Elders of Kogi West senatorial district have asked political parties and other senatorial districts in the state to consider zoning the governorship seat to Kogi west in 2023.
The elders, under the aegis of Kogi West Elders’ Forum (KWEF), also said they will not accept the position of deputy governor.
In a statement signed by David Jemibewon, KWEF chairman, the forum said Kogi west, despite actively participating in previous elections, has been unable to produce an executive governor since the creation of the state in 1991.
“In contrast, the two other senatorial districts of east and central have occupied the seat of the state governor for about 21 years now and 25 years by the time the incumbent leaves office in 2023,” the statement reads.
“That political parties should consider candidates from Kogi west senatorial district. We reject running mates in all political parties.”
The forum reminded Yahaya Bello, state governor, of their endorsement for his re-election, adding that as an aspiring president, he needs to “demonstrate his support for an enduring power sharing and restructuring arrangement at the grassroots level in Kogi State and Nigeria as widely canvassed by all critical and discerning minds in Nigeria”.
“This demonstration will show the infallible strength of good character and integrity he poses to lead a multi-ethnic nation like Nigeria,” the forum said.
“That Kogi west senatorial district has embellished numbers of qualified candidates that understand the need for good governance that will benefit every part of the state.
“That His Excellency must not allow any individual or group to take the state back to the woods when the whipping of sentiment, pettiness, and selfishness of interest groups influenced previous administrations to be parochial in the management of the power equation among the various ethnic groups in the state.
“That the governor support power equity and measured balance in favour of Kogi West Senatorial District to complete his administration principle of EBIGO which has been popularised to manage the power sharing complexity of our confluence state.”
Aside from Jemibewon, members of the forum listed in the statement are Abdullahi Mamman, KWEF vice-chairman; Benjamin Taiwo, secretary of the forum; Idris Yusuf; Joseph Ajayi; Bayo Ojo, senior advocate of Nigeria; J.O.S. Oshanupin; David Atte; James Awoniyi, and Taiwo Arosayin.
Others are D. Dankunle, Funso Ako, Isiaq Ajibola, Funmi Bodunde, Deinde Abodunrin, Femi Ehimidu, Emily Alemika, Tunde Fagbemi, Femi Mokikan, Ayo Abereoran, J.O. Yusuf, and S.I. Bawa.
