Considering the present state of affairs, 2019 election season is one we cannot afford to make old mistakes. Why? Because, the system has become so progressively worse that such may lead to the end of Kogi East senatorial districts. As a matter of reality, there is no alternative to amelioration of the dilapidated legislative and socioeconomic strides. And there is no time other than now to right the wrong. We must get things fixed now or forever live as refugees in our fatherland.
Take it or leave, a lot of people travels far away to another part of the country in search of greener field. Not because Kogi East perhaps the state entirely is not economically endowed. But because, the inhabitants of power blocs don’t have political will for a judicious use of what we have. Efficaciously, Kogi Easterners have found solace in their present place of abode regardless of how unsecured it is. Those living in the Northern part can testify. We have heard of several crisis rocking places like Kaduna, Kano, Jos etc. But the decision to return home is always uttered by the rotten state of Economy, political warping and security upheavals.
It might also interest you to know that, had Kogi East produced a genuine candidate in the legislative assembly, Kogi would have been listed among the oil producing states in Nigeria, With Kogi East as epicenter. Apart from the controversial Ibaji oil well, I can mention at least four or five oil wells discovered so far in Kogi east yet to be explored. And those who are conversant with benefits accrued to these Niger Delta states knows Kogi has missed numerous financial/infrastructural opportunities.
Igala/Bassa are the majority ethnic groups in Kogi state. Therefore it’s expected that issues sheltering the welfare of the state at large should have our representatives at the fore struggling for it. But on the contrary, lack of commitment by our legislators outweighed our roles on such core issues. For instance, the revamping of Ajaokuta steel company (the largest steel complex in West Africa). There had never been a time the current legislators raised or supported a bill on Ajaokuta steel revival. But the minority had continuously done so. To the glory of God, information reaching me few hours ago has it that, the bill soliciting over $1 billion investment on Ajaokuta steel company has been passed into law.
Again, it my surprise you to know that, if not for the intervention of a venerable daughter of Egbiraland and a Senatorial aspirant (Barrister Natasha Akpoti), the state government at a time went into unholy alliance with some Igala elites (name withheld) to sell out our God given asset- Ajaokuta steel. I know that even if Kogi central refuse to campaign for her, (Natasha Akpoti) God almighty will. Because as far as I have seen, she represents a brighter light for Kogi central.
It would be a gripping tale if I reveal that my findings shows 90% of coal Americans are using today is illegally mined from Kogi state. I will not discuss this details. Please do your findings and prove my lies. But why is this so apt here? Everyone knows the important of coal to electricity generation. So, had our lawmakers been able to think outside the box and tap into coal (which we have in abundance in Kogi state), perhaps the state government made efforts to it, by now unemployment palavers would have been minimal in the state. But to God be the glory, God is given us a governor that has penned down utilization of coal in his agenda comes 2019. He has pledged to serve only four years, after which Kogi state will be revived again.
No time is more telling than now. Kogi East cannot afford a self ambitious lawmaker anymore. But a sound technocrat with untainted abode. And with copious knowledge of our socioeconomic debut.
How do we achieve this? Its through collective behest to produce a grass-root oriented representative. A vision bearer with political sagacity and capacity to unite Igala/Bassa on the various fonts.
Let me be frank with us. Open debate for senatorial aspirants may not guarantee 100% thrust for all-inclusive and transparent legislation. But to a magnificent extents, we can be rest assured. So instead of keeping mute while justice gets slaughtered year in year out, why can’t we err our voices and bring the illusion to a logical end?
Open debate will be all about deepening democracy. It’s all about transparency and accountability. It would be all about a nation where it’s government will depend on the masses for survival contrary to the status quo. Open debate lends credibility to genuine stewardship. It’s is the criteria for equitable distribution of common wealth. Open debate is the bedrock for a sound and secured Kogi East we all aspires.
I hereby call on the Nigeria election debate group (NEDG), media houses, NGOs and all concerned to help shape Kogi East political hemisphere by bringing all our gladiators to the podium for a live debate. Remember, Kogi East political fortune remains a must raveled mystery. Therefore, no stone should be left unturned.
I stand for justice.
JOHN PAUL (OPERATION WIN BACK KOGI STATE)
07064258752.