By Dada Ahmed.
L-K: Elder Simon Achuba & Chief Edward Onaja.
In a political climate often overshadowed by bitter rivalries and entrenched hostilities, the recent reconciliation between two former deputy governors of Kogi State, Chief Edward Onoja and Elder Simon Achuba, has sparked wide public interest and renewed hope for peace in the state.
Political analysts note that their symbolic reunion, marked by humility and statesmanship, provides not only a healing balm for lingering political wounds but also a blueprint for building a more peaceful and united Kogi.
The reconciliatory visit, which took place at Achuba’s Abuja residence, has been described by observers as a turning point in Kogi’s political history. Onoja, who succeeded Achuba after his controversial impeachment, openly acknowledged the need to mend fences and restore fraternal bonds. His gesture, many believe, reflects maturity and a deep respect for cultural values rooted in humility, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
According to Mr. Abdulkarim Abdulmalik, former Director-General of the Kogi State Bureau of Information and Grassroots Sensitization, the visit represents a humble display from a younger brother who believed he might have offended his elder—deliberately or otherwise—but was willing to make amends. Abdulmalik added that Onoja’s step was a submission to African culture, steeped in reverence for elders and guided by the fear of God.
Equally significant was Achuba’s response. Rather than rejecting the overture, the elder statesman warmly embraced Onoja’s hand of peace. His acceptance signaled not just a personal act of forgiveness but a public declaration of the importance of healing political divisions.
Abdulmalik further emphasized that Onoja’s visit demonstrated high regard and respect for Achuba, noting that Achuba is a respected political strategist with a passion for the growth and development of the state.
Keen watchers of Kogi politics describe the reconciliation as a graceful display of an elder’s commitment to peace and to fostering a healthier political environment.
The reconciliation carries particular weight, given the circumstances surrounding Achuba’s 2019 impeachment, which stirred controversy and was followed almost immediately by Onoja’s elevation from Chief of Staff to Deputy Governor under former Governor Yahaya Bello. The transition left a cloud of suspicion, with many wrongly assuming that Onoja had orchestrated his predecessor’s downfall.
In his remarks, however, Onoja sought to put those insinuations to rest. He stressed that his visit was not about politics but about brotherhood and mutual respect.
He described Achuba as “a respected political strategist” and “an elder brother with deep love for the growth and development of Kogi State.” Observers note that his words reflect a genuine desire to rebuild trust and reshape political narratives.
Onoja also praised Achuba for his unwavering commitment to truth and good governance while in office. By recognizing the positive contributions of his predecessor, he elevated the reconciliation beyond personal amends, turning it into a symbolic act of political maturity.
Reflecting further, Onoja pledged to devote his time, energy, and resources to the collective progress of Kogi. He reiterated that the meeting was “far from a political visit,” stressing that it was about ironing out differences and brainstorming as brothers on how best to contribute to the state’s development. “We have only rubbed minds as brothers, ironed out perceived or misconceived differences, and tried to discuss what we can contribute to the development of our state as stakeholders,” Onoja said.
Many concerned citizens of Kogi believe that the reunion, though not political perse, holds broader implications for the state’s political landscape. Both men hail from the same senatorial district,a factor that had historically fueled rivalry. Political observers expressed delight, pointing out that by setting aside differences, the two prominent sons of Kogi had not only redefined their personal relationship but also set an example for leaders across the state.
History shows that reconciliations are not new in Kogi politics. In 2003, former Governor Abubakar Audu and his then-deputy, Patrick Adaba, both of blessed memory, overcame years of strained relations to reconcile publicly.
Thus, the Onoja-Achuba reunion illustrates that while Kogi politics is often turbulent, it also has the capacity for healing and renewal. The first lesson from this cheering development is that reconciliation, when embraced genuinely, has the power to mend fractures that could otherwise hinder governance and development.
For many political analysts, the reconciliation also demonstrates that political contests should not translate into permanent enmity. Rather, leaders can—and should—find common ground in advancing shared goals of peace, unity, and development. After all, it is often said that in politics there are no permanent friends or enemies, only permanent interests.
In a state as diverse and complex as Kogi, where political divisions often mirror ethnic and communal tensions, such reconciliatory gestures are invaluable.
Citizens, too, have expressed optimism that the development could inspire a new culture of cooperation among political elites. “If these two could let go of the past, then others should also learn to prioritize the state above personal grievances,” remarked Malam Mohammed Abdulrahman, a Lokoja-based politician.
A youth activist, Mr. Moses Alabi, added that the reconciliation presents an opportunity for younger politicians in the state to embrace dialogue over conflict. He cautioned the political class that with Kogi navigating challenges of governance, infrastructure, and social development, the state cannot afford divisive politics that distract from urgent needs. “Peace is not a sign of weakness but of strength,” he urged.
At its core, the Onoja-Achuba reconciliation underscores the enduring wisdom of African traditions centered on respect for elders, forgiveness of past wrongs, and commitment to communal well-being. In a time when Nigerian politics is rife with bitterness, their reunion is a refreshing reminder that unity remains possible.
The central lesson from this development is clear: Kogi’s progress depends on the ability of its leaders to rise above personal and political grudges, embrace dialogue, and place the state’s interest above individual ambitions. True leadership lies not in perpetuating hostility but in fostering harmony.
It is hoped that more political actors, within and beyond Kogi, will take a cue from this development and adopt reconciliation as a pathway to political stability, social cohesion, and economic development.
In a nutshell, Kogi has the capacity to build a culture of peace that will strengthen its democracy, heal its divisions, and accelerate its development,if the philosophy of reconciliation demonstrated by Onoja and Achuba is genuinely entrenched in the political climate of the state.
Ahmed is a journalist and publisher of The Reporters.
