From Emmanuel Adeyemi, Lokoja
As political activities are soon to commence for the governorship election starting with the primaries of the political parties, the Okun Patriots has declared that for equity and fairness, an Okun person ought to be the next governor of the state.
In an interactive session, the political group stated that after 31 (thirty one) years of the creation of the state of which Kogi East has ruled for 16(sixteen) years and Kogi Central for 8(eight) years at the end of the tenure of Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello in January 2024, it’s only fair for an Okun person to be Governor.
They posited that this position is not in any way inspired by any entitlement consideration but on the premise of equity and fairness.
It is only right for all segments of the state to have a sense of belonging for harmony and peaceful coexistence.
Shutting out one ethnic group from leadership in the governance of the state is marginalization which they argued must not be allowed to thrive.
They appealed to individuals from other Senatorial zones in the state to look at the bigger picture and drop their aspirations for Lugard House in the next dispensation.
Patriots acknowledged the fact that none of the three senatorial districts can go it alone except with the cooperation and support of others.
While the rights of others to aspire and seek the Office of Governor are not in doubt, the collective interest of the state should be placed above personal interest and ambition.
For the avoidance of doubt and speculation, this quest, Patriots stated is across party divides and will be pursued vigorously.
The Patriots equally agreed to reach out to lovers of fairness and equity in the other Senatorial zones to key into this project and give the required support to make it a success.
To affirm the importance of this quest, Patriots have pledged that the majority in Okunland will mobilize, give support and vote massively for any political party with an Okun person as its candidate in the next governorship election.
Hon Otitoju Olusuyi is convener of the Okun Development Initiative.