Concern Youth in Kogi Central Senatorial District have complained of the Marginalisation of Uka, the most populous clan in the area, even as they called on the state governor, Ahemd Usman Ododo, to invite relevant leaders of the clan for a dialogue.
In a statement today, June 1, the concern Youth commended the governor for addressing many challenges facing the state and asked him to urgently attend to the issue of a meeting with relevant stakeholders in Uka clan over the obvious marginalisation.
The statement said that Uka clan recognizes leaders and respected voices such as Architect Suleimen Obeito, Engineer Sadiq Abdulmumuni, Barrister Aliyu Saiki (SAN) and many other notable leaders whose voices and influence cannot be ignored in matters concerning the clan.
The statement said that former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello”s visit to Adozuka then, raised questions among many people, saying that Adozuka is known as a nurse and not a political figure, “and therefore he is not someone that can be regarded as the political representative or influential voice of the entire Uka clan.
“The reason for the then governor Yahaya Bello’s visit to Adozuka was difficult for many to understand, especially at the time when the people of Uka were deeply aggrieved over what they saw as clear marginalization.”
The concern Youth stressed that being Adozuka does not make someone the spokesperson or father figure of the entire Ezi-Uka people, adding that to avoid another possible setback in future elections, the government of Ahmed Ododo should engage in dialogue with credible and widely accepted stakeholder within the Uka clan.
“Genuine dialogue with respected leaders remains the best path toward unity, understanding, and political progress.
“Whatever is worth doing is worth doing well. Certain issues require sincerity, proper engagement and genuine dialogue. Attempting to resolve an already existing rift through backdoor approaches will only worsen the situation.
“The Uka family is united. They are a people who believe in progress, fairness and who stand for the truth, regardless of whose interests are affected. Any attempt to divide and weaken this unity is bound to fail.”
The statement said that the traditional leaders in Uka also represent all sons and daughters of the clan regardless of political affiliation, “as Uka people are spread across different political parties. “Unfortunately, some individuals are misinforming and misleading the government, thereby creating a wrong impression about the traditional institution and the people of Uka. If tomorrow the Uka clan decides to support any political party that recognizes and respects them, that decision should not be turned into unnecessary controversy or political drama.”
The concern Youth advised the state government to invite the concerned individuals and stakeholders for a sincere, peaceful and productive dialogue. “However, if the matter continues to be handled through the wrong channels and with misinformation, the situation may eventually deteriorate and produce negative consequences for everyone involved.
The concern Youth insisted that Uka, being the most popular and influential clan in Adavi LGA of the state would be neglected only at the expense of the leadership, especially the governor.
“Over the years, there have been several online and offline protests calling on the government to recognize and address the concerns of the people, but unfortunately, little or nothing has changed.
“The current political atmosphere in Adavi under the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration is far from encouraging.
“If the Kogi government truly wants to seek meaningful dialogue and hope to secure an easy path to victory in 2027, especially in Adavi LGA, the proper channels of engagement must be followed.
