Olu Samuel, Lokoja.
THE Minister for Steel Development, Prince Shuaib Audu has vowed to keep working for the success of his party and it’s candidate until victory is achieved in the November 11 Governoship election in Kogi state.
Audu who is the Director General of APC campaign council stated this in his reply to a letter from ‘forum of Igala journalists’ doubting his loyalty to the candidacy of Ahmed Usman Ododo.
He said it was unthinkable for him to work against the party that had given him so much and on the platform if which he is currently serving as a Minister of the Federal Republic.
He said that the fear being expressed about him was unfounded as it represented the subjective views of those expressing the fear.
” I am uncomfortable that journalists who are by training and dispositions, are shapers of opinion and setters of agenda could be so subjective on issues of politics, leadership and governance”.
He writes:”My father, the late Prince Abubakar Audu had many loyalists, supporters and friends across the State. He wasn’t an ethnic bigot . He was loved by all and everyone who came across him in Kogi State and Nigeria testified to his detribalized nature. I love Igalaland and our people. But I also know that Kogi State is made up of other ethnic groups. For the Igalas to remain a force politically, socially and economically, we must accept the fact that we are destined to live with others and also respect them as much as we deserve respect from them. A Kogi that works together is better than a Kogi that is divided.
According to him,”As a person, I believe in the leadership ofGovernor Yahaya Bello. He has been fair to all the segments of the state. He has been fair to the Igalas. I have seen his projects in Igalaland. I have seen how much he loves our people. With all of this background knowledge. what will be my justification for hating him? My religion doesn’t teach me segregation. My parents didn’t teach me that. I can’t learn it now.” The minister maintained.
“My Membership of the party has given me the opportunity of being appointed as a Minister of the Federal Republic. A Council where decisions aftécting our nation are taken. Will anyone expect me to work against the party that has given me so much? That will be unthinkable”. He added.
He said that he had interacted with Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo and had seen his qualities and plans for the state.
“I have confidence that he will be a good Governor. One day, the other ethnic groups will also repay what we are doing today and Igalaland will be the beneficiary. I will go ail out, to campaign for the victory of my party. That is my determination” he said.