Monitored by Idris Jatto.
According to news monitored on AIT morning program KAAKAKI the African voice, Alhaji Abubakar Rimi the former Governor of old Kano state has been declared dead after early morning encounter with armed robbers on a journey between Bauchi and Kano road.
According to the report, he was traveling in company of his brother and other associates when they ran into a gang of robbers who had been terrorizing that route for quite sometimes due to security quagmire of the Nigeria Police to effectively curb the menace.
He was dispossessed of his phones and valuables and allowed to go and shortly afterward, he died of the shock received from the attack.
Meanwhile, as at the time of writing this report, other stations monitored like NTA AM Express program has not reported any story of such.
This is one of the many reminders that the problem of security in Nigeria is no respecter of anybody be you politician or ordinary common Nigerians.
It is still fresh in our memory the recent report published in many newspapers in Nigeria about the robbery incident where a luxury bus reportedly crushed over twenty innocent Nigerians to death around Benin-Ore road.
If the people in authority fail in their responsibility to protect the citizens, definitely they will leave the power shield and come back to be one of the ordinary citizens without the paraphernalia of VIP treatment received when in office and that is when they become vulnerable to such attacks like anyone else.
I am sure that such things might not have easily befallen Alhaji Rimi if he were still in power.
well, i conclude this writing by reminding us that a stitch in time saves nine and that death is inevitable and compulsory for all. It could be anybody!
Sunday, 4 April 2010
Wednesday, 31 March 2010
JOS CRISES; DO NOT CONFRONT THE SOLDIERS……………DEPUTY GOVERNOR
JOS CRISES; DO NOT CONFRONT THE SOLDIERS……………DEPUTY GOVERNOR
Against the backdrop of increasing cases of clashes between the Military and the Youths in Plateau state, the state Deputy Governor Mrs. Pauline Tallen has warned on the open confrontation with the Soldiers on Peace keeping mission in order not to escalate the situation in the state.
Tallen who spoke at the presentation of building materials to those affected by the last crises in Anglo Jos and Congo Russia parts of Jos, donated by the Bridge Builders association yesterday.
The deputy governor therefore commended the association for donating building materials to victims of the crisis in the state, saying what took place in Plateau state in the last few years is a shame to the political class in the state which was known as the ‘Home of peace and tourism’ before the recent incidents that changed its name home of violence.
Mrs. Pauline Tallen described the last outbreak of violence in Plateau state as madness saying all those that partook in the crises cannot be said to be in their right senses even though they claimed they were killing in the name of God.
She described all those that responsible in the violence that rocked the state as “mad” adding that people in their right senses would not do such a thing.
Tallen encouraged the people of the state to try and live with one another irrespective of religious and ethnic differences saying if religious and political leaders would be sincere in what they do peace would return to the state.
National chairman of the bridge builders association, Rev. Josiah Fearon, prayed that the last violence would be the last in the state and encouraged individuals as well as organizations to come to the aid of those affected by the crises.
The secretary (political) of the British High Commission in Nigeria, Jonathan Evans who was at the occasion said the British government would encourage every effort to see that those who are behind the crises are brought to book and lamented over what he described as leadership failure.
The organization donated about 30 pieces of woods, two bundles of zincs and nails to about 60 individuals in both Anglo Jos and Congo Russia, which were the areas worst hit during the last violence where Muslims and their Christian counterparts engaged themselves serious squabble.
Also speaking, the National Secretary, Ustaz Mahdi Shehu, called on both the Muslims and Christians residents in Jos to learn to tolerate one another as the two religious do not preach violence.
He said the two teaches their adherents on how to stay and relate peacefully with one another without showing differences on ethnic and cultural background .
Against the backdrop of increasing cases of clashes between the Military and the Youths in Plateau state, the state Deputy Governor Mrs. Pauline Tallen has warned on the open confrontation with the Soldiers on Peace keeping mission in order not to escalate the situation in the state.
Tallen who spoke at the presentation of building materials to those affected by the last crises in Anglo Jos and Congo Russia parts of Jos, donated by the Bridge Builders association yesterday.
The deputy governor therefore commended the association for donating building materials to victims of the crisis in the state, saying what took place in Plateau state in the last few years is a shame to the political class in the state which was known as the ‘Home of peace and tourism’ before the recent incidents that changed its name home of violence.
