The Nation Newspaper

Tag: KOGI

  • Kogi 2015: Revisiting Wada’s second coming

    As the governorship election in Kogi State draws close, possible permutations on chances of respective contestants have started emerging from an assortment of quarters. Even conjectures regarding the likely party standard-bearers are unfolding while party primaries are yet to be conducted. In as much as these efforts may just be regarded as speculations, there exist some pointers that convey probable truths and worries about the forthcoming elections. Emphatically, the echoes of imposition of candidates are beginning to sound very loud especially in the camp of the present ruling party, the PDP, where the incumbent Governor, Captain Idris Wada, has indicated interest for re-election.

    Presently, the gossip being peddled is on Governor Idris Wada’s endorsement by his party’s national leadership.  This purported approval though best assumed as mere hearsay, has in a style reminiscent of rumours, sent a message that has been promoted by its beneficiaries to rapidly travel round the political spectrum of Kogi State.  Well, for many analysts, if at all this is anything to go by, it simply means that the PDP which Governor Idris Wada belongs to, is entangled in a risky  issue of skewed political disposition that may expose a  serious jeopardy resulting from political party impunity as witnessed in the 2011 PDP elections.

    Right now, even though Governor Idris Wada bills himself as the best candidate from the PDP for the forthcoming elections, nevertheless, his public rating has hit rock bottom as the suffering of Kogi people has become increasingly obvious with escalating unemployment and gross dilapidation of public infrastructure under his leadership. These compelling facts about Kogi State in Governor Idris Wada’s present tenure, no doubt, suggest the existence of an avalanche of intolerable and unprogressive actions of a leader.  Already, Governor Wada’s government has been tagged with many derogatory labels as regularly expressed in the media, thus making his tenure an embarrassment to the PDP. Consequently, the belief by many Kogi citizens is that there is no testimony to Governor Wada’s claim on strong credentials in governance aside from commissioned articles in the newspapers and paid advertorials. Indeed, these negative indices have signaled that Governor

    Wada’s ambition to contest for a second tenure can only find sustenance and victory in a flawed electoral process. Realistically, any party with such a candidate should be deeply troubled.

    Now that Governor Wada’s underperformance has become a major concern for the Kogi electorate, the likelihood that he would be made the PDP candidate in the forthcoming election will further distance the party from politics of consolidation and stability.  Simply put, the conclusion by the majority of Kogi voters is that Governor Idris Wada’s second coming is offensive to their sensibilities.  Thus, it is evident that any party that presents him would find it extremely difficult to win the votes of the majority. The point herein is uncomplicated because, barring a divine intervention or an act of God or sudden intervention of the national leadership of PDP for a fresh candidate, the opposing APC party will defeat the PDP with landslide victory in the coming elections.  Thus, any endorsement extended by the PDP leadership to Idris Wada for a second term in office will obviously expose the quality of its leadership and to a large extent, the party’s intentions for the Kogi citizenry.

    Presently, many observers of the Kogi politics believe that for progress to be witnessed in the state there would be a strong need to bring about leadership adjustments that will overhaul its governance. Unfortunately, Governor Idris Wada seems to be at variance with such a concrete reality because his recent remarks while speaking on how he would easily defeat the opposing APC party at the polls do not reflect an understanding of the complex political situation in Kogi.  In fact, Governor Wada’s  comments on his anticipated victory are not only shocking but they invite suspicion because instead of focusing on the major hurdle of party  primaries, he rather chose to delve into matters relating to the major electoral contest, thus, indirectly confirming that the party primaries is already a done deal for him. How he arrived at this, may not be very far from allegations that he has planned to manipulate the party primaries.

