Edward Onoja: The Progressive Ally and Transformative Leader Kogi Needs from GYB to Carry On The Prosperity Assignment on The Confluence »

By Akoh Jacobs (FCFIA).

The heat of who succeed Governor Yahaya Bello (GYB) the Captain of New Direction Government on the Confluence in the upcoming APC’s Governorship primary slated for April 14th and the subsequent off season gubernatorial elections coming up in Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo State in which Kogi election is slated for November 11th, 2023 is on and seems at crescendo.

Bello in his several public speeches at different fora has made it clear to whoever cares to listen by his desire said that his successor shall be from among his team members of #NewDirection… The position he has re-echoed at any given opportunity and he is working the talk.

Bello’s political journey which seems to be a date with destiny way back but practically actioned in 2014 has his bossom friend, dependable ally, a renowned progressive and inseparable siamese twin brother Chief Edward David Onoja (CEDO) as his anchor man who helped him with other team players as his Chief Strategist to midwifes the ‘Dare the lions’ den’ political adventure as at time to achieved the uncommon political feats of 2015 through to 2019 general elections and subsequently till date. The trust he, Edward has not broken till thisday. Close Watchers of happenstances in the political arena of the Confluence State in the last 8years can attest that CEDO has been so constant with GYB like salt is significantly among the ingredients required to prepare a palatable meal.

Now that the power baton exchanged is required, a cursory examinations of all the aspirants within New Direction Team (since GYB has narrowed his support) who has been cleared by the party’s screening committee to contest the primary shows that CEDO as a trusted friend, loyal follower and dependable lieutenant with a character of a progressive leader who has developed productive capacity and had greatly enhanced public administration competence with oceanic courage towered others and deserved to carry on from his boss GYB having been well equipped with transformative leadership dexterity and hence have been adequately prepared for the task of Kogi Prosperity assignment while decharging his assigned duties thus far.

CEDO without perfection unexpected of human, has made and still making bridges across the cosmopolitan and diverse nature of Kogi State. Records abounds of his ability to carry every divides and groups along as thus far shown in his acts in the given privileged positions of leadership in the state, without reeling out names, many has be given means of livelihood, shelter, mobility, funded education as well as addressing several health challenges of many. His mark in youths emancipation and women empowerment is commendable.

His friends cuts across tribes and religion as he believes no one should be defined on the basis of his class, tribe or beliefs which has been the character gauge of New Direction.

As a transformation leader who quest for development is like a baby craving for the breast milk of the mother, CEDO shall consolidate on the developmental stride of GYB that saw many roads constructed, hospitals built, schools renovated and new one built (A case study of Kogi State University of Technology Osara), electricity improved upon, erosion controlled, improved high level security, increased revenue among other democratic dividends across the senatorial zones in the state.

Even though other contenders will like to be Governor, they preferred CEDO in their heart to carry on from the Boss as they know he is the best man for the job having worked with him as their senior colleague as they all serves the State in various capacity.

I doubt not the discernment of GYB for I know he knows how widely acceptable and sellable CEDO’s candidature is within the state and particularly within the ‘System’ and our party hence trust his judgement to reward good for good.

The cap fits Edward. Let him wear it. CEDO should do job. May Our Kogi prosper. May God take the glory and the citizens take the profits.

AKOH JACOBS (FCFIA).
Lokoja – Nigeria.