Mrs. Pauline Tallen described the last outbreak of violence in Plateau state as madness saying all those that partook in the crises cannot be said to be in their right senses even though they claimed they were killing in the name of God.
She described all those that responsible in the violence that rocked the state as “mad” adding that people in their right senses would not do such a thing.
Tallen encouraged the people of the state to try and live with one another irrespective of religious and ethnic differences saying if religious and political leaders would be sincere in what they do peace would return to the state.
National chairman of the bridge builders association, Rev. Josiah Fearon, prayed that the last violence would be the last in the state and encouraged individuals as well as organizations to come to the aid of those affected by the crises.
The secretary (political) of the British High Commission in Nigeria, Jonathan Evans who was at the occasion said the British government would encourage every effort to see that those who are behind the crises are brought to book and lamented over what he described as leadership failure.
The organization donated about 30 pieces of woods, two bundles of zincs and nails to about 60 individuals in both Anglo Jos and Congo Russia, which were the areas worst hit during the last violence where Muslims and their Christian counterparts engaged themselves serious squabble.
Also speaking, the National Secretary, Ustaz Mahdi Shehu, called on both the Muslims and Christians residents in Jos to learn to tolerate one another as the two religious do not preach violence.
He said the two teaches their adherents on how to stay and relate peacefully with one another without showing differences on ethnic and cultural background .
Tuesday, 23 March 2010
'We want plateau state to reconsider membership of Northern Governors Forum'...........Berom Youth
From Jos.
The Berom Youth Movement (BYM), has called on the Plateau state government to reconsider its membership of the Northern Governors Forum, in view of what it’s called antagonistic tendencies of the Northern Region towards the state.
Addressing a world press conference in Jos yesterday, the National President of the Movement, Mr, Francis Dalyop Jamang stressed that, ‘’ We believe that belonging to any organisation with the northern connotation is of no benefit to our state’’.
''This explains why the Niger State governor, Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu took time to make derogatory statements on the person of our dear governor Da Jonah David Jang while addressing the gathering of northern traditional rulers recently. We unequivocally state that the Plateau people who elected Da Jonah David Jang are indeed pleased with his developmental programme which is second to none and so are not deceived by these agents of destabilization’’.
The BYM has accused Bauchi state government as one of the chief sponsors of the terror that is being unleashed on the people of the state, in which they are calling on the federal government to investigate the Bauchi state with respect to the current Jos crisis in the state.
‘’The Berom Youth Movement therefore, finds it hypocritical and offensive for the University of Jos management to deem it fit to confer on the Bauchi state Governor, Mallam Isa Yuguda, Matawallen Bauchi a honorary Doctorate Degree of what ever kind at this time when he and his government cannot be exonerated from being part of sponsorship of the recent Jos crisis’’.
The Organisation also expressed reservation on the current Presidential Committee on Jos crisis under the leadership of Chief Solomon Lar, which they described as being compromised, therefore, cannot achieve the purpose for which it was set up to achieve.
‘’This is buttressed by the fact that some members of the committee including Alhaji Sale Hassan, Alhaji Salisu Nakande, Alhjaji Ibrahim Mantu have all been indicted as masterminds of the Jos crises by past Judicial Commission of Inquiries, the committee therefore, should be dissolved or reconstituted in order to enjoy the confidence of the people’’.
The BYM further expressed it’s concerned on what they call isolated attacks targeted on the Berom alone, they said in view of this, they are calling on other Plateau state indigenes to join them in the fight against the Hausa Fulani other wise, when they are done with, other ethnic groups may not be spared by the Hausa Fulani expansionists.
According to the President that, Berom is targeted because they occupied the larger part of the land in Jos the state capital more than the other ethnic groups and they spearheaded the refusal of the sale of land to the Hausa Fulani.
Jamang also reiterated that, the Berom will continue with the fight against any invasion that anybody may think of carrying out now or in the future, because all the elders from Plateau state are with them, even those that are not talking are working with them.
To protect the Berom nation from any further attack, BYM is therefore rekindling the tradition of ‘Beren Kanang ‘ , which was last activated more than a century ago in view of the 1873 Jihadist invasion attempt on the Plateau..