    Nevertheless, given Governor Wada’s poor track record and lack of evidence on fresh initiatives, it is hard for any objective mind to feel optimistic about his assumptions of electoral triumph. Indeed, for a large section of the Kogi electorate, the popular public opinion has shifted unfavourably against Idris Wada. Thus, his rumoured choice as the PDP candidate will not only make Kogi election unexciting and uncompetitive but will be PDP’s gravest error since it exited the status of national ruling party in Nigeria. Indeed, if Governor Wada eventually emerges by hook or by crook as the PDP candidate in the forthcoming elections, the picture that will be portrayed is that the PDP has advanced a failure strategy and has again repeated the unpopular approach of party imposition. On this, some analysts predict that such may not only guarantee the PDP an early loss at the Kogi polls but might make the PDP unfit to be victorious in any of the twenty one local government councils in the state.  If this happens, it is unlikely that the PDP would get any moral consolation when it gets defeated at the elections.

    Besides the fact that Wada’s purported party endorsement is already feeding the APC propaganda mills, it is important to state that the main political battle for the PDP right now is not necessarily the struggle between its candidates or even between intra political camps but rather between Idris Wada and the majority of Kogi citizens.

    The simple reality about Kogi politics is that the incumbent Governor, Idris Wada has fallen far short of the people’s expectations and does not seem to have the faintest idea of how to make Kogi work. Consequently, his second coming must be tamed by his party leadership, especially now that it has been reported that some high-minded appeals have already been made by PDP party faithful to Governor Wada to step down for another PDP member in the coming election.  It will be most honourable for him to accept such soft landing because Lord Lugard’s House certainly deserves a new occupant and the PDP will do well in giving the Kogi electorate a candidate that will enable them make a good choice. On the other hand, a refusal by Governor Wada to step down, might not only lead to the sinking of his party’s ship in the forthcoming elections but expose his selfish politics of defiance that will only end up watering the seeds of victory for APC opposition party.

     

    • Onyegbule wrote in  from Ogori Magongo
  • ‘Kogi awaiting Audu’s return’

    ‘Kogi awaiting Audu’s return’

    AN organisation, the Kogi State Liberation Group (KSLG), has said the aspiration of the people to have Prince Audu Abubakar as their next governor has the backing of 325,990 of its members, cutting across the three senatorial districts.

    At a news conference organised by the body in Lokoja yesterday, its National Coordinator, Mallam Ibrahim Odaudu, said their resolve to support the ex-governor was borne out of their conviction that he would reduce poverty, unemployment and youth restiveness.

    He said the doggedness and courage exhibited by Audu contributed to the All Progressives Congress’ (APC’s) ascendancy to power at the centre.

    Audu, Odaudu said, had a strategic plan to liberate Kogi from comatose and transform it into a commercial hub.

    He added: “Our candidate is determined to ensure that the welfare of the civil servants is prioritised.

    “By our findings, the state is known to be rich in human and natural resources, but is the poorest in terms of maximisation and utilisation of the abundant potential.

    “It bleeds our heart to see a state so rich in mineral resources, yet remains underdeveloped.

    “Audu is a man whose legacies remain unbeaten since he left Lugard House in 2003.”

  • Kogi, Bayelsa voter registration to hold Sept. 2

    Kogi, Bayelsa voter registration to hold Sept. 2

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it will begin the Continuous Voter Registration in Kogi and Bayelsa states on September 2 till September 7, ahead of the governorship elections in both states.

    The commission’s daily bulletin yesterday said the registration would hold in the local government areas from 8a.m. to 4p.m. daily.

    It noted that the five-day registration was for those yet unregistered and those who just turned 18.

    “Those who were eligible but did not register before the March and April general election and those who registered but their names were not in the voters’ register”, INEC said.

    “There are also those who have attained the age of 18 years since the last registration”, it said.

    The commission urged prospective voters in both states to register so that they can vote in the elections.

    It said the commission held a stakeholders’ meeting in Kogi and would hold a similar meeting in Bayelsa on Thursday.

    Also, INEC has urged election monitors to make meaningful observations and recommendations that would further strengthen the electoral process.

    Its bulletin quoted the Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mr Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, as speaking at a stakeholders’ post-election review of gender responsiveness during elections.

    It said Osaze-Uzzi, who was represented by the commission’s Deputy Director of Publicity, Mr Nick Dazang, said INEC had benefited from the recommendation of election monitors.

    He noted that such recommendations had been factored into the commission’s plans to strengthen the country’s electoral process.

