FairWin: Weathering the road to Lugard House

By Ismail M. Kabir 

When the General Ibrahim Babangida administration created Kogi State in 1991, it was greeted with wild jubilation. That auspicious period promised a new dawn to the people that would later be regarded as Kogites. A new dawn ordinarily brings with it new hopes, better opportunities and improved standard of living. But more than two decades later, and in contrast with the high expectations, an unprecedented level of retrogression dawned on the people of the state.

However, this piece is not another shot at reminding the people of the undue relegation of a supposed progressive state to the abyss of history by its successive clueless leadership, rather, it is borne out of the need to appreciate the selfless efforts of a committed few that not only identified with the dogged struggle to liberate Kogi state, but also defied the raging storm by staying true to their belief in the man Yahaya Adoza Bello with the resolve to succeed in the daunting battle against all odds.

In the heat up to Kogi the governorship election, among the numerous aspirants in the guber race, there stood out a man whose vibrant youthfulness stirred the interest of Kogi youths. The man who soon came across as a rare breed with the gospel of a "New Direction" for Kogi state was Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello (popularly known as Fairplus). His consultation cut across ethnic divide in the state with an aesthetic aura and eloquent public speeches that sparked an unprecedented acceptance especially among the people from other senatorial districts of the state. Even in the face of heated demand for power shift, Yahaya Bello preferred to be seen as "a product of Kogi State", advocating and canvassing support from every part of the state.

In the quest for youthful representation, purposeful leadership and the penchant for a progressive Kogi state, Yahaya Bello's camp presented an opportunity for some advocates of these values to identify with Yahaya Bello. Like an inspiration, the name FairWin was adopted to symbolize this vision.

In a speech by the chairman of FairWin at a dinner held in Abuja over the weekend in honour of the His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, Engr. Abubakar Ohere said the name FairWin was culled from FairPlus, the appellation of, and in identification with the aspiration of Alhaji Yahaya Bello, who apparently was seen to encapsulate the ideal so much sought for by this group towards creating a new beginning for Kogi State.

FAIRWIN membership, according to Ohere, is essentially voluntary but driven by passion, mutual and patriotic commitment for good and impactful governance in Kogi State.

Engr. Ohere further spoke on the rationale behind the group's support for Alhaji Yahaya Bello.

"The group's decision to throw its weight behind the candidacy of His Excellency,Alhaji Yahaya Bello is based on his observed endearing attributes; he's de-tribalized, without religious bias, people-oriented, development-focused and with antecedent of selflessness, integrity and above all, an accountable and responsible corporate manager, that represented a total departure from the past that has subjugated the state to this unpleasant level of development".

When the ovation was loudest, the FairPlus camp was over populated as it was domineering until it was put to test by the outcome of the APC governorship primaries in Lokoja. The crowd gradually fizzled out when the ambition seemed almost impossible. True loyalty and patriotism was vehemently exhibited by Fairwin at that critical moment.

The turbulent days of the struggle is described by the group as the critical moment when it seemed the quest for Lugard House will not be possible. The group stuck with him, supporting and exhibiting unflinching vote of confidence, reposed in him on several occasions, with the belief that he is the best candidate to take the state to the desired destination. Following the APC primaries that threw up the late Prince Abubakar Audu, and he was virtually deserted by "fair weather" friends, FairWin maintained an unflinching support with him and backed this with unequivocal vote of confidence. Its support was undeniably entrenched. For example, FairWin was responsible for the petition to the APC National Working Committee, regarding the outcome of governorship primaries and the ensuing power imbalance and inequity that emanated in the state thereafter due to the concentration of all relevant elective and political positions in the other zones much to the disadvantage of the central zone in the state. That petition was largely instrumental to the eventual emergence of Alhaji Bello as replacement to the late Prince Abubakar Audu.

The group has been largely instrumental to the development and strengthening of the otherwise non-existent unity in Ebira land. Through its effort, major players and stakeholders who have played parallel became mutually cooperative with each other, having been made to see the need for all to join hands for the sake of the state and the zone. It similarly played significant role in ensuring peaceful conduct of polls in the central zone previously known for its volatile nature in electoral climes. Very noteworthy was the role it midwifed through its facilitation of a condolence visit to the family of late Prince Audu following his death.  

For once in Ebiraland, and for and among all sons and daughters of Ebira extraction, FairWin has become a household name for peace, unity and development, not just within our ethnic setting, but across the state, brokering the emergence of peaceful co-existence, harmony, trust and sustainable drive for the good of the entire Kogi State. The group has become the beautiful bride of every one from Kogi Central seeking elective positions in Kogi State as well as at the federal level from the state. However, as it has being, its goal remains constant: ensuring that good governance is established in the state for durable and impactful state-wide development and inclusive and peaceful co-existence.

As the goal of enthroning a people's governor has been achieved, FairWin believes that the main journey has just begun. The group is working on widening its scope to ensure that all political office holders work for the good of the state as they remain committed to the sustenance of their role as the people's advocate, vanguard for good governance and platform of the "change" agents that will be available for the service of the new administration in all sectors.

For our new governor, while FAIRWIN is determined to hold him and his governance team accountable to their pledges, it is equally committed to ensuring the enthronement of credible people into various facets of the state governance, including representation at other levels for a sustainable peace, progress and inclusive development across Kogi state.

Kabir writes from Lokoja (with additional contribution from FairWin Support Group)

Ismail M. Kabir is the Founder/Web Admin of EbiraView Media.

He can be reached via:
EbiraView@gmail.com
Tel: 0803 825 0570