From Olu Samuel, Lokoja
The Kogi East Youths Coalition have said that the alleged exclusion of Kogi East Senatorial District from the ongoing proposed electoral ward creation exercise in Kogi State was unjust.
A statement issued on Thursday by the convener of the coalition, David Isaiah Ijele demanded fairness and equity in carrying out the exercise.
He said that the coalition had staged a protest to the Independent Electoral Commission headquarters in Abuja to press home their demands.
”Our gathering was not driven by partisan politics, ethnic hatred or hostility towards any individual. It was a civic demonstration against an electoral process that appears to deny Kogi East equal treatment despite being the largest senatorial district in Kogi State by population, geographical spread and electoral contribution.
He said that reports circulating publicly indicate that additional wards have been proposed for parts of Kogi Central and Kogi West, while all nine local government areas of Kogi East were left without a single additional ward.
”This perceived imbalance is the basis of our protest and demand for justice.Kogi East is home to nine local government areas — Ankpa, Bassa, Dekina, Ibaji, Idah, Igalamela/Odolu, Ofu, Olamaboro and Omala.
He said that according to official population records from the 2006 National Census, Kogi East has the largest population in the state and has consistently recorded one of the highest voter turnouts during elections.
”It is therefore unacceptable that a ward creation process meant to deepen democratic representation would allegedly exclude the largest senatorial district in Kogi State.” He noted.
The Coalition therefore demanded the
Immediate suspension of any ward creation exercise that excludes Kogi East Senatorial District as well as Public disclosure of the criteria, data, constitutional provisions and methodology used in proposing additional wards across Kogi State.
The Coalition also demanded a transparent, fair and inclusive review of the entire ward creation process to ensure equitable representation for Kogi East based on population, voter distribution, landmass and geographical realities.
Equal treatment for all three senatorial districts in Kogi State in accordance with the Constitution and democratic principles and Stakeholders engagement involving representatives of Kogi East communities before any final decision is taken on ward creation.