Comrade Joel Salifu Emphasizes Need to Preserve Relationship Between Igala, Ebira Communities »

… Urges APC faithful to remain steadfast, support candidates for the council elections as stakeholders present endorsed flag-bearers

The Deputy Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Comrade Joel Salifu has called on the indigents of Kogi East to uphold the longstanding relationship between the Igala kingdom and the Ebira people in Kogi State, urging them to refrain from animosity and politics of bitterness.

Comrade Joel Salifu made the call when he was addressing stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Omala, Ankpa, and Olamaboro local government areas at his residence in Ejule, in preparation for the upcoming local government elections in the state.

He emphasized the historical ties and affinities between the Igala nation and Egbira kingdom that must be safeguarded for future generations. He called for caution in utterances, whether on social media platforms or in any form of engagement.

Comrade Joel Salifu said that the mutual relationship between the two nations made former Governor Abubakar Audu picked his Deputy Pa. Patrick Adaba from the Ebira extraction.

Narrating the historical commercial interactions between the two nations in the oil palm trade, the Deputy Governor called for a harmonious relationship that negates divisive politics, emphasizing the importance of unity and collaboration between the three major ethnic groups for the state’s progress and development.

Deputy Governor attributed the emergence of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to divine will. He commended the Governor for his exemplary leadership, citing achievements such as improved civil servants salaries and infrastructural development within a short period as indicators of positive developments for the state.

He praised former Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello for laying the foundation for the current administration’s progress. Joel Salifu called on all APC members to support the party’s candidates for the upcoming council elections, emphasizing the importance of unity and teamwork in the electoral process.

The Kogi East acting zonal chairman of the APC, Hon. Omika Suleman Mohammed, noted that the Governor’s consultative approach for the council elections is commendable. He urged patience from aspirants not opportune to contest in the election, while calling for unity among the stakeholders of the area.

Addressing the leaders, the Director General of Kogi State Community Watch and Ancillary Matters, Hon. Muhammed Nasiru Alfa, stressed the responsibility that comes with power, advising leaders to use it judiciously for the greater good and to treat members with honesty and respect.

Hon. Siaka Musa, the APC North Central Organizing Secretary, and Ambassador Isaac Onu urged members to stand united behind the party and its candidates.

Prof. Salisu Usman Ogbo, the Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic emphasized the need to recognize and appreciate the sacrifices made by party members, praising the Governor and his Deputy for their inclusive approach in adopting prospective candidates through stakeholder consultations. He said the meeting will instill a sense of belonging among all party members.

The APC State Women Leader, Hajia Hawawu expressed gratitude to the Governor for the policy of 40% women inclusion in governance, marking a departure from past practices of using women solely for dancing and singing during campaigns.

Former Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Hon. Gabriel Olofu, appealed to all party members to continue supporting the elected leaders post-election to ensure their success.

Following the meeting, stakeholders presented their respective endorsed candidates to the Deputy Governor for the upcoming council elections.