By joshua THE NEED FOR EQUITABLE POWER ROTATION AMONG THE THREE SENATORIAL DISTRICTS IN KOGI STATE
There is a compelling need to give serious consideration to power rotation among the three Senatorial Districts of Kogi State—Kogi East, Kogi Central, and Kogi West.
We are all one Kogi State, irrespective of our ethnic, religious, or tribal differences. For the sake of unity, equity, fairness, justice, and peaceful coexistence, the principle of power rotation should be given adequate consideration in the distribution of political leadership among the three Senatorial Districts.
Historically, Kogi East has had a significant opportunity to produce the Governor of the state for approximately 16 years, while Kogi Central has also had a substantial period of leadership and is currently in control of the governorship. Therefore, it is important that we approach the issue of power rotation with fairness and a long-term vision that will ensure that no Senatorial District feels excluded or disadvantaged.
In my considered opinion, allowing Kogi Central to complete a reasonable 16-year cycle would provide a more balanced foundation for genuine power rotation. Thereafter, Kogi West should have the opportunity to produce the Governor of Kogi State, thereby giving the three Senatorial Districts a fair opportunity to participate in the leadership of the state.
It is important to avoid a situation where one Senatorial District feels shortchanged by an arrangement that appears to favour another. If Kogi Central were to stop after only 12 years, for instance, there could be a perception of imbalance when compared with the approximately 16 years already enjoyed by Kogi East. Such an arrangement may create grievances and further agitation in the future.
Therefore, I strongly believe that Kogi Central should be allowed to complete its 16-year cycle, after which power should equitably move to Kogi West. This will create a stronger foundation for a sustainable rotational arrangement among the three Senatorial Districts.
Going forward, there should also be a deliberate effort to institutionalise an agreed framework for equitable political rotation. Where appropriate and constitutionally permissible, the Kogi State House of Assembly and relevant stakeholders should consider mechanisms that can promote peaceful, transparent, and mutually acceptable rotation of the governorship among the three Senatorial Districts.
Against this background, I believe that His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, should be given the opportunity to seek a second term in the 2027 Kogi State gubernatorial election, by the grace of God. His continuation would, in my view, provide an opportunity for Kogi Central to complete its 16-year cycle and subsequently pave the way for a genuine power shift to Kogi West.
Power rotation should not be about tribe, religion, ethnicity, or political sentiment. It should be about fairness, inclusion, unity, justice, and the collective interest of Kogi State.
Let us build a Kogi State where every Senatorial District has a sense of belonging and confidence that, at the appropriate time, it will have a fair opportunity to produce the Governor.
God bless Kogi State.
One Kogi!
One Nigeria!
Signed:
Comrade Ibrahim Osite Momoh