The Confluence state, as Kogi is fondly called because of its natural features has existed for 32 years, having been decreed into existence on 27 August, 1991 by Gen Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.
The State is strategic and to a large extent, indispensable to the realisation of Nigeria’s lofty dreams. Not only is Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, the first administrative capital of amalgamated Nigeria, still standing on Mount Party, 1,500 feet above sea level is Lord Lugard’s guest house, where Flora Shaw, a British journalist with The Times of London, suggested in an article that the area around the Niger be named “Nigeria”, hence the name Nigeria.
Water is indispensable in agriculture and food production; gracefully, Kogi is home to the two largest bodies of water (rivers Niger and Benue). In fact, the two rivers confluence in Lokoja, the capital. Kogi is unarguably the only State that borders ten states. With this, it can be safely deduced that Kogi is the hinge that connects the southern and northern parts of Nigeria
Standing on the tripod of three majority ethnic groups (Igala, Ebira and Okun) and other minority tribes, the State parades arrays of beautiful and colourful cultural heritage.
The forgoing presupposed that in terms of food production, Kogites should have no business with hunger. In terms of revenue to fund government, Kogi should be swimming in surplus without having to run to Abuja with cap in hand. The ever-alluring confluence of rivers Niger and Benue is a huge tourist attraction. The beautiful ‘natural’ beaches, Lord Lugard’s guest house on Mount Party and other Colonial relics should be a huge revenue receipt for the State.
Despite these huge endowments, Kogi is today, the headquarters of hunger – poverty walks naked on the street. Despite the rich and dynamic cultural heritage, which should have made the State a melting point for booming civilisations and springboard of ethnic harmony, the three major tribes have, for most part of the last three decades, coexisted in constant ethnic tension.
A concatenation of factors has been adduced for the sorry state in which Kogi found itself today. Suffice to mention a few: politics without character. Political power in the right hands can do lots of good but when in wrong hands, it is like a knife in the hands of a madman; he/she will use it to injure others and himself. Greed, avarice and malicious plunder of State resources are responsible for the pitiable condition of Kogi today.
However, 18th century British Philosopher, Economist and Parliamentarian, Edmund Burke was famously quoted to have said: “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph in the world is that good men do nothing”.
That’s why the quest by R.O. Atabo SAN, to become the governor of Kogi State is a soothing relief. Hugo Victor once said: “Nothing is more powerful than an idea whose time has come.” Since its lack of character; ineptitude; greed of men that plunged the State into the current mess, it will only take men of character, integrity, dexterity and candour, laden with competence to restore the sanity and dignity of the State.
The good book said: “When the righteous are in power, the people rejoice”. That’s where RO Atabo SAN has an edge. Given his antecedents and character, Atabo’s stubborn adherence to the principle of humanity first is not in doubt. He believes power belongs to God and only gives individuals in trust. What we do with it is what determines where we stand in the court of public opinion, posterity or judgement of history.
The entrance of RO Atabo into the governorship race is a divine design, orchestrated to bring liberation to Kogi State. As an officer in the temple of justice, Atabo will be fair to all. He has the magic wand to heal and diffuse the ethnic tension, mutual suspicion and thick acrimony that has polarised Kogi ethnics.
The primary purpose of any government is security of lives and property. In this regard, nobody is better prepared to treat everybody on the basis of equity, justice and fairness like a man, who has made mediation, conciliation and advocacy his lifelong assignment.
The icing on the cake is that, of Atabo’s many qualities, compassion stands out. Compassion is the driving force of good leadership. Throughout human history, leaders who have made indelible impacts were men of deep compassion. It makes a leader restless until he/she sees smiles on faces. Even ‘forever’ living leaders Venerable Mahatma Ghandi, Nelson Mandela, Mother Theresa, Winston Churchill etc, were driven by compassion. In other words, compassion is the fulcrum of purpose-driven leadership. That’s RO Atabo’s testament and that’s why the time is now; to rescue Kogi state from decadence, degeneration and despair.
By way of résumé, Dr Reuben Okpanachi Atabo, SAN, is the Principal Partner of R. O. ATABO, SAN & CO. a firm made up of about twenty (20) lawyers with post-call experiences ranging from 3 years to 33 years.
