Ahead of Kogi Guber Poll, Tinubu Preaches Peace, Unity among Okun People

*Promises to look into allegation of marginalisation

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has advised the people of Kogi West Senatorial District to maintain peace and unity ahead of the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state.

Speaking yesterday at a meeting with leaders of the Okun Development Association, led by Professor Micheal Ikupolati, at the State House, Abuja, the president assured the people of his commitment to look into their concerns regarding marginalisation and the need for fair representation in governance of their state.
The delegation had pledged 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 emphasised that this would be the first time the district would have a chance to produce the governor in 27 years since the state’s creation in 1991.
Responding to their appeal, 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.”
Specifically on the issue of power rotation and constitutional provisions to guarantee equal rights for all senatorial districts, the president said he would thoroughly examine the matter of fair representation they brought to his attention.

He recalled the agreement on power rotation made by the late Audu and other leaders but acknowledged that unforeseen events could impact such arrangements.

“When you talk about domination, I’ll 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,” he said.
He however, 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 went on to charge them to extend love to one another, be patient and show solidarity to other members of the senatorial districts.
Earlier, Prof. Ikupolati, had appealed to the president to intervene by directing security agencies to ensure a fair and peaceful election process on November 11, 2023.

Additionally, the group requested the enforcement of the use of Biometric Voter Authentication System (BVAS) in the upcoming election in Kogi State.