‘’All Berom youths, men and women of good virtue should stay home on Friday, 25 march, 2010 in observance of this tradition, for those who have cause to leave their homes, they should be appropriately dressed in Berom attire and adorn with ‘tee’. Jesus our Saviour!
The Berom Youth Movement (BYM), has called on the Plateau state government to reconsider its membership of the Northern Governors Forum, in view of what it’s called antagonistic tendencies of the Northern Region towards the state.
Addressing a world press conference in Jos yesterday, the National President of the Movement, Mr, Francis Dalyop Jamang stressed that, ‘’ We believe that belonging to any organisation with the northern connotation is of no benefit to our state’’.
''This explains why the Niger State governor, Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu took time to make derogatory statements on the person of our dear governor Da Jonah David Jang while addressing the gathering of northern traditional rulers recently. We unequivocally state that the Plateau people who elected Da Jonah David Jang are indeed pleased with his developmental programme which is second to none and so are not deceived by these agents of destabilization’’.
The BYM has accused Bauchi state government as one of the chief sponsors of the terror that is being unleashed on the people of the state, in which they are calling on the federal government to investigate the Bauchi state with respect to the current Jos crisis in the state.
‘’The Berom Youth Movement therefore, finds it hypocritical and offensive for the University of Jos management to deem it fit to confer on the Bauchi state Governor, Mallam Isa Yuguda, Matawallen Bauchi a honorary Doctorate Degree of what ever kind at this time when he and his government cannot be exonerated from being part of sponsorship of the recent Jos crisis’’.
The Organisation also expressed reservation on the current Presidential Committee on Jos crisis under the leadership of Chief Solomon Lar, which they described as being compromised, therefore, cannot achieve the purpose for which it was set up to achieve.
‘’This is buttressed by the fact that some members of the committee including Alhaji Sale Hassan, Alhaji Salisu Nakande, Alhjaji Ibrahim Mantu have all been indicted as masterminds of the Jos crises by past Judicial Commission of Inquiries, the committee therefore, should be dissolved or reconstituted in order to enjoy the confidence of the people’’.
The BYM further expressed it’s concerned on what they call isolated attacks targeted on the Berom alone, they said in view of this, they are calling on other Plateau state indigenes to join them in the fight against the Hausa Fulani other wise, when they are done with, other ethnic groups may not be spared by the Hausa Fulani expansionists.
According to the President that, Berom is targeted because they occupied the larger part of the land in Jos the state capital more than the other ethnic groups and they spearheaded the refusal of the sale of land to the Hausa Fulani.
Jamang also reiterated that, the Berom will continue with the fight against any invasion that anybody may think of carrying out now or in the future, because all the elders from Plateau state are with them, even those that are not talking are working with them.
To protect the Berom nation from any further attack, BYM is therefore rekindling the tradition of ‘Beren Kanang ‘ , which was last activated more than a century ago in view of the 1873 Jihadist invasion attempt on the Plateau..
‘’All Berom youths, men and women of good virtue should stay home on Friday, 25 march, 2010 in observance of this tradition, for those who have cause to leave their homes, they should be appropriately dressed in Berom attire and adorn with ‘tee’. Jesus our Saviour!
Army hands over fake soldier to police
From our correspondent in Jos
The Special Task Force (STF) set up by the Federal Government to restore peace in Jos following last January civil unrest has handed over a fake soldier to plateau state police Command for prosecution just as incidents of fake soldiers is now rampant in the state
The fake soldier who was identified as Sambo Tomchangyel was at the weekend handed over by the Coordinator Media Centre, STF, Brigadier General Donald Oji who later handed him to the Plateau state Command on behalf of STF Commander.
While handing over the suspect to the police, General Oji said, “Tomchangyel was arrested at Kuru area on Monday 11th March 2010 about 2:30 in the afternoon while impersonating as a Lieutenant in the Nigerian Army, he was fully dressed, but for the watchful eye of the members of the STF, he would have gone away free”.
A preliminary investigation according to Oji reveals that “the gentleman has been going about parading himself as a medical officer in the Nigerian Army, in some areas as an Army Corps of Engineers”.
He added that reports reveals that the suspects hailed from Kanke local government area of Plateau state “and that his primary assignment is to source for the new camouflage uniform that the members of the STF are wearing with the identification tag, the purpose for which we don’t know yet”.
