There are well over two hundred ethnics groups in Nigeria, some are large and some are small in terms of population, the Igala ethnic group ranks within the first ten largest ethnic groups in Nigeria. The Igalas are mostly found in Kogi State but they spread across the globe engaging in productive ventures in different fields of human endeavours.
They have a population of over two million. The people are well known for their dexterity, hard-work, honesty and commitment to whatever course they choose in life. But the last four years in the State has exposed us, the Igalas, to direct and indirect attacks as well as disunity caused by the power that be in Kogi State through its wicked policies as spearheaded by some greedy sons and daughters of Kogi East. Today, Kogi East is slipping down as well sinking to the bottom of the ladder. Who will rescue us? That has been the question on the lips of everyone from Kogi East and the State in general.
The Igalas are mostly affected by the obnoxious policies of the Yahaya Bello’s administration especially in the last four years. Our people were mostly affected by the staff screening exercise of the government. Kogi State University, Anyigba located in Kogi East has been reduced to a senior secondary school because hundreds of qualified lecturers laboured for by past Vice – Chancellors especially late Prof. Francis Idachaba have left for greener pastures. Infrastructures are at its lowest ebb, local contractors from the area are no longer relevant in the execution of State government projects. Positions in the civil service now hijacked but given to cronies of the governor and we have many of our children unable to go back to school due to non-payment of salaries, pension and lack of scholarship award for them. Now that the election for a new governor is at hand, every Igala person must brace up and see how to install one of us to occupy Lugard House come 16th November, 2019.
The Igala race has one huge unique advantage in Kogi State which is the voting strength. This could be used to give a positive result in favour of our race. Right from time immemorial people or government do often use the principle of comparative advantage to advance their course and as such, the Igala people cannot be an exception in this case. The comparative advantage of this government is that it has money, and other state apparatus on its side and in most cases use them to achieve whatever goal set for itself. The Igala people must come out strong to use their God- given population to effect a change in governance in Kogi State. In the early 1970’s, Jimmy Cliff, a Jamaican reggae superstar released a track titled “use what you get to get what you need”. Let us use our voting strength positively this time around.
Now that we have one of our sons in one of the leading political parties in Kogi State for this governorship election, Igala nation must do the needful to support him – Engr. Musa Wada. We cannot patronize second position when we have that ample chance of seeking first position on a platter of gold. If a particular race outside Kogi East is going about encouraging their people not to vote for any candidate outside their district, then why can’t the Igala do the same? Let every Igala person shame all the detractors who have said it in the past that you can take away the wife of an Igala man with just N6,000. Are we so gullible like that? What an insult on a whole race? Those few but greedy Igala persons who are trying to sell us out are nothing but business merchants only out to milk Mr. Bello dry and abandon him.
They are lighter than feathers in Kogi East politics. And God will judge them.
The youths from Kogi East who are today recruited to fight and cause mayhem in the district should think well before they go into their suicide mission. Because they are doomed to perish with whatever they have collected from their benefactors. We appeal and warn the youths to have a very deep rethink and follow the path of greatness. We are aware that huge sum of money will be brought to Kogi East to influence your decision, we advise you collect the money but never be blinded by it. Look for your brother and support him to get to power. Any money offered to you is just part of the stolen wealth meant to fix the roads, hospitals and schools in Kogi State but which they abandoned. If the Igala race fails to vote overwhelmingly for our own son, Engr. Musa Wada, we shall become objects of ridicule nationally, the race will never again speak with one voice and we will not amount to anything in Kogi politics.
We must unite and vote rightly, protect your vote, never be scared with whatever arsenals the enemies will carry. Victory is assured !!!
Issued by: Kogi East Patriotic Front