EBIRA PEOPLE'S ASSOCIATION (EPA) APPEALS FOR PEACEFUL CONDUCT OF THE FORTHCOMING GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION AND THE SUSTENANCE OF STABILITY IN KOGI CENTRAL SENATORIAL DISTRICT
11TH NOVEMBER, 2023
Dear Anebira,
No doubt, the Egbira nation is passing through another delicate phase in its political evolution. It is important from the onset to appreciate every son and daughter of Egbira for the sacrifices that all of us have been making at this period to ensure that the peace of the land is not threatened or breached. We also want to thank all those who have reached out to us physically or by telephone calls and voice notes. We have all demonstrated that we are worthy sons and daughters of our fatherland.
It is important for us to reflect deeply on the current political situation in Kogi Central Senatorial District, particularly as a consequence of the last senatorial election, which two of our active politicians keenly contested. It must be acknowledged that in party politics, as we currently practice, individuals reserve the right to belong to any of the registered political parties of their choice.
We are also aware of the ongoing legal process as a consequence of the outcome of the recent senatorial election.
In as much as the leadership of EPA and some concerned elders would have wished to intervene in the dispute, we are, however, constrained by the ongoing litigation in the Law Court. It is our hope and prayers that the judiciary will do justice in the matter and speedily too. EPA, therefore, passionately appeals to the contestants to exercise restraint and avoid any act or speculation that may heat up the polity.
As the upcoming gubernatorial election of November 11th draws near, Kogi State is again experiencing a surge in tension and anticipation with all its attendant consequences. As a socio-cultural organization in the state, EPA would have remained apolitical but recent events in the State have prompted us to draw caution as we approach the period of the election. It is important to reflect on our past experiences in the governance of Kogi State before the emergence of Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello. In that era, Kogi Central Senatorial District was subjugated to playing second fiddle with all its concomitant socio-political and economic disadvantages. It is pertinent to state that, in the scheme of things within the referenced period, our brothers from Kogi East ruled the state for well over 19 years cumulatively, while other Senatorial Districts of the state watched helplessly.
In consideration of this precedent, EPA craves the indulgence of our neighbors from Kogi East and West to demonstrate the spirit of brotherhood and cast their votes for the Kogi Central Candidate after whose tenure the West Senatorial District takes their turn with our collective understanding and efforts.
In the impending gubernatorial election, it is necessary to reiterate that Kogi Central is promoting the candidature of Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo of the All Progressive Congress.
Regrettably, this election has gathered a lot of dust in Ebiraland because of some unresolved internal issues in the political space amongst our political actors. It will be beneficial, at a time like this, that we go to the polls as one united member of the same family, irrespective of our political affiliations and differences. Our unity has always been our strength, and it is this unity that will douse the consequential tension and set the tone for the eventual reconciliation among us. We understand that passions and beliefs run deep, especially when it comes to loyalty to one’s political persuasion. On this note, therefore, EPA appeals to our brothers and sisters to consider this collective political aspiration and discard their grievances and anger during this period.
Finally, it is in our collective interest that the prevalent peace in our fatherland is not jeopardized by the unguarded utterances and inciting posts in social media for whatever grievances we might have individually or as a group.
Signed
Dr. Godwin Oyibo
President General
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