By Dada Ahmed in Lokoja.
(c).Vanguard News.
Kogi Central Elders Council has appealed for the right approach to the forthcoming Governorship election in which Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo from the central senatorial district of the state and other candidates from the two other districts will contest for the coveted governorship seat.
The Council also canvassed for the much-needed unity of the entire state needed for the much desired peace, progress and development of the state.
This is contained in a statement reflecting the meeting members of the council held in Okene recently.
The statement was signed by its Chairman Adai Steven Yakubu and a copy made available to The Reporters in Lokoja on Sunday.
Adai Steven said that during the meeting, the Council reviewed the prevailing socio-political developments in the state and the Central Senatorial District in particular and decided to make public, its views on the observed developments.
Giving more insights into the meeting, the chairman said,”In accordance with the objective of the Council, which is “Peace and Progress” of the Central, the Council profoundly appreciated the efforts being made by His Royal Majesty, Alhaji (Dr.) Ado Ibrahim CON, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland and the Ebira People’s Association.”
He added that the Council praised other well-meaning individuals and organisations in calming nerves and preaching peace and politics of non-violence in Ebira Community.
He continued:” Appreciation has also been given to the State Government for the high-level security, amidst other development being enjoyed in the area.
“The Council is in full support of the present scenario whereby we are writing to be Anebira and do Ebira proud in the comity of Kogites.
“There is no doubting the fact that the State is tending towards distinct division of the major ethnic groups,through politics, almost on Senatorial District basis in the State.
“The Council is hereby canvassing for the much-needed unity of the entire State which is sinqua-non for the much desired peace, progress and development of the State.
“We are appealing for the right approach to the forthcoming State Governorship election in which our son and sons of other sections of the State are contesting for the coveted seat.
“The Council supports good leadership to the rest of the State in terms of peaceful electioneering campaigns and the voting exercise.
“The Council wishes to encourage every voting-age Anebira to get his or her PVC ready and go out on the voting day to cast his or her vote to indicate the voting strength of Anebira and not to sit down in their houses on the voting day.”
The Council said that the appeal became necessary “because abstention will not give any political credit to Anebira.”
The Council , Adai Steven added, deemed it fit and proper to give credit to the youths of the Central for their peaceful conduct, so far, exhibited in the current electioneering process.
The chairman,who noted with delight that the youth in the district had maintained reasonable and peaceful conduct, urged them to do more in that regard.
The Council also urged traditional rulers, community keaders and Onobas in the district to continue to ensure strict vigilance for continue prevalence of peace and security in the Central Senatorial district of the state.
“What we all need, for happy and safe living, are peace, unity and progress.
“May the Almighty God grant them to us in the Central, now and always, amen, the Council stressed.
