.Hadi-Dankogi.
1. As it seem congratulations are in order for the APC judging by the announced results already until maybe proven otherwise, I like to state that I remain grateful for the opportunity to be part of the significant project of Muri/Sam ticket under the platform of the Social Democratic Party in the midst of the intricate tapestry of tribal affiliations and political maneuvering.
Indeed, Alhamdulillah for the blessings that surround us.
2. As a matter of political principle, I have consistently maintained a neutral ground devoid of ethnic and religious sentiments in the consideration and accessing of candidates every election year. Not minding my desire that every zone be given chance of inclusion in running affairs of the state, I firmly believe that power belongs to God, and injustice to one is injustice to all. This principle underscores my political stance, emphasizing fairness and justice for all.
3. I acknowledge the strides and braveness of our candidate, Alh. Muritala Ajaka, and the entire team who supported him. Regardless of the outcome, our collective efforts deserves accolade and many in the fold are worthy of recognition for future consideration s. The recent election results, though awaiting further notice, compel me to commend Muri to have made it this far despite the hostility ab initio which immediately accounts for his defection to the SDP. His presence in the race has in the process given birth to the emergence of new Opinion leaders and Community mobilizers most of whom are of the youthful age as evident in the calibre of persons who constituted our Campaign Council and other complementing support groups.
4. The disunity that exist amongst us as a state is certainly one of the contributing factors that have hindered our progress and the pursuit of a collective agenda .The lack of platform (s) to engage one another and negotiate the allocation of power and resources in honest terms is a threat to our collective prosperity. It is therefore not out of place that we must be deliberate in the redefinition of our Political culture which must be particularly focused on Tribal Harmony in Political Choices. I hate to consider or give in to the thinking by some that the election was a tribal war; it was a quest for a better alternative, at least as intended. The choice of Muri, despite tribal differences, has been vindicated by the current reality. Unity, not tribal affiliations, guided our support.
5. Of great disservice to the efforts by some
who have taken it upon themselves to ensure our unity as a state as it should reflect in our consideration and further adoption in politics is the ill and divisive ideas and information that is continually communicated to our people as one generation succeeds the other; it has become very important that even as we differ in opinion, we must set the record straight; to this end, and as I have said in a previous piece, I want to clarify that the notion that Muri labeled the entirety of Ebira people as common enemies is false. His words were misconstrued, he emphasized conduct of those in power over tribe as the common enemy.
6. Further to the above, it may be taken as an effort to control damage, but I think Muri’s straightforward patten of Politics from my observations has made him a politician who speaks without pretence. On the twisted statement, his omission of call to Kogi Central was likely strategic, recognizing the area as a stronghold of the major opposition. However, Kogi West’s large support for APC is noted and welcomed despite the call on them to join us.
7. During the campaign period, I had some allegations made on me, most notably is the opinion of some that I yielded to the invitation to support Muri because of financial inducement after Chief Edward Onoja whom I preferred in the APC turned out not to be on the ballot; some said it was based on the promise of political appointment, and some others states that it’s a deliberate strategy to ensure future reciprocation. But on the contrary to either of the above notions, navigating the political landscape, it’s interesting to note that my reflections are based on observations and principles. I find it worth mentioning that, despite the ongoing discussions, I have not had the opportunity to meet Muri personally.
8. The Ethnic labeling and accusation on the people of Kogi East as being greedy, and unwilling to concede power to other senatorial districts hitherto 2015 since the return to democracy in 1999 now stands as a settled score as it is now obvious with the recent development and particularly the conduct of those currently in power that it’s not an interest peculiar to any zone to seek and retain power. This in essence informs that no senatorial district now have the moral right to label them (Igalas) as tribal bigots in our further engagement in the political arena. The current political landscape reveals that every district seeks power, and ethnic agendas are wielded as tools for political gain.
9. As a matter of personal resolve for a Better and United Kogi state even though it seem a high demanding task because of historical biases, I have never find it a wrong doing that as someone who is by origin from Kogi Central I find preference in a candidate that is not from my Senatorial district, my fundamental commitment is to the advancement of Kogi state regardless of where the person who bear the destiny to ensure that hails from. The character content, credibility and proven experience of whoever I consider bearer of a ticket that stands as a better alternative to the current system matters more to me than their origin. I pledge to support the most promising candidate, regardless of ethnicity as we continue to journey.
10. Lastly, I like to express gratitude to all who supported this cause.. We made our voice count. Our conduct has communicated our feelings, and serving as an evidence that many of us still desire a better system. On a general note, I must say that the mutual respect accorded one another by those of you with whom I engaged in the build up to the election is highly appreciated, at the end of the day, we remain people of same identity and we must find the need to overlook issues and move forward especially as politics remain dynamic…. Regardless of the individual choices, my respect for everyone remains intact. The outcome, whether favorable or challenging, affects us all. My prayer is for the success of Kogi and the eventual dissolution of sentiments hindering our collective progress.
In Unity and Progress,
Abdulmalik, Hadi Adinoyi.