Atabo is an experienced legal practitioner who is enthusiastic, self-motivated, reliable, honest, responsible and hardworking. He was born on 11th September, 1964 at Okpotala- Ife Village in Omala LGA of Kogi State. He attended Qua-iboe Mission Primary School and obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1976. Thereafter, He attended St. Charles College Ankpa from 1977 to 1982. After his secondary education, He attended school of Basic Studies Makurdi, Benue State between 1982 and 1984 before proceeding to the University of Jos where he obtained an LL.B degree in 1988. He was posted to Kaduna for the mandatory National Youth Service scheme (NYSC) and to the Law Firm of Mohammed Mohammed & Co. for primary assignment.
He was called to the bar on the 14th day of December 1989 and has remained in active legal practice since then. He commenced his legal practice in Kaduna where He founded the firm of R. O. Atabo & Co. and practice in Kaduna for several years before relocating to Abuja and He still maintains a branch office in Kaduna. He became a Notary Public of Nigeria in 2010 and has obtained several academic, honorary and professional certificates including a Doctor of Laws (LL.D) Honoris Causa from University of Belize, Belize City, Central America in 2013 and he is a Certificate holder in Risk and Security Management for Executives from Abbey College London.
Dr. Reuben Okpanachi Atabo also holds a Doctorate in Public Administration and Management from LVIV University of Business and Law Ukraine.
He has been engaged in many facets of legal practice from litigation in Land Matters, Commercial Law, Labour Disputes, Election Petitions, Criminal Matters, Oil and Gas from High Court to the Supreme Court. He has handled several high-profile cases
Sulgrave Holdings Inc. & 19 Ors vs. Federal Government of Nigeria & 3 Ors (2012) 17 NWLR (Pt.1329); (2012) LPELR 15520 (SC); Durbar Hotel Plc vs. Abella Ityough & 4 Ors. 2NWLR (Pt.1549) SC; (2010) LPELR -4064; Abba Mohammed Sani vs. President, Federal Republic of Nigeria & 1 Or. (2020) 15 NWLR (Pt. 1746); Alh. Ali Abacha vs. Attorney General of the Federation (2021) 10 NWLR (Pt. 1783); Durbar Hotel Plc vs. Kasaba United Ltd & 20 Ors NWLR (PT. 1564); (2015) LPELR-25739 (CA); Spectrum Wireless Communications Ltd vs. E.M.T.S & 16 Ors CA/L/07/2021 -; Durbar Hotel Plc vs. Governor of Kaduna State & 3 Ors – Suit No. KDH/KAD/51/2020 on the demolition of Durbar Hotel building Kaduna by the Government of Kaduna State. I am involved in the Malabu Oil and Gas Limited case at various Courts in Nigeria.
He is a member of several professional bodies including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), International Bar Association (IBA), Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA) and the African Bar Association (ABA). He is a fellow of the Institute of Management Consultant and a Certified Management Consultant. He is a legal adviser, secretary and consultant to several companies.
In terms of accolades, Christians and Muslim students peace foundation- educational award of excellence to Dr. Reuben Okpanachi Atabo as hope for the Nigerian masses in recognition of his contribution to Nigeria’s Judicial System, peace and unity, education and progress for the benefit of Nigerians 2019.
Nigerian youth advocate for anti-corruption –crusaders award of excellence to Dr. R. O. Atabo due to his undying passion for fighting corruption, youth empowerment, nation-building, women empowerment and selfless service to humanity -2019.
Law Students Association of Nigeria (LAWSAN)- Certificate of Patronship to Dr. R. O. Atabo as a life patron due to his contribution to the Nigeria judicial system, educational development, social development, humanitarian service, nation building and selfless service to humanity -2019.
Kaduna State youth parliament – award of excellence to dr. R.o. Atabo due to his undying passion for educational development, community development, nation-building and selfless service to humanity in -2019.
Award to Barrister Reuben. O. Atabo for outstanding accomplishment in community development by Omala traditional council- Onu ife dated the 27th day of February, 2021.
UN Economic and Social Council- Certificate of Appointment as Nigeria director, legal and human rights services dated the 16th day of April 2021. Etc.
The foregoing underscores one thing, that RO Atabo SAN is a ‘total’ man. He is a man of character, which means what he says and says what he means. His resume demonstrates competence, excellence, dexterity and resilience.
The historical trajectory of Kogi State, since its creation may not have been very palatable, but the situation is not irredeemable. I’m confident that when square pegs are placed in square holes in Kogi, then, we have activated our journey towards a State of peace, abundance and prosperity.
Godbless the Confluence state.
Omonu Gowon-Nelson is an Abuja-based journalist, On-Air Personality and Public Affairs Analyst.