“That was why he was arrested and we now want to formally hand him over to the police for further investigation through which other things will be unraveled about his mission to procure the uniform”.
The Assistant Commissioner C.I.D of the Plateau state Command Mr. Femi Adeleye who received the suspects on behalf of the command thanked the Nigerian army for their arrest as well as the handing over of the suspect and further assured that a thorough investigation will be conducted on the matter.
The Special Task Force (STF) set up by the Federal Government to restore peace in Jos following last January civil unrest has handed over a fake soldier to plateau state police Command for prosecution just as incidents of fake soldiers is now rampant in the state
The fake soldier who was identified as Sambo Tomchangyel was at the weekend handed over by the Coordinator Media Centre, STF, Brigadier General Donald Oji who later handed him to the Plateau state Command on behalf of STF Commander.
While handing over the suspect to the police, General Oji said, “Tomchangyel was arrested at Kuru area on Monday 11th March 2010 about 2:30 in the afternoon while impersonating as a Lieutenant in the Nigerian Army, he was fully dressed, but for the watchful eye of the members of the STF, he would have gone away free”.
A preliminary investigation according to Oji reveals that “the gentleman has been going about parading himself as a medical officer in the Nigerian Army, in some areas as an Army Corps of Engineers”.
He added that reports reveals that the suspects hailed from Kanke local government area of Plateau state “and that his primary assignment is to source for the new camouflage uniform that the members of the STF are wearing with the identification tag, the purpose for which we don’t know yet”.
“That was why he was arrested and we now want to formally hand him over to the police for further investigation through which other things will be unraveled about his mission to procure the uniform”.
The Assistant Commissioner C.I.D of the Plateau state Command Mr. Femi Adeleye who received the suspects on behalf of the command thanked the Nigerian army for their arrest as well as the handing over of the suspect and further assured that a thorough investigation will be conducted on the matter.
The Inspector General of Police Mr Ogbonnoya Onovo has appealed to the warring faction on the Plateau
By our correspondent in Jos.
The Inspector General of Police Mr Ogbonnoya Onovo has appealed to the warring faction on the Plateau to Shiite their swords and embrace peace for the socio economic development of the state.
Mr Onovo made the call recently while addressing Police officers at the Plateau Police Command headquarters where he said policemen must preach peace on the plateau to their ethnic communities when we preach peace to our people all will embrace peace and peace will return to plateau
He said we are worried with what is happening on the Plateau “and we are working with other security operatives to restore peace in the state”.
IGP commended the Police and other security forces for the professional role they are playing in the restoration of peace on the Plateau and urged them to do more in other to return the name of the Plateau as home of peace and tourism.
He said “no amount of black mail or accusation will detract you from your work no matter the black mail you remain calm and compose continue with your work till you achieve peace and protect lives and property which is the cardinal objective of your work”
Mr Onovo said Police will deploy their officers in to all the nooks and crannies of the state including the remote areas with bad and difficult terrain in other to prevent further insurgencies in the state and pledged to provide the command with vehicles and communication facilities in other to ease their difficulties.
He said security operatives all over the World are faced with challenges due to the new techniques developed by criminals to perform their criminality and as police officers we must improve our intelligence gathering so that we can be ahead of them as Police officers.
Onovo said duties of Policeman must be 24 hours and Division Police Officers will hence forth be held responsible for any insurgency discovered in their area for that all of them must be up and doing in other to protect lives and properties of the citizens.
The General Officer Commanding 3rd armored Division Major General Saleh Maina commended the cordial relationship existing between Police and the Army adding that Police are doing their work efficiently, boldly and professionally under the task force for the restoration of peace on the Plateau.
The Inspector General of Police Mr Ogbonnoya Onovo has appealed to the warring faction on the Plateau to Shiite their swords and embrace peace for the socio economic development of the state.
Mr Onovo made the call recently while addressing Police officers at the Plateau Police Command headquarters where he said policemen must preach peace on the plateau to their ethnic communities when we preach peace to our people all will embrace peace and peace will return to plateau
He said we are worried with what is happening on the Plateau “and we are working with other security operatives to restore peace in the state”.
IGP commended the Police and other security forces for the professional role they are playing in the restoration of peace on the Plateau and urged them to do more in other to return the name of the Plateau as home of peace and tourism.
