Olu Samuel, Lokoja
With the release of time table for the Kogi state 2023 governorship election by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC slated for November 11, 2023 , a group, Kogi Unity Forum, KUF has called on kogi East and central Senatorial districts to support a candidate from Kogi West to become governor in 2024 .
In a communique issued in Lokoja on Wednesday jointly signed by Hon. Adama Usman from East, Hon . Adinoyi Omaiza Simon from the central and Abiodun Agbana from the west respectively,the group commended the State Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello for promoting equity in governance for the past seven years .
The group said for continuity of kogi agenda ( Ibigo) as entrenched by this present administration,power should be naturally allowed to move to the west .
The group appealed to governor Yahaya Bello to throw his weight behind some experienced members of his cabinet who have served the government diligently for over 7 years without a blemish.
The group how ever narrowed their choice to the incumbent commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning, Alhaji Makadam Asiwaju Asiru Idris, ( MAAI)
The group which claimed to be non political said though many of its members are card carrying supporters of various political parties in the state but added that the motive behind this call is to ensure continuity in good governance and equity .
The movement further revealed that their membership were drawn from the 21 local government areas of the state who have feelings for the betterment, unity and peace of the state .
Part of the communique read “Our interest is to promote equity, egalitarianism and love for one another . Since power has been in the East for 16 years or so , then providentially moved to the central for 8 years, it beholds on the people of good will, like the amiable governor Yahaya Bello and other relevant stakeholders in the state to cause it to move naturally to the West for at least 8 years before going to the East.”
The group specifically recommended the commissioner for finance to succeed governor Bello on the platform of All Progressive Congress, APC .
“ We are members of different political parties in the state and we believe the progress of the state transcends party , ethnic and religious affiliation hence we decided to come together to call for what will promote love and unity in kogi state “ it read .
The group revealed that consultations are on going among members of the Forum to elect substantive leadership to pilots its affairs .
The group said it yet to contact the commissioner for finance and economic planning on the matter but they have resolved to persuade him to run while urging the governor to give him his blessing.