2020 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTION IN KOGI STATE: MY TAKE.
Gentlemen and Ladies.
This is just an inference drawn from the observation I have on most aspirants (Kogi Central in particular) contesting the forthcoming Kogi State Local Government election under the platform of APC.
I must appreciate your commitments and courage to the party so far.
I will like to tap into my past political experience which has placed me in a better position to access the current political situation in the state. It’s so unfortunate that the politics we play today is winner takes all. It would’ve been better paid off if there’s a genuine and competitive politics.
The politics today is to intimidate the perceived opponents and also look down on the leaders because we believe they have no influence over our political aspirations.
Interestingly, His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello has really canvassed, spent time and his resources in all his electoral activities. He respected and visited key political leaders while he was contesting for election. He showcased his ability to lead and also presented a wonderful manifesto that made him popular among the contestants. I could remember vividly when His Excellency met with me while contesting in 2015. He dialogue with me regardless of my support for my political friend and brother (Late Barr. James Ocholi) as at the time. He met with so many other leaders across the state campaigning, leaving no stone unturned. These golden sacrifices he made has earned him a great mark today. The same process was repeated in his bid to get reelected last November. The Governor, irrespective of his position also inaugurated high powered committees to solicit for people’s support.
For the past weeks now, I have taken my time to study those who are contesting for various political offices (Chairmanship & Councillorship) in the forthcoming election most specifically in Kogi Central. Until this minute, none of the aspirants deem it fit to liaise with stakeholders and the party leaders. The only slogan is bragging, using GYB to intimidate people, that it’s no stress as the election has been done believing that it’s going to be walkover.
Honestly I have never come across any manifesto from any aspirant showing us what they intend to do for the people if elected. Intentionally they’re not relating with the political leaders, retired and serving civil servants, the street heads and every other persons that make the ward what it is. They believe the election is done.
Again, politics is all about proper representation of the people. Whose interest are you going to represent if you are not relating with your people?
I’m so sorry of our today’s politicians. Yes, it’s a good thing to bring the youths on board but then, I strongly believe it shouldn’t be radical ones that one will be ashamed of.
I decided to speak out because I have a stake in it.
However, I want to state it clear to the aspirants that the selection for the election is going to be done through a direct primary as it is contained in the party constitution. This will enable the aspirants to test their popularity. The failure you’ll record is when the card carrying members of the party refused to come out for you. But if you forcefully maneuver your way to an office, I can assure you that you won’t be popular, no honour will be attached to your name and you won’t be recognized. So, it’s high time you made yourself popular, give us your manifesto and stop bragging. Let’s see how responsible you are, so that we can proudly say tomorrow that you are our Chairman or Councillor.
Bragging won’t give you any edge over others, neither will it guarantee you reputation now or in the nearest future. Go out and sell your ideas to the people you aspire to represent.
Governor Yahaya Bello sold his ideas to the people and he was accepted twice. You can emulate him, don’t come down to the Local Government or Ward bragging, intimidating people that your ticket is already there for you.
In conclusion, my brothers and sisters, be aware that politics is all about interest and qualitative representation. It may interest you to know that most aspirants don’t even know the boundaries of their Local Governments and Wards. As an aspirant, it’s important you know your local government if truly you are ready to represent the people.
I’m not saying this because I want anybody to meet with me, No, neither do I want any form of relevance from anyone. All powers belong to God.
Thank you.
Hon. Abdulazeez Anakobe