He said “no amount of black mail or accusation will detract you from your work no matter the black mail you remain calm and compose continue with your work till you achieve peace and protect lives and property which is the cardinal objective of your work”
Mr Onovo said Police will deploy their officers in to all the nooks and crannies of the state including the remote areas with bad and difficult terrain in other to prevent further insurgencies in the state and pledged to provide the command with vehicles and communication facilities in other to ease their difficulties.
He said security operatives all over the World are faced with challenges due to the new techniques developed by criminals to perform their criminality and as police officers we must improve our intelligence gathering so that we can be ahead of them as Police officers.
Onovo said duties of Policeman must be 24 hours and Division Police Officers will hence forth be held responsible for any insurgency discovered in their area for that all of them must be up and doing in other to protect lives and properties of the citizens.
The General Officer Commanding 3rd armored Division Major General Saleh Maina commended the cordial relationship existing between Police and the Army adding that Police are doing their work efficiently, boldly and professionally under the task force for the restoration of peace on the Plateau.
MUSLIM UMMAH WANT FG TO INVESTIGATE SILENCE KILLING
JOS CRISES: MUSLIM UMMAH WANT FG TO INVESTIGATE SILENCE KILLING.
FROM: BUHARI B. BELLO, JOS
The Muslim Ummah in Plateau State has passionately called on the federal government and security agencies to intensify effort at arresting the wave of secret killings aftermaths of the crises in the state.
A Press statement signed by Mallam Sani Muhammed Mudi, Head of Information desk made available to NNN said there is need to investigate what he described as the silent killing and guarantee freedom of movement to allow for the restoration of peace in the trouble prone Plateau State.
“We call on the government and security agencies to move further and prevent all Muslims residing and carrying out legitimate business in the state especially Muslim journalists and protect them from harassment as well as all forms of intimidation.
“We are equally appealing to the authorities to guarantee the safety of travelers on the high way and protect them from wanton destruction which has being the case in all the series of crises that has been taking place.
Besides, the Muslim also urged the special task force troops recently on peace keeping in Jos to intensify surveillance to locate missing persons and identify all the flashpoints in the metropolis.
The Ummah also noted with dismay the outburst of certain officials of the Plateau State government and their reactions on the attack at Dogo Nahauwa village where some government functionaries alleged to have provided conflicting figures of casualties and say to have tailoring propaganda on the crises
FROM: BUHARI B. BELLO, JOS
The Muslim Ummah in Plateau State has passionately called on the federal government and security agencies to intensify effort at arresting the wave of secret killings aftermaths of the crises in the state.
A Press statement signed by Mallam Sani Muhammed Mudi, Head of Information desk made available to NNN said there is need to investigate what he described as the silent killing and guarantee freedom of movement to allow for the restoration of peace in the trouble prone Plateau State.
“We call on the government and security agencies to move further and prevent all Muslims residing and carrying out legitimate business in the state especially Muslim journalists and protect them from harassment as well as all forms of intimidation.
“We are equally appealing to the authorities to guarantee the safety of travelers on the high way and protect them from wanton destruction which has being the case in all the series of crises that has been taking place.
Besides, the Muslim also urged the special task force troops recently on peace keeping in Jos to intensify surveillance to locate missing persons and identify all the flashpoints in the metropolis.
The Ummah also noted with dismay the outburst of certain officials of the Plateau State government and their reactions on the attack at Dogo Nahauwa village where some government functionaries alleged to have provided conflicting figures of casualties and say to have tailoring propaganda on the crises
Wednesday, 17 February 2010
Power Shift, Igala, Okun and the Ebira
Power Shift, Igala, Okun and the Ebira
By Joshua Ocheja
The phrase Power shift might sound a bit unpleasant especially as it relates to the political atmosphere in Kogi state, but it is yet the indispensable drumbeat of change whose rhythm will open the dance floor to endless expression of intent for sound minds, regardless of tribe, religion or location. This dance floor will serve as the catalyst for the much awaited Kogi Renaissance.
This piece is a child of necessity that has been in the womb, incubating and gathering momentum, principally to highlight the need for why tribal differences should be ignored in totality as regards governance in Kogi state. But rather individuals, content of character, blueprint for development, sense of judgment, experience, exposure, track record and intellectual ability should be encouraged regardless of sentiments along the line of majority and minority tribes.
