It disheartens to write this piece. The tribalism and tribalistic mindfulness by certain section of the people of Kogi state is causing anxiety in the land. It roars suspicion, injures many.
I often restrain myself from speaking in the extremities of opinions. It’s more attractive to err on the path of balance. The state of Kogi today should beggar moderation of concern. Well-meaning citizens should flap their gums against tribe over State.
Let’s not muff it! Tribalism, a massive ill of our state, predates the subsisting generation.
For Heaven’s sake it is 2023! In a few months, Kogites will trudge on to its Gubernatorial Election, ill-fated to have been led by largely tribe-leaning leaders. Most of them are epically skilled at disuniting us. They ignite its fires for private advantages with no genuine concerns for the led and for the polity.
Let’s hug a bit of honesty and discard the tribal cloak. Some things defy explicability. Being Kogites is one. The geo-space called Kogi Central, Kogi West and Kogi East cannot be wrong. The people and their leaders are. I am in the hope that Kogi will grow into an ethno-blind society, where all tribes live in harmony with one another. Having divergence of opinions and outlooks gives more opportunities for new learning. If we regard our diversities as some big gifts, Kogi will sparkle in a few years from now. Good signs are emerging. The upcoming generation appears less tribal, more statehood. Their views and actions certainly will define the state’s fate.
The state urgently needs focused, well-intent, visionary leadership with sensibilities to ‘Project Kogi’. And there is no any other person than Hon. Ahmed Usman, APC Governorship Candidate. Kogi needs broadminded leaders with ability like him to engage its citizenry, explain the ills and misnomers of tribalism. Straightaway, every citizen needs to redefine kogi in its broadest understanding. It sells an inviting delusion to think somehow Kogites will become non-tribal at the right time without everyone putting in the work. What orientation are you – tribal or statehood ? The answer isn’t in your head. It’s in your heart.
Adabara Abduljalil El-Okene is the Convener, Ododo School to School Campaign, Kogi state