    Osaze-Uzzi said: “It is what observers say about an election that gives it credibility.

    “That is why it is always important, especially for a growing democracy like that of Nigeria, to always factor and invite observers and report the process before, during and after the election.”

  • APGA’s governorship form for Kogi, Bayelsa polls costs N1.5m

    APGA’s governorship form for Kogi, Bayelsa polls costs N1.5m

    The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has said its form for this year’s governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states will cost N1.5 million.

    APGA’s National Director of Publicity, Mr Ifeanacho Ogbuejiofor, spoke in Abuja in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    Ogbuejiofor said the “Expression of Interest Form” would cost N500,000 while the Nomination Form would cost N1 million.

    He said sale of the form began yesterday, adding that the forms would be obtained at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

    Ogbuejiofor said the party was ready to participate in the elections in both states and ensure that it fielded good candidates for the polls.

    The spokesman said the dates for the primaries to pick the party’s candidates would be decided after the sale of the forms and ascertaining the number of aspirants.

    He said: “Before now, many persons have shown interest to  contest in the elections in both states. I hope that now that the party is ready, they will come for the forms.”

     

  • Kogi prosecutes man for putting stepdaughter, 12, in family way

    Kogi prosecutes man for putting stepdaughter, 12, in family way

    Kogi State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development Hajia Bilkisu Momoh yesterday announced the arrest of a man for allegedly putting his 12-year-old stepdaughter in the family way.

    The commissioner spoke when children from Osara and Osaragada communities visited her office in Lokoja.

    The visit was facilitated by the European Union (EU) Project on Promoting Rights of Children, in collaboration with ActionAid Nigeria.

    The government, she said, inaugurated a task force in each of the 21 local governments for the enforcement and implementation of the Child Rights’ Act.

    Hajia Momoh added that her ministry was taking care of the girl, ensuring she received medical attention.

    She said the task force, to function with the Child Rights Implementation Committees (CRIC) and Child Protection Network (CPN), was in the councils to enhance prompt report of violation and rights abuses.

    The commissioner, who was represented by Mr. Stephen Ojo, the director of Administration in the ministry, said the government was set for the prosecution of those, who abused or violated children’s right.

    She said: “At present, we have a case of a man who impregnated his 12-year-old stepdaughter. We ensured his arrest and prosecution and we are taking care of the girl, making sure she gets medical attention.”

    The Director, Women Affairs, Mrs. Salome Okibe, represented by the Deputy Director, Mrs. Elizabeth Adegbola, stressed the need for children to know their right and prevent abuse.

    She said the ministry’s resolve to ensure that no child’s right was trampled on was hampered by the dearth of human resources, urging synergy with non-governmental organisations for the implementation of the Act.

    Masters Wahab Audu and Miracle Sheigaba, representing the children of Osara and Osaragada communities, presented a seven-point ‘Charter of Demand’ to the commissioner.

     

     

  • INEC schedules CVR in Kogi, Bayelsa

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is to conduct Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in Kogi and Bayelsa States from 2nd to 7th September, 2015.
     
    The exercise is coming ‎ahead of the governorship election in the two States scheduled for 21st November and 5th December, 2015,
    The five-day exercise will afford an opportunity for three groups of eligible registrants to register in order to vote:
    ·      Those who were eligible but did not register before the 2015 General Elections;
    ·      Those who are eligible but whose names are not in the Voters’ Register, and
    ·      Those who have attained the age of eighteen (18) years since the last Voter Registration exercise.
    ·
    The CVR exercise will take place at the Local Government Area (LGA) level. It will also commence daily (during the scheduled five days of the exercise) from 8.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.
    On Friday last week, the Commission addressed stakeholders in Lokoja, Kogi state, urging prospective registrants to turn out in large numbers and to take advantage of the exercise to register in order to vote.  A similar stakeholders’ forum will be held on Thursday 27th, August, 2017 at Yenegoa, Bayelsa State.
    [news_box style=”2″ display=”tag” link_target=”_blank” tag=”Bayelsa” count=”6″ show_more=”on” show_more_type=”link”]
  • IG team, FERMA rid Kogi highways of criminal hideouts

    IG team, FERMA rid Kogi highways of criminal hideouts

    The Inspector General Police, Mr. Solomon Arase vowed to rid Nigeria highways of men of the underworld and other criminal elements.

