By joshua WHY ANKPA AND KOGI EAST SHOULD CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE APC GOVERNMENT
By Alhaji (Hon.) Abdulmajeed Hassan
Special Adviser to the Governor of Kogi State on Policy Analysis
As an indigene of Ajobe Community, Ojoku Ward 1, Ankpa Local Government Area, and a proud son of the Igala Kingdom, I consider it important to contribute to the ongoing conversation about governance, political representation, human capital development and the dividends of democracy in Kogi State and Nigeria at large.
As a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and an appointee of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, Governor of Kogi State, I have a responsibility to assess the performance of our government objectively and explain why I believe our people should continue to support the APC at all levels.
My position is informed by my personal experience, the appointments given to our people, the infrastructure delivered across our communities, and the opportunities emerging for the Igala nation under the current administration.
1. Ajobe Community: A Beneficiary of Human Capital Development
In my community, Ajobe, we have witnessed significant political inclusion and opportunities for service under the APC-led government.
Beyond my appointment as Special Adviser to the Governor of Kogi State on Policy Analysis, our community leader, who served as the pioneer APC Chairman from our community, has also been appointed as a Senior Special Assistant to the Governor.
Similarly, our elder brother, Honourable Hassan Omale, the immediate past member of the House of Representatives representing Ankpa, Omala and Olamaboro Federal Constituency, has been appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Executive Director, Agricultural Services, at the Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority.
Our community and local government also benefit from the political leadership provided by our elder brother, Honourable Mohammed Salihu Jibrin, Chairman of the APC in Ankpa Local Government.
These appointments demonstrate the importance of political participation, loyalty, inclusion and the opportunities that can arise when our people are actively involved in the governing process.
2. Ankpa Local Government: Appointments and Physical Development
As an Ankpa man, I acknowledge that the APC-led governments at the state and federal levels have provided opportunities for our people through appointments, public service and infrastructure development.
At the state level, Ankpa and the wider Igala-speaking area have produced individuals entrusted with important responsibilities. These include the Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, and the Provost of the College of Education (Technical), Kabba.
Beyond appointments, infrastructure development remains an important part of the conversation.
We must acknowledge the Ankpa township road and the Central Mosque project associated with the administration of former Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello. We should also recognise the more recent road interventions around Ogaji and Enokpoli, the two secretariat access roads leading towards Ogaji, and developments across Olubojo, which is increasingly taking on the character of a new residential and administrative district of Ankpa.
Some people may argue that certain road projects are World Bank-supported interventions. That is a fair observation, but it does not tell the complete story.
World Bank-supported infrastructure programmes are not automatically free resources. Depending on the financing arrangement, they may involve loans, counterpart funding, state contributions and repayment obligations. Governments must make the necessary commitments to access and implement such programmes.
Therefore, the relevant question is not simply whether a project is World Bank-supported, but also whether the state government has demonstrated the commitment required to secure, finance and implement it.
From my assessment, Ankpa has benefited considerably from these interventions. I believe this level of development deserves recognition and a fair assessment based on the projects delivered and their impact on our people.
3. Federal Appointments and the Growing Representation of the Igala Nation
One of the strongest reasons I believe the APC deserves the support of the Igala people is the representation of our sons and daughters in important positions within the federal government.
Among the appointments and positions I consider significant are the following:
1. General Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Army Staff. His appointment is a source of pride for many people in Kogi East and the wider Igala community. Beyond the symbolic significance, the associated military and educational developments being discussed in our area—including the Army barracks in Anyigba, the Nigerian Army University project in Olamaboro, and the Command Secondary School in Ankpa—make it important to assess the broader opportunities arising from increased national attention to our region.
2. Dr. A. U. Mohammed, Director-General of the National Population Commission. His appointment represents an important opportunity for Igala representation in a strategic national institution responsible for population data and demographic planning.
3. Prince Shaibu Audu Abubakar, Minister of Steel Development. His inclusion in the Federal Executive Council is a significant opportunity for our region to contribute to national industrial development, particularly in the steel sector, which has implications for employment, manufacturing and economic growth.
4. Honourable Ibrahim Abdullahi Ali, popularly known as Halims, Deputy Majority Leader of the House of Representatives. His position provides an important platform for legislative participation and representation in national affairs.
5. Princess Zahra Mustapha Audu, Director-General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC). Her role is important to efforts aimed at improving the business environment, reducing bureaucratic obstacles and encouraging enterprise development.
6. Chief Edward Onoja, former Deputy Governor of Kogi State and member of the South-East Development Commission. His appointment provides another avenue for public service and participation in national development initiatives.
7. Hajiya Mainuna Eke Audu, Executive Director, Commercial Services, Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA). Her position is an opportunity to contribute to the electricity sector and the effective delivery of commercial and technical services.
8. Honourable Gabriel Abutu, Board Member of the National Health Insurance Authority. His appointment provides a platform for participation in the development and oversight of Nigeria’s health insurance system.
