Olu Samuel, Lokoja
The People of Okun Land in Kogi West Senatorial District have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to consider them for appointment into his cabinet in view of the massive support they gave him during the last presidential election.
A socio-political group from the area,Okun Development Gladiators made the appeal in a press conference held in Lokoja.
Addressing a press conference at the NUJ Lokoja, Comr. Babarinde Sunday Adeyemi said that despite being the second largest populated group in the state, the Okun people have long suffered from marginalization and neglect in terms of social development and political appointments.
He said that the Okun people, along with the westerners, are the only axis in Kogi State that has never produced a Governor, despite the fact that they have consistently played a significant role in the state’s development and have been dutiful taxpayers.
“Furthermore, it is disheartening to acknowledge that the Okun people have not been appointed to the federal executive council for over fifteen years.
“We, the Okun people, had great hopes in your leadership and believed that your emergence would be a liberation to us. We voted for you massively because of our confidence in your fair leadership and humane nature.
“Our hopes were raised when we learned that an Okun nominee was suggested to you, alongside other names, by Governor Yahaya Bello. However, our hope was dashed when the final list was announced, and the Okun people were once again left out.
“As a resilient people who do not give up, we are here today to appeal to your good office for assistance. We recognize your fairness and virtue and humbly request that you consider our case in Okun with the same graciousness and consideration given to states like Kastina, Cross River, Bauchi, and others. We plead That you kindly approve our Okun nominee to be added for fairness and balancing.
“We beseech you to grant our plea and consider the appointment of Okun people from the Kogi West district for your placement.
It is our sincere hope that this appeal will receive your utmost attention and that the Okun people will finally receive the recognition and opportunities they rightfully deserve.”