    Towards this end, the IG backed by a detachment from the Force Headquarters, Abuja, during the week teamed up with officials drawn from the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) Kogi State field office and the North Central zonal office 1 (NC NC1) in cutting over hanging branches from trees along the Okene-Kabba highway.

    The IG team also oversee the repair of failed portions and patching of pot-holes along the federal road.

    FERMA’s zonal Co-ordinator for the North central 1 (NC NC1), Engr. R. K. Olaniyi stated that Kogi state field office embarked on the verge clearing and tree cutting between Obajana junction along Lokoja-Okene road, to enhance motorists visibility and to eliminate criminals’ hideouts.

    The project he said is by direct labour. According to him: “The patching of potholes between km 10000 km- 15500 along Okene-Kabba road using berkamp pothole patcher, is to enhance smooth riding surface and to discourage and eliminate likely areas that may serve as hideout for criminals”.

    He added that the Inspector General of Police showed concern about the safety of motorists and other users of federal roads in the zone.

    Asked about the timing, the FERMA Engineer for Kogi State, Engr. Mohammed Ibrahim said everything was timed.

    He said: “When we work on the road we actually time ourselves. When you do stone-based work you don’t need rain, but when you’re out of the rain you prime, and that is what we are doing now.

    “We have already sent information on some critical roads to head office based on request, so it now depends on their approval, but the ones we can attend to are the ones we are doing.

    “On-going work on the Obajana Road is also part of efforts to expose criminals, so that when you are driving, visibility will be clearer and you will be able to see far. This will ensure safety along the corridor and help minimise criminality”.

  • Kogi House of Assembly Clerk designate, colleague die in car accident

    The Kogi State House of Assembly Clerk-in waiting, Barrister Peter Willy was yesterday involved in an auto crash, along the Lokoja-Abuja Road.

    The accident occurred on Wednesday, on the outskirts of Koto-Karfe.

    Also involved in the accident was a lawyer and colleague, while the driver of the vehicle in which they were travelling was simply identified as Agada.

    The trio, it was gathered, were on their way to Abuja to witness the collection of the governorship nomination form by Governor Idris Wada who is seeking re-election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

  • Kogi 2015:Wada seeks another term

    Kogi 2015:Wada seeks another term

    After months of speculations, Kogi State Governor Idris Wada has formally declared that he will seek re-election.

    A statement by the Government House said the governor accepted to seek re-election, following the pressure mounted on him by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) elders and other stakeholders.

    Wada was quoted to have said: “The words of our elders are words of wisdom. I’ve come to appreciate in the last few weeks that before elders speak, they must have used experience, patience, candour and courage.

    “This latest gesture by our leaders has added to the weight of responsibility that I shoulder. My pledge is to surpass your expectations, God helping me.”

    The statement added that the stakeholders, besides endorsing Wada as the party’s candidate ahead of the November 21 governorship poll, also agreed that power rotation be entrenched in the state body politics.

    They resolved that after the tenure of the incumbent, power should rotate between the West and Central senatorial districts.

  • Kogi aspirant gets backing

    A group, the Kogi State Power Shift Ambassadors, has congratulated a governorship aspirant in the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Suleiman Baba-Ali, on his performance during the screening of aspirants.

    The screening was conducted by the Kogi Central and West Forum for Equity and Justice.

    Presenting the congratulatory letter, the founder of the group, Comrade Abdullahi Onumoko, described Baba-Ali’s victory as a boost towards the realisation of power shift to other zones.

    The power shift ambassadors, according Onumoko, have been at the forefront in the fight against domination by a particular zone.

    “We have been championing the call on Kogi Central and West people, irrespective of tribe, to come together and claim their destiny by ensuring that power shifts to these zones in the interest of equity.”