By joshua PRESS STATEMENT FROM IGALA YOUTHS COUNCIL WORLDWIDE
Office of the National President – Comrade Onogu Collins Monday
IGALA YOUTHS COUNCIL REJECTS ROTATION COMMITTEE REPORT, FAULTS MARGINALIZATION OF KOGI EAST AND WEST
The Igala Youths Council Worldwide, under the leadership of its National President, Comrade Onogu Collins Monday, has expressed reservations over the recently circulated publication titled “Ododo Backs Rotation Of Kogi Governorship Position, Calls For Peace, Equitable Development” and the accompanying committee report on rotation.
The Council notes with concern that the said report does not reflect broad consultations and appears to be driven by interests that do not align with the collective aspirations of Kogites for equity, fairness and inclusive governance.
After careful review, the Council wishes to state its position as follows:
1. Questionable Committee Report: The Council views the report as lacking credibility, transparency and wide stakeholder representation. It appears to promote a sectional interest under the guise of rotation, while preaching peace and equitable development.
2. Concerns Over Second Term Speculation: The Council observes that advocating rotation while subtly advancing a second term agenda raises moral and equity questions. True rotation must be anchored on justice and sincerity, not political convenience.
3. Marginalization of Kogi East and Kogi West: The Council wishes to draw public attention to the persistent concerns over marginalization of Kogi East and Kogi West. Kogi East, despite being the largest senatorial district in terms of population, voting strength and economic contribution, continues to face deficits in infrastructural development and equitable representation. Similarly, Kogi West is yet to produce a Governor since the creation of the State. This imbalance has contributed to feelings of exclusion and disunity.
4. Need for Genuine Rotation: The Council believes that for genuine equity and balance, any credible rotation arrangement in 2027 must begin with Kogi East, which has faced prolonged marginalization, or in the spirit of fairness, consider Kogi West which has never occupied the governorship position.
5. Flaw in the 16-16-16 Formula: The proposed 16-16-16 formula, in our view, does not address historical imbalances. One cannot correct an imbalance with another imbalance. If that formula is adopted, Kogi East could be out of power for 32 years, which would amount to a grave injustice. On the basis of fairness, Kogi West deserves consideration, and the Igala Youths Council stands in solidarity with Kogi West on the need to address this historical exclusion.
6. Call for Unity Between Kogi East and Kogi West: The Council calls on youths and stakeholders of Kogi East and Kogi West to remain united, engage constructively and collectively seek a path that guarantees justice, inclusiveness and genuine reconciliation for all parts of the State.
The Igala Youths Council Worldwide maintains that in 2027, genuine rotation must start with Kogi East on account of its population, voting strength and long-standing marginalization, or alternatively with Kogi West, which is yet to produce a Governor. Any arrangement outside these two equitable options will not foster the desired peace and unity.
We reiterate that sustainable peace can only be built on the foundation of justice.
Signed:
Comrade Onogu Collins Monday
National President,
Igala Youths Council Worldwide