Bassa – Komu ethnic nationality in Kogi State formally jettison PDP for APC
The Bassa – Komu, one of the largest ethnic groups in Kogi State present in over twelve Local Government Areas have formally abandoned the opposition PDP in Kogi State and have embraced the ruling APC.
The group, led by their political eggheads made the decision public on Saturday in Lokoja when they were hosted by the state Deputy Governor, Hon Edward Onoja in Government House.
Spokesman of the group, Hon Samson Daudu said in his opening remarks that they decided to back the APC and Governor Bello and his Deputy because they were promise keepers who say things and ensure they were fulfilled.
He said the group has met with leaders and interest groups belonging to different political camps on their decision to ensure unity of direction in their support of the APC and Governor Bello because their long years of support for the opposition PDP had not brought any positive development to their people.
According to Hon Daudu, they want to distance themselves from politics of the past where the interest of self trumped that of the collective, noting that Governor Bello has demonstrated so much love for the Bassa – Komu people.
He said the Governor and his deputy have shown that there was need for the country to search for and bring to the public youths that are detribalised and have uncommon commitment to the development of their states and the nation as is being practiced by the duo.
Speaking, the deputy governor, Hon Edward Onoja thanked the Bassa – Komu people for their decision to support the APC and Governor Bello, assuring them that Bello would do even better things than he has done for them in his first tenure if re – elected
He said the government of Alhaji Yahaya Bello ensured that for the first time, the commissioner in the Kogi State cabinet from Bassa LGA came from their ethnic group as does the member representing Bassa State Constituency in the House of Assembly.
In addition, he reminded them that beyond other appointees from their ethnic extraction, the Governor has also ensured that the Oguma- Sheriya Bridge project received attention as the contractor handling it has been fully mobilised and await the rains to subside for him to complete the work.
He also assured them that Governor Bello would ensure that the ‘Operation Power Kogi East’ Project which he chairs reached Bassa Local Government so that the people would see electricity for the first time.
In his remarks, the member representing Bassa Local Government State Constituency, Hon Ranyi Daniya thanked the Governor and his deputy for having special interest in Bassa, and assured of their determination to reciprocate the gesture.