Power Rotation Summit: Dialogue Necessary for Peace, Unity in Kogi

The Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Democracy Newsline Newspaper, and Chairman, Okun Media Professionals, Chief Olugbemi Femi, has thrown his weight behind the proposed Power Rotation Summit in Kogi State, describing the initiative as an important platform for dialogue, political balance and peaceful coexistence among the people of the state.

Chief Femi said the name given to the gathering—whether dialogue, summit or workshop—should not be the major issue, stressing that what matters is the opportunity it provides for Kogites to discuss political equity, inclusion and the future of the state.

He stated that as long as the process contributes to achieving a balanced political arrangement in Kogi State, he supports the initiative and believes that all stakeholders should participate in the conversation.

“Whatever name is called, either dialogue, summit or workshop, in as much as power is balanced in Kogi State, I am in support of the Power Rotation Summit. The conversation is important and needed for us to continue to live peacefully with one another in the state, irrespective of our senatorial districts, tribe and ethnicity.”

According to him, Kogi State is a diverse society comprising people from different senatorial districts, ethnic backgrounds and communities, making continuous dialogue essential to maintaining peace, understanding and unity.

Chief Femi stressed that political differences should not become a source of permanent division, urging stakeholders to use dialogue as an avenue to present their positions, listen to opposing views and search for areas of common understanding.

He therefore appealed to individuals, political leaders, community leaders, professionals, civil society organisations and other stakeholders not to distance themselves from gatherings where critical issues concerning the political future of Kogi State are being discussed.

“No one or group should distance itself from such gatherings,” he said, noting that participation provides stakeholders with an opportunity to contribute to discussions that could shape the future of the state.

Chief Femi also used the opportunity to commend the organisers of the proposed summit, the Kogi Unity Accord, led by Omoluabi Bode Adeyemi, for initiating what he described as an important conversation at this period in the political development of the state.

He said the initiative demonstrated that the future of Kogi State should not be left to a few individuals or political actors, but should involve as many Kogites as possible.

According to him, the development of Kogi requires collective contributions from citizens across the three senatorial districts and from different professional, political, traditional, religious and community backgrounds.

“Kogi Project needs as many Kogites as possible to make it right for the benefit of the entire state,” Chief Femi stated.

He explained that building a peaceful and prosperous Kogi State should be treated as a collective responsibility, irrespective of political affiliation, senatorial district, tribe or ethnicity.

The media practitioner urged the organisers to sustain the spirit of inclusiveness and ensure that diverse voices are given opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the conversation.

He also called on participants to approach the summit with an open mind, maturity and a commitment to the larger interests of Kogi State rather than personal or sectional considerations.

Chief Femi maintained that participation in the summit does not require stakeholders to agree on every issue, stressing that the essence of dialogue is to allow different perspectives to be expressed and considered in a peaceful atmosphere.

He said the proposed gathering should therefore be seen as an opportunity to deepen understanding among the various sections of Kogi State and strengthen the bonds of unity among its people.

He concluded by urging Kogites at home and in the diaspora to take greater interest in conversations about the future of the state, stressing that Kogi belongs to all its citizens and its progress requires the collective efforts of all.