.jpeg "Kogi guber election: Okun leaders decide to support APC and plot Ododo's path to victory")
The assurances were provided by the leaders during a conference that was organized by the Obaro of Kabba, Oba Solomon Owoniyi. This meeting brought together all the First Class Traditional, Political, and opinion influencers from the five Local Government Areas of the Okun speaking area of Kogi State.
The conference was held by the Royal Father with the purpose of appealing for a peaceful poll.
The stakeholders conveyed to the Royal Father their collective decision to endorse the APC, emphasizing their reluctance to engage in ethnic politics given the imperative of prioritizing Kogi's welfare.
The speakers collectively reached the consensus that they could not adopt an opposing stance towards the APC-led administration headed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the national level.
Consequently, the diverse political leaders and influential figures made a collective decision to return to their respective Local Government Areas with the aim of actively contributing to the success of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming Governorship election scheduled for November 11th.
According to a significant stakeholder in Okunland, Erick Fiki, the administration of Governor Yahaya Bello has demonstrated considerable support for the Okun nation through the allocation of projects, infrastructure development, and appointments. Consequently, Fiki believes that aligning with Governor Bello, President Tinubu, and the APC is a logical course of action.
According to Taofiq Isah, the Chairman of Ijumu Local Government Area, the decision to support the APC and its governorship candidate in delivering Okunland was reached through a collective agreement. This decision was primarily influenced by the positive impact Governor Bello has had on the Okun people.
The residents of Ijumu have made a collective decision to align themselves with the All Progressives Congress (APC). Since the establishment of the State, we have not experienced such favorable circumstances. Consequently, we have made the decision to cast our votes in favor of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming gubernatorial election," he stated.
Honorable Philip Orebiyi characterizes Yagba as the stronghold of the APC, emphasizing that the results of the forthcoming November 11 Governorship election will serve as an indication of the electorate's appreciation for Governor Bello's commitment to the Okun country.
Allow me to affirm that in Yagba, the APC will be duly acknowledged for the benevolence exhibited by Governor Bello through the enhancement of infrastructure, support for traditional institutions, and appointments. He expressed confidence that the Governorship election will result in a resounding triumph for the APC.
During his speech at the meeting, Kingsley Fanwo, the Commissioner for Information and Communication and Spokesperson for the APC Governorship Campaign, characterized Governor Bello as an ardent supporter of the Okun nation.
The speaker emphasized the significance of several projects undertaken by the current administration, including the Ejiba Ricemill, the construction of Kabba township roads, the GYB Model Science Secondary School in Kabba Bunu, and the establishment of Kogi State University in Kabba. These initiatives demonstrate the administration's strong commitment to the Okun region.
He expressed, "The Governor acknowledges the significance of education as our primary economic sector." Over the course of time, there has been a necessity to allocate public funds and allocate resources towards the establishment of further educational institutions, wherever our progeny pursue their academic pursuits.
The primary objective conveyed by Governor Bello during this gathering is to foster and cultivate a collaborative alliance that will facilitate the preservation and advancement of Kwara State and the former Kabba province.
According to Governor Bello, this cooperation has the potential to contribute to the future historical record of the Governorship of the State. Let us, then, engage in the construction of lasting legacies that will synergize with the objectives of this assembly.
Governor Bello has emphasized the importance of fostering harmony among the Okun and Ebira communities, which have a longstanding historical connection. He has made a commitment to consistently advocate for the prosperity of the Okun country, regardless of his position in office.
Fanwo characterized Governor Bello as a Kogite who exhibits a strong sense of impartiality and equity, emphasizing his commitment to ensuring fairness and justice. Fanwo further expressed confidence that, if elected, Usman Ododo would continue to prioritize the welfare of the Okun nation.
The individual expressed a strong recommendation to the leaders of the Okun people, emphasizing the need of ensuring that the upcoming Governorship election on November 11th yields a decisive outcome in favor of the APC.
During her address at the meeting, Dr. (Mrs.) Folashade Ayoade, the Secretary to the State Government, characterized the gathering called by the Obaro of Kabba as a step in the appropriate path.
In his introductory statement, Oba Solomon Owoniyi emphasized the imperative of convening the meeting to establish a comprehensive agenda and provide guidance for the traditional institution and the Okun community, with the ultimate aim of ensuring a harmonious electoral process.
The monarch expressed gratitude towards the Governor for his contributions to the development of Okunland.
One notable outcome of the meeting was the establishment of a technical committee tasked with gathering the perspectives of the Okun community regarding their aspirations for the upcoming administration. This committee will also be responsible for devising a strategic plan to guide the Okun community in the forthcoming election.