One of the three major tribes in Kogi State, the Okuns in Kogi West Senatorial District recently stormed Aso Rock with complain of Marginalisation in the state.
The Leaders of the group highlighted that their appeal for power shift to the Kogi West Senatorial District is a reflection of the region’s historical support for other districts in the past.
The Leaders, Elder Leke Abejide, who is the candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the November 11 governorship election in the state and Professor Micheal Ikupolati, leading the Okuns Development Association, appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Intervene in their case.
The People expressed their unwavering support for the Tinubu administration and requested the President’s backing for Kogi West Senatorial District to have an opportunity to produce the next Governor of the state.
They emphasized that this would be the first time the district will have a chance to produce the governor in 27 years since the state’s creation in 1991.
They appealed to the President to direct security agencies to ensure a fair and peaceful election process during the November 11 election.
The group further requested the enforcement of the use of Biometric Voter Authentication System (BVAS) in the said election.
Responding, President Tinubu advised the people to maintain peace and unity ahead of the gubernatorial elections in the State.
The President assured them of his commitment to look into their concerns regarding marginalization and the need for fair representation in governance of their state.
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale detailed what transpired between the President and the Okuns in a statement.
The President told the delegation that democracy “is about horse trading, numbers, about conflicts and conflict resolution.
“I appreciate your leadership and your position. One of your sons, James Faleke, has worked very closely with me and I know about the issue when late Prince Audu was alive.
‘‘But that was the way of God Almighty. He passed on and the arrangement didn’t work and there was a judgement from the Supreme Court that was the last bus stop. That brought about the present government in the State, who is also a member of our party.’’
On the issue of power rotation and constitutional provisions to guarantee equal rights for all Senatorial Districts, the President said that he would thoroughly examine the matter of fair representation they brought to his attention.
He recalled the agreement on power rotation made by late Prince Abubakar Audu and other leaders but acknowledged that unforeseen events can impact such arrangements.
‘When you talk about domination, I will have to dig deeper on the issues. “Yes, the question of rotation was agreed by Prince Audu and some other leaders but death didn’t allow him. God Almighty knows the reasons and we cannot question him.’’
President Tinubu assured the group that having listened carefully to all their concerns on issues surrounding the elections in November, ‘‘he would look into the issues very carefully to ensure fairness, justice and equity but democracy is still a game of number.’’
He charged them to extend love to one another, be patient and show solidarity to other members of the Senatorial districts in the State.
