By Correspondent in Lokoja.
Former Executive Chairman of Ijumu Local Government Area and Coordinator of the Okun League of Progressive Elites (OLOPE), Ijumu Chapter, Chief Fehinti Dada, has called for wisdom, unity, and dialogue among Okun people as agitations for a governor from Kogi West gain momentum.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Chief Dada expressed his support for the Okun governorship cause, describing it as “legitimate and long overdue.”
However, he cautioned that the movement must be pursued in a mature and strategic manner, if it is to succeed after Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo completes his two terms.
“The agitation for an Okun governor is not only legitimate but also long overdue. I’ve tried to stay out of the debate, but I feel compelled to share my thoughts. The ongoing clamor has started on the wrong note. If we see this as an Okun agenda, we must approach it with wisdom.
“I’m disturbed by the fact that some individuals are trying to blackmail or intimidate those with differing opinions. I’ve heard people criticizing Hon. Taofik Isah and other appointees of Gov Ododo and FGYB for protesting the interest of the duo. Politics is about interest, and every interest begins with self.
” The positions we hold today are rewards for our loyalty. The truth remains that no agenda is superior to the Tinubu agenda, as far as Hon. Faleke is concerned,” he added.
Chief Dada urged proponents of the Okun agenda to learn from past political experiences and pay attention to constitutional requirements for winning the governorship election.
“To win, we must secure at least 25 percent of votes in two-thirds of the state,that is, in 14 local government areas. Therefore, we should dialogue with our Igala and Egbira brothers instead of adopting a confrontational approach,” he advised.
He also appealed to Hon. James Faleke to be cautious of attempts to drag him into needless conflicts, stressing that cooperation across the state’s three senatorial districts is essential for political success.
Dada also urged Okun leaders to give Governor Ododo and Kogi Central the opportunity to complete their eight-year tenure before pushing for power rotation to the West.
“Let’s convene a meeting to discuss the way forward, including reaching out to Central leaders to secure their support when the time comes,” he further advised.
–Kogi Reports.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