The state also referred to as the confluence state, is blessed with abundance of resources, and a host of others that beats our imagination on how we have failed to effectively utilize them. That we are where we are today is a product of deep rooted ethnicity, tribalism and selfish motives exhibited by a cabal that views the citizenry from a disdainful perspective.
It gets more depressing, when the list of prominent names is reeled out. These names have distinguished themselves in the scheme of affairs in the country. Names like Sunday Awoniyi, Francis Idachaba, Eyitayo Lambo, M.M Wokili, Isah Ocheja, Julius Sunday Oshanupin, Aliyu Atta, Olushola Akanmode, Bayo Ojo, Smart Adeyemi, Abdulahi Ibrahim (SAN) Ibrahim Ogohi, Kola Jamodu, David Jemibewon Jide Omokore, J.E Ataguba, Yakubu Mohammad, Salihu Atawodi, Eugenia Abu, Professor Oyibo and a host of others.
The dynamic nature of the state makes the strengths and weakness of the various zones very visible. The Igala’s are known to be the major ethnic tribe, parading an intimidating list of uniform men, business men and politicians.
The Ebira’s are placed second in the political hierarchy with successful business men and politicians, while the Okun’s parades intelligentsias and technocrats, a place generally regarded as the fountain of knowledge in Kogi state.
In life, knowledge is open to all that embraces it and leadership abilities are not determined by tribe or religion. I say this with all conviction that the state remains an illusion, considering the class and caliber of persons wearing the badge of Kogi state.
Igala is the language spoken by the people located within the triangle formed by the confluence of the rivers Niger and Benue in Kogi State. 'The Igala people are found east of the confluence of these rivers. It is 120 kilometers wide and 160 kilometers long and covers an area of about 13,665 square kilometers. The Igala people are evenly distributed all over the land but with Anyigba, Ankpa and Idah more densely populated.
The Okun dialects which comprise Owé, Ìyàgbà, Ìjùmú, Bùnú and Ọ̀wọ́rọ̀ are spoken in the southern axis of Kogi State. The dialects are distinguishable as individual dialects but they are mutually intelligible to an extent. Owé, Ìyàgbà, Ìjùmú, Bùnú and Ọ̀wọ́rọ̀ people are referred to as the Okun people.
The Ebira’s occupies the western axis of Kogi state, with a population that is a little over a million. Predominantly farmers, and crafts men with lots of ingenuity in the area of skilled handcrafts. The word Ebira translates to manners or characters, which has defined their identity till date. They are said to be hostile and aggressive, which is more of perception rather than reality.
In that mood of reflection, I also tried to trace the origin of the politics of governance in Nigeria that has degenerated to a level that smacks a mockery of the type of democracy we are practicing.
Democracy is not a sharply defined form of government that would need to be implemented in just one and no other way. Both in theory and in practice there are as many systems of democracy than democratic countries. In a Democracy, people are supposed to be free to speak, to read and to choose what they want to buy, sell & own, without such freedom the word has no meaning.
Some of us still harbor illusions that Nigeria is a democracy just because we elect our government. However, for a democratic setup like ours, we do seem to have some pretty odd ways of demonstrating our commitment to the democratic ideals of freedom, justice & equality.
The political structure in Kogi state is the case study. The Igala’s have been at the helms of affairs while other zones in the state have been confined to play the second fiddle role in governance, which has not gone down considerably well.
The situation is not peculiar to Kogi state alone, as it is evident across the federation, which might force a discerning mind to interpret our kind of democracy as dictatorial in nature.
The rapid decline both in human capital and infrastructures is left to be imagined. The Igala’s though wielding supremacy on the lines of the dominant ethnic tribe constitutes the major architect of the shambles experienced in Kogi state and this I say without fear or favor and in fairness to good governance, which is ironically the bitter truth.
Yours sincerely, is Igala and one that is conversant with the intrigues playing out in the state. Where we are today, were brought about by a ruling class that refused to rise above ethnic sentiments, a ruling class that is highly dependent on the dictates of age long doctrines that has no relevance in the present dispensation, which has further set us backwards rather than propel us into greatness.
This situation has progressed into a state of delusion, propelled by the sheer polarization of the inalienable right of fair and equal representation. This mindset that is the norm has also proven an encumbrance that will further encourage decadence and disillusionment in the present and the future of Kogites.