9. Engineer Abdullahi Ibrahim Oguche, Director of Technical Services at the Rural Electrification Agency. His role is relevant to efforts to expand electricity access and support rural development.
10. Honourable Hassan Omale, Executive Director, Agricultural Services, Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority. His appointment offers an opportunity to contribute to agricultural development, irrigation and improved rural livelihoods.
These are among the appointments and positions I believe deserve recognition. There are also other Igala sons and daughters serving in public institutions and contributing to national development.
However, our appreciation of these appointments should go hand in hand with responsible scrutiny. What matters ultimately is not only the number of people appointed, but also the quality of their service, the opportunities they create and the benefits that reach our communities.
4. The Abuja–Lokoja Road: A Reason to Sustain the Momentum
Another major reason for my support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC is the attention being given to the Abuja–Lokoja highway.
For residents of Kogi State and travellers across the country, this road is more than a transport corridor. It is a vital link connecting the Federal Capital Territory with Kogi State and other parts of the federation.
For many years, commuters and motorists have endured the consequences of poor road conditions, traffic congestion, delays and the risks associated with difficult journeys.
Successive administrations, including those of former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari, pursued road projects and interventions of varying scope. Nevertheless, many road users continued to experience serious difficulties.
My concern is that the current interventions should not suffer the fate of abandoned or endlessly delayed projects. We need continuity, adequate funding, effective supervision and timely completion.
This is why I support the current administration’s efforts to improve the highway. I believe that sustained attention to the project will benefit Kogi State, strengthen commercial activities and improve the movement of people and goods.
Our support should therefore be accompanied by a clear expectation that the work will be completed to the required standard and maintained for the benefit of future generations.
5. National Security, Military Institutions and Opportunities for Kogi East
The appointment of General Waidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff is another development that many people in our region view with pride.
Appointments to sensitive national positions can create opportunities for greater visibility, institutional engagement and attention to regional development. However, the ultimate value of such appointments must be measured by professional service, national security and tangible benefits to the country.
The military-related institutions and projects associated with our area, including the proposed or developing facilities in Anyigba, Olamaboro and Ankpa, deserve particular attention because of their potential to create jobs, improve educational opportunities and stimulate local economic activities.
For these benefits to materialise fully, we must continue to advocate for the timely delivery of projects, adequate facilities, transparent implementation and opportunities for qualified local residents.
I believe that supporting the APC government gives us a platform to engage constructively with the administration and advocate for the continued development of Kogi East.
6. Why I Believe APC Deserves Our Continued Support
As a proud Igala man from Ankpa Local Government, my support for the APC is based on what I consider to be the opportunities for political inclusion, infrastructure development, national representation and continuity in governance.
I recognise that no administration is perfect. There will always be challenges, unmet expectations and areas requiring improvement. Responsible political support does not mean ignoring these shortcomings. Rather, it means acknowledging progress, demanding accountability and encouraging the government to do more.
For me, the critical questions are straightforward:
– Are our people receiving opportunities to serve at the state and federal levels?
– Are infrastructure projects being pursued in our communities?
– Is our region gaining visibility in national institutions?
– Are we creating opportunities for young people, businesses, farmers and professionals?
– Are we sustaining projects that can improve the lives of future generations?
Where progress is evident, it deserves recognition. Where there are gaps, our leaders must be encouraged to address them.
I believe the APC has provided a platform through which our people can pursue these objectives. That is why I consider continued engagement and support for the party a practical political choice.
7. A Call to the Igala People and the Good People of Kogi East
I therefore call on our traditional institutions, community leaders, women, youths, professionals, business owners and all well-meaning people of Kogi East to participate actively in the political process.
Let us support policies and candidates who demonstrate commitment to development, security, economic opportunity, infrastructure and inclusive governance.
I call for support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC-led Federal Government, Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo and the APC-led government in Kogi State, as well as the party’s candidates at the legislative and other levels of government.
This includes the political figures and candidates mentioned in this discussion: Chief Erico, Rt. Honourable Halims, Honourable Akus, Honourable Abbas Linco and Engineer Ademu Muhammed Yahaya subject to the relevant offices and electoral contests.
Our objective should be to consolidate the gains we have made, protect ongoing projects, expand opportunities for our people and ensure that Kogi East receives an even greater share of the dividends of democracy.
As an indigene of Ajobe Community in Ojoku Ward 1, Ankpa Local Government Area; as an Ankpa man; as a proud son of the Igala Kingdom; and as a public servant in the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, I believe that constructive engagement, responsible political participation and sustained advocacy for development are essential to our collective progress.
Let us continue to work together for a stronger Kogi State, a more prosperous Igala nation and a more united Nigeria.
Our support must be guided by progress, strengthened by accountability and sustained by the desire to improve the lives of our people.
Thank you.
Alhaji (Hon.) Abdulmajeed Hassan
Special Adviser to the Governor of Kogi State on Policy Analysis