"PICK YOUR GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATE FROM KOGI CENTRAL/WEST IF YOU WANT TO WIN 2015 ELECTION" - KOGI GROUP TELLS PARTIES"

KOGI CENTRAL AND KOGI WEST FORUM FOR EQUITY AND JUSTICE
COMMUNIQUE (July 8, 2015).

1. The Kogi Central and Kogi West Forum for Equity and Justice met again on Wednesday July 8, 2015 in Abuja. The meeting, which was attended by over 100 people from the two senatorial districts, including representatives of groups with similar objectives, was in furtherance of the Forum's pursuit of good governance, equity and justice in the state.

2. The meeting reiterated its commitment to fielding a single candidate as well as a deputy in the forthcoming governorship election in the state. It advised all major political parties to respect the feelings and reflect the interest of the two senatorial zones in the choice of their gubernatorial candidates if they are serious about winning this year's election. The meeting did not foreclose the possibility of using a third platform to realize its objective if the two major political parties make the mistake of not fielding its consensus candidate in the election.

3. The Forum promised to search widely and transparently for a governorship candidate as well as a deputy that will win the next election and change the fortunes of the much abused and traumatized state.

4. The Forum vowed to halt the marginalization of the two senatorial districts, end the rot in the state and enthrone good governance and equity which have so far eluded the resources-rich state. Rather than constantly bemoaning their plight, participants resolved to come together, strategize and take their destinies in their hands. Members pledged to pool their resources together to save the state from chronic under-development and shameful stagnation.

5. The Forum resolved to remain focused, determined, honest and transparent in its dealings. It plans to mobilize all the people and associations in the two senatorial districts towards achieving the Forum's aspirations.

6. The meeting agreed to put in the public domain statistics showing the incalculable inequity and mindless marginalization in Kogi State so that the whole world will know that the struggle for equity and good governance is truly justified and long overdue.

7. The Forum agreed to hold its next meetings in Lokoja, Kabba and Okene and to mobilize the people of the two senatorial districts to end the present internal colonialism in the state.

8. Four Standing Committees - Finance, Strategy, Media and Publicity, Contact and Mobilization and Search/Screening - were constituted with terms of reference. The committees are to start work immediately.