Kogi: Elder Statesman Applauds Ododo’s Performance, Calls for Equity in Yagba


Kogi: Elder Statesman Applauds Ododo’s Performance, Calls for Equity in Yagba

 

A former Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly and one-time Acting Governor, His Royal Highness, Oba Clarence Olafemi, has commended Governor Usman Ododo’s performance in office, saying his administration has made significant strides within one year.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with FocusNGR in Mopa, Mopamuro Local Government Area, Olafemi, who is now a traditional ruler, stated that Governor Ododo’s achievements were verifiable and worthy of support.

“When I received the official invitation to the commissioning of projects, a digital copy was sent to me by the Chief of Staff and the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), and we had a telephone conversation. I assured them of my attendance because, as the saying goes, if your masquerade dances well in public, you will be proud to say it is yours,” he said.

He noted that if the governor’s performance had been unsatisfactory, many stakeholders would have remained silent or indifferent. However, he emphasized that given the progress recorded across various sectors, it was important to provide moral support.

“The governor documented his achievements in a booklet, and everything he claims to have done is verifiable. It is commendable when a student surpasses the achievements of their teacher. If you mentor someone and they excel beyond your expectations, you should take pride in their success,” Olafemi said.

He pointed out that during the presentation of the governor’s scorecard, former Governor Yahaya Bello was visibly pleased and spoke on behalf of past governors, acknowledging Governor Ododo’s efforts.

When asked what areas he would advise the governor to focus on, Olafemi urged the administration to prioritize the completion of ongoing projects before embarking on new ones.

“The governor is making efforts across multiple sectors, possibly in a bid to showcase his performance quickly. He has made notable impacts in education and infrastructure, particularly in road construction,” he said.

Citing an example, he highlighted the ongoing construction of the township road in Mopa, his hometown, which includes a well-structured drainage system. However, he expressed concerns over the delay in tarring the road.

“We are in the dry season, and the roads are still dusty. If they are not completed before April or May, erosion may wash away the progress made. It is crucial for the governor to complete existing projects before embarking on new ones,” he advised.

He suggested that while it may not be feasible to finalize all projects at once, the government should ensure a significant percentage of completion before initiating new projects.

On the political developments in Yagba Federal Constituency, particularly regarding the House of Representatives seat, Olafemi emphasized the need for fairness and equity in political representation.

He explained that Yagba Federal Constituency, which comprises Mopamuro, Yagba East, and Yagba West Local Government Areas, has experienced an imbalance in political representation over the years.

“Historically, Mopamuro produced the first representatives with Chief Daniyan, Chief Awoniyi, and myself as key stakeholders. At that time, we had the capacity to retain the seat. However, after Hon Sola Ojo served one term, we ensured the seat rotated to Yagba East, where T.J. Faniyi held it. Subsequently, it moved to Yagba West, where Sam Aro assumed office,” he explained.

He noted that after Aro’s tenure, Karimi from Yagba West served two terms (eight years), followed by Hon Leke Abejide from Yagba East, who is now completing his second term, making it 12 years for both Yagba East and Yagba West. Meanwhile, Mopamuro has only held the position for a single term.

“We are now advocating for fairness, equity, and justice by ensuring the seat returns to Mopamuro. This is not about micro-zoning but about balancing representation. If an individual has occupied the seat for multiple terms simply because of financial influence, it would be unfair to deny another area its rightful turn,” Olafemi said.

He further stated that even political stakeholders from Yagba East, where the current representative hails from, are supporting the call for fairness.

“This is not about the size of a local government but about ensuring that every part of the constituency is fairly represented. Our voices are becoming unified, and we are determined to resolve this issue as we did in the past,” he added.

Olafemi, who played a key role in past political transitions, reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring a peaceful and structured resolution to the issue.

“There is a Yoruba saying that a child’s head will be properly molded in the presence of elders. Those of us who have witnessed past political transitions must provide wisdom and coordination,” he said.

He praised Governor Ododo’s stance on not imposing candidates on constituencies and urged him to support the agitation for rotational representation.

“If our region hopes to produce a governor in the future, we must first demonstrate internal fairness and organization. The trend of one individual monopolizing a political position is unhealthy for the future of our people,” he warned.

Olafemi assured that he would continue to work with stakeholders to ensure that the House of Representatives seat is fairly rotated to Mopamuro for the sake of equity and justice.


  • joshua

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