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By Correspondent in Magongo.
Prince Jordan Akpata, National President of Magongo Development Association reading the Press conference speech at the occasion.
Political stakeholders from Magongo Community in Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area of Kogi State have called on Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to uphold a long-standing rotational political arrangement between Ogori and Magongo communities, warning that any deviation could undermine fairness, unity, and political stability in the constituency.
Addressing journalists at a press conference in Magongo on Wednesday,léd by the Prince Jordan A. Akpata, National President of the Magongo Development Association, and J.O-Magongo, National Secretary., the stakehokders said their appeal was driven by the need to preserve a decades-old framework that has ensured equity and peaceful coexistence in the area.
The stakeholders acknowledged the governor’s commitment to continuity and good governance but expressed concern over reports suggesting support for the re-election of the current lawmaker representing the constituency in the Kogi State House of Assembly, Bode Ogunmola.
They stressed that the rotational arrangement between the two communities is a well-established and respected tradition that has guided political representation across elective and appointive offices at both the local and state levels.
“At the local government level, beneficiaries of this rotational understanding include: Hon. R. K. Jubelo (Ogori), Hon. E. D. Olufade (Magongo), Hon. M. D. Keyi (Ogori), Hon. Gabriel Daudu (Magongo), Hon. Olafimihan Akerejola (Ogori), Hon. Goke Oparison (Ogori), and Hon. Rosemary Ohiezu (Magongo).
“At the State House of Assembly level, the arrangement has also produced respected representatives such as Hon. (Dr.) Godwin Oritogun (Ogori), Hon. (Maj.) Albert Soje (Magongo), Hon. Godwin Osiyi (Ogori), Hon. Moses Akande (Magongo), and Hon. Bode Ogunmola (Ogori),” the stakehokders said.
According to them, the system has over the years produced credible leaders and prevented marginalization, while fostering inclusion and balance in governance.
The stakeholders maintained that based on this established understanding, it is now the turn of Magongo Community to produce the next representative in the State Assembly.
“Our position is not a rejection of the current lawmaker or his performance,rather, it is a principled stand rooted in justice, fairness, and respect for agreements that have sustained peace in our constituency,”they clarified.
They emphasized that Magongo boasts a pool of competent and credible individuals capable of effective representation and meaningful contributions to legislative development in Kogi State.
The group further appealed to Governor Ododo to demonstrate leadership by upholding the principles of equity and inclusion, noting that true leadership is measured not only by infrastructural achievements but also by the ability to ensure fairness and justice.
Specifically, they urged the governor to respect the rotational arrangement, support a Magongo candidate for the Assembly seat, and encourage dialogue among stakeholders to maintain unity and prevent avoidable political tension.
The stakeholders reaffirmed their loyalty to the state government and their commitment to peace, unity, and development, expressing confidence in the governor’s wisdom to act in the overall interest of the constituency.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
