With a heart full of gratitude, humility and deep reflection, I address you today after the confidence reposed in me during Wednesday’s APC primaries to once again to run for Lokoja I State Constituency in next year’s elections to have the opportunity to continue to serve as your representative in the Kogi State House of Assembly.
This opportunity is not lost on me. I understand the weight of the trust you have placed in me despite my shortcomings and lapses. I have listened to your concerns. I have reflected on your expectations. I have learnt from the experiences of past years.
For this renewed faith, I remain sincerely grateful.
First and foremost, I wish to express my profound appreciation to His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, for his pragmatic leadership and commitment towards delivering meaningful dividends of democracy to the people of our dear state. Your administration continues to give hope to our people through purposeful governance and people-oriented policies. I assure Your Excellency that the cordial executive-legislative relationship we have sustained shall continue when we return for a second term for the progress and development of Kogi State.
I also want I also extend my heartfelt appreciation to express my gratitude to the immediate past Governor of Kogi State and the Supreme Leader of our great party in the state, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello. Your leadership, political guidance and steadfast commitment to the growth of the APC in Kogi State continue to inspire many of us. Thank you for your fatherly support and belief in our collective future.
My sincere appreciation also goes to Alhaji Suleiman Baba-Ali for being a father to all and a leader per excellence. Your wisdom, maturity and stabilizing role within our political family remain invaluable. I remain committed to learning the true ethos of leadership under your guidance and tutelage.
My profound gratitude also goes to the APC Leader in Lokoja Local Government Area and former Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Umar Ahmed Imam, for his uncommon leadership and unwavering commitment towards the unity, growth and development of Lokoja Local Government Area.
To the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, I say thank you for your relentless support, mentorship and brotherhood at all times. Your leadership has continued to shape many of us positively within the Assembly. I remain committed to staying loyal, disciplined and dedicated under your leadership and remain your ‘boy,’ if that is what it would take to attain my full potential in public service and leadership.
I equally appreciate the Honourable Member representing Lokoja/Kogi Kotonkarfe Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Hon. Danladi Suleiman Aguye, for the important role you played towards ensuring my emergence. Your support and encouragement mean a lot to me.
I also appreciate the Honourable Commissioner for Water Resources, Engr. Muhammed Yahaya Farouk, for his tireless dedication towards ensuring a better and more progressive Lokoja through effective service and representation. This is also not forgetting the Honourable Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Engr. Abubakar Bashir Gegu, for his leadership role and to assure him that I understand his unique disposition to governnace in the present administration.
My appreciation equally goes to my brother and friend, the Executive Chairman of Lokoja Local Government Area, Comrade Abdullahi Adamu, whose youthful strength, democratic spirit and leadership capacity contributed immensely towards the achievement of our collective objectives.
I sincerely appreciate all Technical Advisers to the Governor from Lokoja Local Government Area, the Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, Ward Special Assistants to the Governor, legislative aides and every stakeholder who worked tirelessly to make this process successful.
I reserve special appreciation for my brothers and sisters who also aspired for this position before the responsibility was eventually entrusted to me once again. Your passion, determination and willingness to contribute positively to the growth and development of Lokoja remain commendable. Your aspirations reflect your love for our people and your desire to move Lokoja forward.
As members of the same political family, I remain fully committed to working closely with all of you. I intend to draw from your ideas, suggestions and experiences for more productive and effective representation that every citizen of Lokoja I State Constituency would be proud of.
To the people who expected more from me, I want us to understand that leadership is a continuous learning process. I acknowledge the areas where we fell short, even as I return to you with renewed determination, clearer understanding and stronger commitment to serve better.
I have learnt valuable lessons from the past. I am prepared to improve in communication, accessibility, consultation and delivery of democratic dividends. I am prepared to pursue legislation and people-centered initiatives that would positively impact the lives of our people.
Going forward, we shall work more closely with every segment of our constituency, traditional institutions, political associations, youth groups, women organizations, community leaders and all stakeholders to build a stronger, more united and progressive Lokoja.
The task ahead requires unity, sacrifice and collective responsibility.
May God guide us as we continue this journey together for the progress of Lokoja I State Constituency and the development of Kogi State.
Thank you all and God bless.
Signed;
Hon. Bin – Ebaiya Shehu Tijani (BEST),
Member Representing Lokoja I State Constituency,
Kogi State House of Assembly.
