The good people of Igala/Bassa kingdom has been urged to closeranks and extend their support to the current administrations at both the state and federal levels in order to reap greater dividends of democracy.
Assitant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Abutu Yaro (Rtd) made the statement on Saturday, when he received on a courtesy visit, the Kogi State Deputy Governor, His Excellency Comrade Joel Salifu, at his residence in Anyigba, Dekina local government area.
He stressed that the Igala people should take pride in the state Governor and Deputy, who are distinguished community-based elites excelling in their responsibilities. He noted that the time is ripe for the Igala kingdom to come up with a renewed commitment to engage with the government at the state to attract further development.
According to him, if the political rhetoric of the Igala tribe divers from that of the government at both the state and federal levels, progress may remain elusive for the zone. He advised the youth and the elite to drop personal ambitions and rally around the current administration in the state to attract transformative change.
He urged party leaders to reconcile the few aggrived individuals whose voices tarnish the image of the Igala/Bassa kingdom, so as to allow the zone negotiate for more important opportunities at both the state and national levels.
He expressed confidence in Governor Ododo’s ability to continue to elevate the state’s profile on the global stage, while assuring his readiness to support the APC and the present administration to succeed.
In his remarks, Hon. John Urah Ikani, the Executive Chairman of Dekina Local Government Area, said that the residents of dekina are happy with the state governor and his team for their transformational achievements within just over a year in office. He expressed gratitude to the governor and deputy for maintaining the position of zonal chairman of the APC in the local government, reaffirming their continued support and loyalty.
On his part, Hon. Ogwu Abdul Alhassan, the Kogi East APC Acting Zonal Vice Chairman, expressed his appreciation to the Governor and his Deputy for entrusting him with the new appointment, pledging to justify the confidence reposed in him.
In his address, the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Comrade Joel Salifu, noted that when a people distances themselves from the government, it can lead to a significant lack of development in their area, which he said, is detrimental to progress. He urged the people to give their support to the current administration to attract more amenities.
He stressed that despite the attitudes exhibited by the people of Kogi East during the 2023 gubernatorial election, the Governor has given lucrative appointments to the zone and has earmarked many local government for more infrastructure. He called for greater unity among the people to negotiate for further development of the Igala kingdom.
While congratulating the newly appointed Kogi East zonal chairman, he cautioned him against giving-in to hearsay and slander, particularly as the 2027 election approaches, stating that unverified information can jeopardize the party’s integrity.
Unubi Emmanuel
Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor,
Kogi State
June 28, 2025
