It has been brought to my notice the inconsistencies that characterised the recently organised screening of governorship aspirants of Kogi East extraction by Kogi East Elders’ Council (KEEC) headed by a very respected elder statesman, Dr Ahmadu Ali which has really generated gross condemnations across party lines by concerned people of Kogi state as they have expressed their displeasure over the exercise.
Although, the secretary of the council has come out to refute the allegation of financial inducement which influenced the outcome of the council’s resolve, we reliably gathered that some aspirants having noticed the body language of the members of the committee resorted to compromising the process for an expected favourable outcome where they will be absorbed of any acts that may impede their chances of been considered worthy for the ticket.
While other aspirants who, according my investigation refused to be exploited and consequently screened or schemed out, those who graced their palms, we heard were given clean bill of health as people who should be given consideration for the governorship ticket. If this allegation is true as it has already inundated the cyberspace with little or no rebuttal from the council members, PDP should as a matter of urgency re -evaluate themselves whether they are truly committed to return to Lugard House in few months time.
As fundamental as the exercise seems if it was judiciously carried out Inline with popular expectations, it’s imperative to inform the general public and indeed the supporters of the various aspirants that Kogi East Elders’ Council has no constitutional capacity to disqualify anyone seeking election on any platform into political positions in kogi state.
I am sure the Council is also aware of its limited self imposed regional responsibility as a body merely constituted to provide advisory services to complement the effort of political parties as they lack the drive of the national body of any party to disqualify its aspirant to contest in an election. We must define and identify our roles to avoid making certain moves that may be considered trespasses against legally constituted institutions like INEC and political parties which have the prerogative to decide the fate of individuals in elections. I want to use this privilege to inform all the supporters of Hon Zakari Alfa Campaign Organisation that we are intact and not distracted by KEEC’s resolution as they are not known in law. We urge you to remain consistent in your campaign activities.
Suleiman Alhassan,
SA, Media and publicity to Hon Zakari Alfa.