By Correspondent in Lokoja.
With the time table for governorship election in Kogi state, billed for November 11, 2023 released by Independence National Electoral Commission,INEC in public domain, a group, Kogi Unity Forum, FUF has solicited the support of kogi East and central Senatorial districts to support the candidature of kogi West extraction to become the next Governor of the state in 2024 .
Hon. Adama Usman from East, Hon . Adinoyi Omaiza Simon from the central and Abiodun Agbana from the west, representating the three senatorial districts of the state, made the call in a communique they signed in Lokoja and made available to Journalists on Wednesday in Lokoja.
The trio,who are made up of the communique drafting committee of the group, commended the Governor of the state,Alhaji Yahaya Bello for promoting equity in governance for past 7 years .
The group noted that for continuity of kogi agenda (Ibigo) as entrenched by the present administration in the state, power should naturally be allowed to move to the west Senatorial district.
The group, therefore, appealed to Bello to throw his weight behind some experienced members of his cabinet who had served the government diligently for over 7 years without a blemish.
KUF, however, narrowed its choice to the incumbent Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning, Alhaji Makadam Asiwaju Asiru Idris, ( MAAI)
The group, which claimed to be non political, said though many of its members are card carrying supporters of various political parties in the state said the motive behind its call “is to ensure continuity in good governance and equity” .
The group further revealed that its members were drawn from the 21 local government areas of the state who had feelings for the betterment, unity and peace of the state .
It said:” Our interest is to promote equity, egalitarianism and love for one another .
” Since power has been in the East for 16 years or so , then providentially moved to the central for 8 years, it beholds on the people of good will, like the amiable Governor Yahaya Bello and other relevant stakeholders in the state to cause it to move naturally to the West for at least 8 years before going to the East .”
“The group specifically recommended the Commissioner for Finance to succeed Governor Bello on the platform of All Progressives Congress, APC .
“ We are members of different political parties in the state and we believe the progress of the state transcends party , ethnic and religious affiliation, hence we decided to come together to call for what will promote love and unity in kogi state. “
The group revealed that consultations were on going among members of the Forum to elect substantive leadership to pilots its affairs .
The group, however, said it had not contacted the Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning on the matter but had resolved “to pacify him to run while urging the governor to give him his blessing”.
Our Correspondent reports that Bayelsa and Imo states will also conduct their governorship elections on November 11,2023 according to INEC.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
