By joshua 
By Yahaya Idris, Lokoja.
Kogi State was carved out of Kwara and Benue States on August 27, 1991 by the then regime of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida with Lokoja as the state capital.
Present data shows Kogi State occupies 29,833 square kilometres.
Kogi State is the most centrally located of all the states of the federation, bordering about 10 states and Abuja It comprises the Igala from East, Ebira from Central and Okun from west respectively. Other ethnic tribes are also noticeable across the zones despite their less numerical strengtha
The Igala has governed the state for 20 out of 31 years of creation
Following were the administrators /Governors who occupied the Kogi State Government House Lokoja (Lugard House)
First was Danladi Mohammed Zakari served as Administrator from 28 August 1991 January 1992 under Military regime.
Prince Abubakar Audu from Igala extraction from January 1992 November 1993 under NRC as the first democratically elected governor from eastern part of the State
Colonel Paul Omeruo, Administrator from 9 December 1993, to August 22 1996 as Military Governor.
Colonel Bzigu Afakirya Administrator from 22 August 1996 to August 1998 as Military Governor.
Augustine Aniebo Administrator from August 1998 to May 1999 as Military Governor.
Prince Abubakar Audu from 29 May 1999 – 2003 APP/ANPP Second democratically elected governor of Kogi State from eastern flank
Ibrahim Idris from 29 May 2003, 6 February 2008 (PDP) as third democratically elected Governor from eastern flank of Kogi
Clarence Olafemi was Acting Governor from 6 February 2008 to 29 March 2008 (PDP) He assumed office after the removal of the governor, Ibrahim Idris and his deputy, Philip Salawu by Supreme Court.
Clarence Olafemi was the speaker Kogi State Assembly.
Ibrahim Idris returned as Governor from 29 March 2008 to January 2011 (PDP)
Idris Wada from Igala race was Governor from January 2012 January 2016 (PDP) 4th democratically elected Governor
Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello was Governor from 27 January 2016 and his tenure will elapse 27 January 2024
A cursory glance at most benefiting tribes in Kogi
Prince Abubakar Audu of the Igala race served as 1st and 2nd executive Governor for 5 years.
Alhaji Ibrahim Idris from 29 May 2003 – January 2012 (PDP) served as 3rd and 4th democratically elected Governor for 9 years following the court judgement that ousted him for a fresh election.
Idris Wada from January 2012 to January 2016 (PDP) 4th democratically elected Governor
Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello is incumbent Governor from 27 January 2016 as the 5th Executive Governor, his tenure will elapse January 27, 2024
The Igala race have served for many years and had made their fair contribution to the development of the state.
It is most unfortunate for the Igalas who held sway for about 20 years talking about marginalization, are they the only indigenous tribe in Kogi State?
What the Igalas should be thinking or doing now is building bridges of peace, negotiating alongside all other ethnic nationalities in the State for equity,fairness as they cannot be the only ones ruling in a civilized, democratic and heterogenous set up like Kogi state.
As for those fanning embers of ethnic discord, they’re putting the Igalas in bad light and as time goes on they may not be trusted with leadership of the State again.
Under Governor Yahaya Bello led administration unprecedented achievements was recorded in areas of unity, security, good governance, education, health, infrastructure, youth and women empowerment among others.
Governor Yahaya Bello’s administration was instrumental to peace, stability and progress which the Igala people are also enjoying today.
What were your individual benefits when Igalas ruled. Please spare us all this unnecessary thought, let us build bridges with out bitterness and hatred, so as not to be seen as greedy people
Our Igala agenda is not helping us o. Let’s think of a comprehensive agenda for Kogi. We are not getting it right o. Public opinion is not favouring us as we speak, people see us as too greedy. Only igala cannot do it alone let’s make the project a whole and not a part
While we are thinking about Igala agenda let’s be mindful too that we are endangering our area and people. Let’s be more diplomatic without necessarily creating hatred for our people. Lives are more important beyond the agenda