The critics of a level playing ground for all, regardless of ethnic and religious affiliations in Kogi state does display an idiosyncratic belief that is not in tandem with a generally accepted reality, a reality that emphasizes that all humans are equal and leadership is not the exclusive preserve of a certain tribe.
I stand to be corrected, a trip round the eastern axis of Kogi state, that houses the Igala’s, reveals tales of abject poverty, and this feat is equally replicated in other zones in the state. This smacks a mockery of who we are as a people and as a state.
As it stands today, a level playing ground for all regardless, has no twin name. It is a child of necessity that must be delivered, if we must unclench our fist from the claws of despondency, into claiming our rightful place in the country. The argument remains that the Igala’s have been at the helms of affairs since the creation of the state and there is little or nothing to show for it.
The list of intelligentsia and technocrats are intimidating, yet we wallow in the breeze of despair. We are celebrated outside, yet we are cursed inside, we are brilliant outside and yet we are fools inside. Who are we deceiving?
These and many more are the direct consequence of hinging the right of governance on a particular ethnic tribe, vaguely viewed as the dominant tribe. The present realities as evident in the Obama Presidency in the United States of America represents the new order that must be embraced in Kogi state and Nigeria in general.
The issue of majority and minority should be relegated to the background, but the issue that should be embraced is the collective development of the state.
At this point, though a full blooded Igala, but in fairness, devoid of ethnic sentiments and selfish reasons, I root for the Okun’s as producing the next governor of Kogi state, and I strongly encourage my fellow brothers to see light in my position.
This position of mine is not borne out of selfish reasons, but an interest that originated from deep thoughts about my dear state. We ought to move forward, we should give them a chance to prove that their knowledge base can be beneficial for the overall interest of Kogi state.
jocheja@aol.com
By Joshua Ocheja
The phrase Power shift might sound a bit unpleasant especially as it relates to the political atmosphere in Kogi state, but it is yet the indispensable drumbeat of change whose rhythm will open the dance floor to endless expression of intent for sound minds, regardless of tribe, religion or location. This dance floor will serve as the catalyst for the much awaited Kogi Renaissance.
This piece is a child of necessity that has been in the womb, incubating and gathering momentum, principally to highlight the need for why tribal differences should be ignored in totality as regards governance in Kogi state. But rather individuals, content of character, blueprint for development, sense of judgment, experience, exposure, track record and intellectual ability should be encouraged regardless of sentiments along the line of majority and minority tribes.
The state also referred to as the confluence state, is blessed with abundance of resources, and a host of others that beats our imagination on how we have failed to effectively utilize them. That we are where we are today is a product of deep rooted ethnicity, tribalism and selfish motives exhibited by a cabal that views the citizenry from a disdainful perspective.
It gets more depressing, when the list of prominent names is reeled out. These names have distinguished themselves in the scheme of affairs in the country. Names like Sunday Awoniyi, Francis Idachaba, Eyitayo Lambo, M.M Wokili, Isah Ocheja, Julius Sunday Oshanupin, Aliyu Atta, Olushola Akanmode, Bayo Ojo, Smart Adeyemi, Abdulahi Ibrahim (SAN) Ibrahim Ogohi, Kola Jamodu, David Jemibewon Jide Omokore, J.E Ataguba, Yakubu Mohammad, Salihu Atawodi, Eugenia Abu, Professor Oyibo and a host of others.
The dynamic nature of the state makes the strengths and weakness of the various zones very visible. The Igala’s are known to be the major ethnic tribe, parading an intimidating list of uniform men, business men and politicians.
The Ebira’s are placed second in the political hierarchy with successful business men and politicians, while the Okun’s parades intelligentsias and technocrats, a place generally regarded as the fountain of knowledge in Kogi state.
In life, knowledge is open to all that embraces it and leadership abilities are not determined by tribe or religion. I say this with all conviction that the state remains an illusion, considering the class and caliber of persons wearing the badge of Kogi state.
Igala is the language spoken by the people located within the triangle formed by the confluence of the rivers Niger and Benue in Kogi State. 'The Igala people are found east of the confluence of these rivers. It is 120 kilometers wide and 160 kilometers long and covers an area of about 13,665 square kilometers. The Igala people are evenly distributed all over the land but with Anyigba, Ankpa and Idah more densely populated.
