requires a commitment to listening to the people and responding to their fears, but this cannot be achieved without supporting and working with the government in power. The unity displayed during the election must be harnessed constructively to ensure sustainable progress.

The youth, who played a crucial role in the electoral process, must remain engaged and proactive, ensuring that their voices continue to shape the political discourse. It is essential to bridge the gap between political ambitions and the real needs of the populace, ensuring that the progress achieved is sustainable and beneficial for all. We must afford ourselves the truth to know and align with the policies that the government of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, is rolling out.

I am a dedicated preacher of this gospel, and it does not matter if you see the good in it or not.

Thank you, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for transforming how Kogites engage in politics into a beautiful spectacle.