It was Nelson Mandela who once said,“It is not our diversity which divides us;it is not
our ethnicity, or religion or culture that divides us. Since we have achieved our freedom,there can only be one division amongst us: between those who cherish democracy and
those who do not.”The significance of those great words of the sage freedom icon resonates down 
the
political history of Nigeria. And lately, in Kogi State, a state that bears a striking
resemblance to the wider Nigerian diversity, we are reminded of the import of those
words as we embark on another exercise to choose a new governor for the state. That division in society is a function of poor management of diversity is not in doubt, as
has been starkly highlighted by happenings on the eve of the governorship election. What is in doubt, it seems, is whether those jostling to govern this ethnically and
culturally diverse state have learned the appropriate strategies to manage diversity. Unfortunately, the actions and statements of some of those aspiring to lead the state
portray them as having learnt nothing on how to manage the issues that tend to divide
us. The utterances of some of our political leaders have tended to promote destructive
orientations and tendencies. But in sharp contrast to the ways of many in the political arena, the governorship
candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State, Alh Ododo Ahmed Usman
has demonstrated a desire to of son the issues that bother the state. Ododo will focus eon issue-based campaigns devoid of ethnic pigmentation. This is
unlike many of his rivals, his messages will be devoid of ethnicity ,pride, arrogance, and
egotism.
“This current government of Alh Yahaya Bello has done much in establishing his foot
path across the state and all that is needed is to build on what has been done so far.”Among the contenders for the top job in Kogi State, Ododo stands out. A man with rare
leadership qualities, his enviable antecedents are respected and celebrated across
ethnic boundaries. He is a product of the times,the product of ideological and social
re awakening among Kogites, are birth not tainted with th ewiles of tribe and tongue.Ododo is a dogged, experienced, and far -sighted leader with the capacity and
willingness to advance the rich political and socio-economic history of Kogi State. He is
a man with unquenchable commitment to due process and rule of law, who is
determined to build strong institutions and ideals that will engender confidence among
the people and promote patriotism. He made unprecedented impact in the previous position he has been previledged to
serve under this current Government as the Auditor General. .In an era when the country is facing an existential threat, men like Ododo are needed to
pilot state affairs. Unsurprisingly, politicians with parochial predispositions and propensity to promote
divisive agendas perceive Ododo as a threat. He has come to the scene with a people-centred agenda that is exploding the parochial messages on which many of his
opponents have anchored their campaigns.Fortunately, however, the people are with Ododo. He carries their hopes and aspirations. Effective leadership and management of resources is synonymous with good
governance. And the prerequisite for the discovery and achievement of good
governance is the discovery of self, and advancement of ideas and ideals capable of
promoting and fostering wholeness and oneness of a people. It is a process and
conscious desire activated through actions and constructive visions of leaders to
censor their minds against all forms of negativism and dividing trends. Leaders, who must pilot the affairs of kogi State and,by extension ,Nigeria,are
challenged to find paths that make sense and guarantee hope. This calls for
selflessness and alignment of personal interest with the interest of the larger society. It
entails an open heart and mind. It requires readiness and preparedness to harness our
diversity for the common benefit of the people.
Instead of dissipating energy on destructive and unappealing ventures and ideas, Ododo’s opponents are invited to be more constructive int heir messages and create
political norms that will promote and encourage transparency, accountability, integrity, lawfulness ,sound policy, participation, and corruption-free political space. There is need to choose statesmen over mere politicians. As James Freeman Clarke put it,“The difference between a politician and a states man
is that a politician thinks about the next election while the statesman thinks about the
next generation. ”Ododo parades the antecedents of a states man. Let the people of Kogi State support
and vote for Ododo come November as the next governor. A vote for Ododo/Joel mandate is certainly a vote for today’s prosperity, and hope for
the next generation. Tosin Tafu
Better Kogi Initiative 4 Ododo
08036642595