The Okun dialects which comprise Owé, Ìyàgbà, Ìjùmú, Bùnú and Ọ̀wọ́rọ̀ are spoken in the southern axis of Kogi State. The dialects are distinguishable as individual dialects but they are mutually intelligible to an extent. Owé, Ìyàgbà, Ìjùmú, Bùnú and Ọ̀wọ́rọ̀ people are referred to as the Okun people.
The Ebira’s occupies the western axis of Kogi state, with a population that is a little over a million. Predominantly farmers, and crafts men with lots of ingenuity in the area of skilled handcrafts. The word Ebira translates to manners or characters, which has defined their identity till date. They are said to be hostile and aggressive, which is more of perception rather than reality.
In that mood of reflection, I also tried to trace the origin of the politics of governance in Nigeria that has degenerated to a level that smacks a mockery of the type of democracy we are practicing.
Democracy is not a sharply defined form of government that would need to be implemented in just one and no other way. Both in theory and in practice there are as many systems of democracy than democratic countries. In a Democracy, people are supposed to be free to speak, to read and to choose what they want to buy, sell & own, without such freedom the word has no meaning.
Some of us still harbor illusions that Nigeria is a democracy just because we elect our government. However, for a democratic setup like ours, we do seem to have some pretty odd ways of demonstrating our commitment to the democratic ideals of freedom, justice & equality.
The political structure in Kogi state is the case study. The Igala’s have been at the helms of affairs while other zones in the state have been confined to play the second fiddle role in governance, which has not gone down considerably well.
The situation is not peculiar to Kogi state alone, as it is evident across the federation, which might force a discerning mind to interpret our kind of democracy as dictatorial in nature.
The rapid decline both in human capital and infrastructures is left to be imagined. The Igala’s though wielding supremacy on the lines of the dominant ethnic tribe constitutes the major architect of the shambles experienced in Kogi state and this I say without fear or favor and in fairness to good governance, which is ironically the bitter truth.
Yours sincerely, is Igala and one that is conversant with the intrigues playing out in the state. Where we are today, were brought about by a ruling class that refused to rise above ethnic sentiments, a ruling class that is highly dependent on the dictates of age long doctrines that has no relevance in the present dispensation, which has further set us backwards rather than propel us into greatness.
This situation has progressed into a state of delusion, propelled by the sheer polarization of the inalienable right of fair and equal representation. This mindset that is the norm has also proven an encumbrance that will further encourage decadence and disillusionment in the present and the future of Kogites.
The critics of a level playing ground for all, regardless of ethnic and religious affiliations in Kogi state does display an idiosyncratic belief that is not in tandem with a generally accepted reality, a reality that emphasizes that all humans are equal and leadership is not the exclusive preserve of a certain tribe.
I stand to be corrected, a trip round the eastern axis of Kogi state, that houses the Igala’s, reveals tales of abject poverty, and this feat is equally replicated in other zones in the state. This smacks a mockery of who we are as a people and as a state.
As it stands today, a level playing ground for all regardless, has no twin name. It is a child of necessity that must be delivered, if we must unclench our fist from the claws of despondency, into claiming our rightful place in the country. The argument remains that the Igala’s have been at the helms of affairs since the creation of the state and there is little or nothing to show for it.
The list of intelligentsia and technocrats are intimidating, yet we wallow in the breeze of despair. We are celebrated outside, yet we are cursed inside, we are brilliant outside and yet we are fools inside. Who are we deceiving?
These and many more are the direct consequence of hinging the right of governance on a particular ethnic tribe, vaguely viewed as the dominant tribe. The present realities as evident in the Obama Presidency in the United States of America represents the new order that must be embraced in Kogi state and Nigeria in general.
The issue of majority and minority should be relegated to the background, but the issue that should be embraced is the collective development of the state.
At this point, though a full blooded Igala, but in fairness, devoid of ethnic sentiments and selfish reasons, I root for the Okun’s as producing the next governor of Kogi state, and I strongly encourage my fellow brothers to see light in my position.
This position of mine is not borne out of selfish reasons, but an interest that originated from deep thoughts about my dear state. We ought to move forward, we should give them a chance to prove that their knowledge base can be beneficial for the overall interest of Kogi state.
jocheja@aol.com
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