Kogi: Ebira monarch, elders endorse Salawu’s aspiration

Source: Nigerian Compass

The ancient city of Okene , the political headquarters of Ebira land stood still for the incumbent Deputy-Governor, Chief Philip Omeiza Salawu, as he received the royal blessing and endorsement, when he formally consulted with the traditional rulers, political office holders, Party executives, community leaders and all the stakeholders over his aspiration to run for governorship election come 2011.

The colourful event took place at the Azad Palace of the Paramount traditional ruler and the Vice- President of Kogi State Council of Traditional Rulers, Dr. Ado Ibrahim at weekend in Okene.

The occasion was yet another political gathering that brought the Who is Who in Ebira land to formally endorse the candidature of Chief Salawu who has been the deputy governor in the last seven years.

With the calibre of political stakeholders and the traditional chiefs from the central who converged at the palace on that day, one is inclined to believe that peace and tranquillity may have finally returned to Ebira land, which has been hitherto described as a war zone.

Speaking to the large crowd who had thronged the palace to receive the Deputy -Governor, the Ohinoyi of Ebira land, Dr.Ado Ibrahim, urged people of the central senatorial district to support the political aspiration of Chief Salawu to contest the governorship election in 2011.

The Royal Majesty who spoke in Ebira dialect explained that Chief Salawu has come to intimate the Traditional rulers and consult with the people to seek royal blessing for the onerous task ahead.

Dr. Ibrahim said that the deputy governor had the necessary prerequisite having served as deputy and acquired experience in the last seven years and must have learnt the nitty- gritty of governance of the state without any hitch.

The royal father who prayed for Salawu also called on the people to support his ambition, adding that the people of Kogi Central senatorial district should shun all forms of political ill feelings that have pervaded the area in the recent past.

The monarch said that he would convince the other governorship aspirants in the central senatorial district to step down for him and work for him because of enormous experience he has garnered over the years so that the area will not forfeit its bright chances of occupying the Lugard House come 2011.

“Salawu is my son I am solidly behind this aspirant and his aspiration .We all need to work together to ensure he achieve his ambition to govern Kogi State comes 2011.

He assured that if Salawu is given the mandate to lead the state come 2011, he will bring lots of meaningful developments to the people of the entire Kogi State.

In his address, the Deputy Governor, Chief Salawu told the royal fathers that he came to consult with the people of the central over his ambition to contest governorship election in the state.

Salawu maintained that he would continue the good works of his boss, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris and the developmental zeal of the present administration, adding that continuity of the good progammes will lead to final roadmap to economic development.

The Deputy governor also took his time to pay courtesy visit to the houses of the leaders and opinion moulders in the central senatorial district to canvass for their support. He also used the opportunity to unveil his vision and mission for Kogi State in 2011 and beyond. At Alhaji Etudaye, one of the elder statesmen residence, Chief Salawu stated that he could not believe the rousing welcome he received from the large crowd that welcome him to Okene, stressing that his intention was to come in quietly to consult with elders and expressed gratitude for the support he has been receiving from the Elders Forum from time to time.

Salawu, however seized the opportunity to debunk the rumour making the round that he had given N3 million to the forum to support him, stressing that the allegation was just mere figment of imagination of his detractors.

Earlier, while receiving some groups who came for solidarity support for his ambition at his official residence in Lokoja, the Deputy Governor, Chief Salawu explained that there will be continuity of good governance as espoused by the Ibrahim Idris led administration if given the mandate.

He disclosed that “Peace and Unity” of the state is very paramount which his boss, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris has vigorously pursued in the last seven years and if the mantle of leadership is handed over to him, he will consolidate on the peaceful co-existence of the people of Kogi State.

Salawu commended the initiative of the various youth groups for their support, stressing that he is very familiar with the terrain which include the West, Central and Kogi East having schooled at the government secondary school in Okene with Igalas, Okuns and Ebiras living in the same room.

He maintained that he knows every nooks and cranny of the state, adding that he knows who is who in Kogi East and have friends every part of the state.

Earlier in his remarks, the President of Kogi East Youth Network (KEYNET), Comrade Suleiman Abubakar said the support for the aspiration of the Deputy Governor was borne out of genuine call for power rotation among the three senatorial districts.

Abubakar explained that the Kogi East Youth Network believes in the principle of egalitarianism, well being of the citizens and development in the state irrespective of where the governor comes from.

He noted that having realized that youths are agent of change in the society have come together to speak in one voice to support, elect and give their mandate to the candidate of their choice who will carry along in the political scheme of things in the state.

In similar vein, another group called Philip Salawu Success Movement (PSSM) has paid solidarity visit to the residence of the Deputy Governor in Lokoja.

The Coordinator of the group, Comrade Abubakar Bello stated that his group has resolved to support the Deputy Governor based on his antecedent as a detribalized leader.

“We have followed with keen interest in your honest, humane and civil disposition towards resolution of knotty political issues, your humble and friendly approach to issues, and your zero tolerance for violence and absolute concern for human capacity development.”