Kogi East Groups Reject Tribal Politics, Pledge Support for Governor Ododo’s Development Agenda
A coalition of prominent social and cultural organizations from Kogi East Senatorial District has strongly condemned what it described as a divisive and tribal remark credited to Senator Sunday Karimi of Kogi West.
The groups, representing various Igala and Bassa interests, faulted Senator Karimi’s comments during the 2025 Kabba Day Cultural Celebration, where he reportedly claimed that Kogi West was “engaging” with Kogi East to “hijack leadership” and secure the 2027 governorship for his zone.
In a joint statement issued on Monday, the groups disassociated Kogi East from what they called a “dangerous and misleading narrative,” stressing that no authentic representative body from the district has entered into any political alliance aimed at excluding other parts of the state.
They described Karimi’s comments as “a threat to the unity, peace, and brotherhood” that have sustained Kogi’s multi-ethnic balance, insisting that leadership should be based on merit and performance, not ethnicity.
“Kogi thrives on unity, not on schemes to subvert agreed principles for narrow gains,” the statement read. “Our state’s progress must be guided by fairness, equity, and a shared vision for development.”
The groups reaffirmed their confidence in Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration, citing his developmental strides across Kogi East as evidence of inclusive governance. They highlighted ongoing projects such as the Idah township road, Ibaji road, Abejukolo-Bagana link, and the Oganinugu axis road construction, alongside the rehabilitation of healthcare facilities across the senatorial district.
According to them, these projects have rekindled citizens’ trust in government and demonstrated Ododo’s commitment to balanced development.
The coalition also urged Senator Karimi to retract his statement and apologize to the people of Kogi East, commending him, however, for his contribution to community development, including a ₦20 million donation to Kabba. They advised political leaders to channel their energies toward unity and genuine service rather than exploiting ethnic sentiments.
The statement further emphasized that Kogi State belongs to all ethnic groups of Igala, Ebira, Okun, and Bassa and that future leadership must reflect this shared identity.
Concluding, the signatories passed a vote of confidence on Governor Ododo for his “giant strides” in Kogi East and across the state, declaring that his re-election for consolidation in 2027 has become “the unanimous resolution of the people of Kogi East.”
The joint statement was signed by leaders of several organizations, including the Kogi East Movement for Consolidation (Bar. Ocheja Musa), Igala Think Tank (Dr. Omede Akpenyo), Kogi East Good Governance Forum (Chief Phillip Okpanachi), Bassa Progressive Union (Chief Emmanuel Soko), and the Igala Professionals Association (Dr. Fatima Onuche), among others.
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