The foundational intent and far reaching aspiration of democratic system of governance is not only limited to returning governing power and it accompanying freedom to the people, most fundamental, is to promote justice, fairness, equity and emplace sensitive balance in our political affairs. Most often than not, especially in our political clime, the letters and spirit of democracy has been twisted and wrongly influenced.
The intended inclusivity and participatory synergy, democracy and democratic practice thrive to engender would be defeated if the values of fairness and justice is pushed to the back seat. And in a democracy, we have not truly won, if the participating quarters still feels marginalised or seen to be an outcast and subservient of one another.
Expectedly, a New Kogi has emerged with Governor Yahaya Bello where the ideology of inclusivity and participatory democracy exist, which will further strengthen the bond of unity in the confluence and much more give a sense of belonging to all Senatorial districts. This can only be achieved with clear understanding and Rotational system that will see to the promotion of justice and fairness to all concerned.
The people of Western Senatorial District can only have a feeling of social justice and inclusivity through even, fair and equitable rotation of the position of the Senate among the seven Local Government Areas of the Zone. These are: 1. Yagba West, 2.Yagba East, 3. Mopamuro, 4. ljumu, 5. Kabba/Bunu, 6. Lokoja and 7. Kogi LGA
History is said to be laden with facts and facts are sacred just like truth. Contemporary Nigerian democratic administrations though, neither contiguous nor consistent confirm the following facts as lay bare: it should not be forgotten that 6 of the 7 LGAs in Kogi West have produced Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at various times, except Yagba East LGA.
Here are the various beneficiaries and their LGAs:
Senator Justus Olubode Olu – 1979 to 1983, Yagba West;
Senator Joseph Funsho Obasaju – 1983, Kabba/Bunu;
Senator Sunday Awoniyi – 1992 to 1993, Mopamuro;
Senator Ado Adamu Shuaibu – 1998, Kogi;
Senator Tunde Ogbeha – 1999 to 2007, Lokoja;
Senator Smart Adeyemi – 2007 to 2015, Ijumu.
Through the magnanimity of Governor Yahaya Bello, Ijumu again got the Senatorial slot through Senator Smart Adeyemi under APC 2019- 2023, making it a straight 16 years unbroken at the red chamber.
It will be most logical, fair, democratic and politically correct to shift the seat to Yagba Federal Constituency, and specifically Yagba East if indeed we want to break the walls of Marginalisation and political imbalance vis-a-vis the historic background of the Senate seat pre 4th republic.
Therefore, it’s only fair, to expect that the registered electorates of Kogi West Senatorial District should allow or let the senatorial seat go round the seven local government areas of the zone of which the only one left after the successful completion of Adeyemi’s current tenure in 2023, is Yagba East LGA. It is just in the spirit of equity, balance and inclusivity that Yagba East LGA should be the only area to scout, screen and present aspirants for the position in 2023 onward to represent Kogi West Senatorial Zone.
Together we can make Kogi West Great
Ahmed Zubairu
A concerned citizen from Kogi LGA