Today, some political stakeholders of Kogi State would assemble in the capital city of Lokoja to embark on an inquest into the politics of equity, justice, and fairness in the confluence state. At stake is the 2027 gubernatorial trophy.
I was recently invited in my personal capacity and in recognition of my long standing political profile since 1978 in Nigeria and my active involvement in Kogi politics since 2003.
As secretary of the State ALGON between 2003 to 2007, I had participated actively in the quest for political inclusivity of all the component parts of the state. I was in league with other eminent kogites such as Senator AT Ahmed, Tunde Ogbeha, Otaro Ohize and Prince Sola Akanmode in this quest for parity in our political matrix.
Given this trajectory, one should ordinarily be excited to be a participant in a talkshop where political equity, power shift and rotation would be discussed and a template for an amicable political order established for current and future generations.
Unfortunately, many issues have cast a huge shadow around the proposed summit . These issues include the timing, the identity of the organisers and participants, and the intended objective of the summit.
I have reflected and consulted widely with my political associates in my local government area and in the state on the purpose of the summit. I have in good conscience decided not to be a participant in the 11th hour talkshop.
As a critical stakeholder and a major player in the struggle against military incursion, and the subsequent enthronement of democracy rule in Nigeria, power rotation by 2027 in Kogi State should be treated as sacrosant and inevitable. After 17 years of Igala and 12 years of Ebira ‘s rulership, it is politically expedient that Kogi West be the next zone to produce the governor of the state. Anything short of this would amount to political rigmarolling and a dangerous precedent for future political arrangement, such that each senatorial district would have to wait for 48 years for power to rotate to it.
Let us heed the voice of REASON.
Dr. Mathew Keyi,
Former Chairman, OgoriMagongo (2003-2007)/ Member, APC Founding Team
