Rejoinder: Group Accuses ỌLA IWỌ Movement of Promoting Ethnic Politics, Defends Governor Ododo’s Inclusive Governance
By Yahaya Idris, Kogi
A statement issued by James Idachaba JP, Secretary, has rejected claims by the ỌLA IWỌ Movement advocating what it describes as the need to “take over our rightful positions in Kogi State”, arguing that such rhetoric promotes ethnic division rather than democratic participation.
The rejoinder, released in response to a recent publication by the movement, described the campaign as constitutionally unsound and politically divisive, maintaining that leadership in Kogi State should be determined through democratic elections rather than ethnic identity or historical claims.
According to the statement, the publication by the ỌLA IWỌ Movement relied on “misleading assertions, selective presentation of facts and an unfortunate attempt to misinform the public”, while encouraging sentiments capable of deepening political and ethnic divisions.
The rejoinder argued that no senatorial district or ethnic group possesses an exclusive constitutional claim to the governorship of Kogi State.
It maintained that public office is attained through the will of the electorate and should not be viewed as the entitlement of any particular region.
“The proposition that any particular senatorial district possesses a rightful position to govern the state is constitutionally untenable, politically dangerous and morally indefensible,” the statement said.
The statement added that democratic governance must be founded on merit, public confidence and electoral legitimacy rather than sectional interests.
Defence of Ododo Administration
The rejoinder also defended the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, arguing that his government has pursued development projects across Kogi East despite political differences during the last governorship election.
It cited road construction schemes, ecological intervention projects and environmental restoration initiatives undertaken in communities affected by erosion and other environmental challenges.
According to the statement, these interventions demonstrate a commitment to practical governance focused on addressing longstanding developmental needs.
Inclusive Appointments Highlighted
The statement further argued that Governor Ododo has maintained an inclusive approach to appointments across Kogi State.
It noted that Kogi East currently occupies several strategic positions within government, including commissioners, the Auditor-General, heads of government agencies, Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants.
According to the rejoinder, these appointments reflect an effort to promote competence and balanced representation across the state’s three senatorial districts.
The statement further claimed that despite Kogi East contributing fewer votes than other districts during the governorship election, the administration has continued to allocate development projects and political appointments without discrimination.
It described this approach as an example of statesmanship rather than governance driven by electoral calculations.
Ibaji Road Project Cited
As further evidence of the administration’s development agenda, the rejoinder referred to Governor Ododo’s recent visit to Ibaji Local Government Area, where he announced plans to commence road construction following technical assessments carried out during both the rainy and dry seasons.
The statement said the project reflected a government focused on addressing infrastructure challenges through planning and technical evaluation rather than political symbolism.
Warning Over Ethnic Rhetoric
The rejoinder criticised the ỌLA IWỌ Movement’s campaign slogan, arguing that calls to reclaim “rightful positions” risk reviving ethnic divisions that successive administrations have sought to reduce.
It warned that political campaigns centred on ethnic entitlement encourage exclusion and mistrust rather than social cohesion.
The statement further argued that previous attempts to mobilise support along ethnic lines had failed to deliver lasting political stability or sustainable development in Kogi State.
Bello and Ododo Credited
The rejoinder credited the administrations of former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo with strengthening inter-ethnic cooperation through balanced political appointments and the distribution of development projects.
It maintained that over the past eleven years, Kogi East has benefited from investments in road infrastructure, healthcare, education, environmental protection and other public services.
The statement argued that these achievements remain publicly verifiable and should not be overlooked for political purposes.
Call for Issue-Based Politics
Concluding the rejoinder, James Idachaba urged political leaders and stakeholders to shift public debate towards governance issues including economic growth, healthcare, education, agriculture, infrastructure, youth empowerment and security.
He argued that Kogi State’s future depends on cooperation rather than sectional mobilisation.
Reaffirming Governor Ododo’s governing philosophy, the statement cited his commitment to “Project Agenda, Kogi Agenda, and not Tribal Agenda,” describing it as a guiding principle reflected in government policies, appointments and development programmes across the state.
The rejoinder concluded that the progress of Kogi State would be better served by politics centred on unity, development and democratic inclusion than by campaigns founded on ethnic entitlement.
By Yahaya Idris, Kogi
A statement issued by James Idachaba JP, Secretary, has rejected claims by the ỌLA IWỌ Movement advocating what it describes as the need to “take over our rightful positions in Kogi State”, arguing that such rhetoric promotes ethnic division rather than democratic participation.
The rejoinder, released in response to a recent publication by the movement, described the campaign as constitutionally unsound and politically divisive, maintaining that leadership in Kogi State should be determined through democratic elections rather than ethnic identity or historical claims.
According to the statement, the publication by the ỌLA IWỌ Movement relied on “misleading assertions, selective presentation of facts and an unfortunate attempt to misinform the public”, while encouraging sentiments capable of deepening political and ethnic divisions
The rejoinder argued that no senatorial district or ethnic group possesses an exclusive constitutional claim to the governorship of Kogi State.
It maintained that public office is attained through the will of the electorate and should not be viewed as the entitlement of any particular region.
“The proposition that any particular senatorial district possesses a rightful position to govern the state is constitutionally untenable, politically dangerous and morally indefensible,” the statement said.
The statement added that democratic governance must be founded on merit, public confidence and electoral legitimacy rather than sectional interests.
The rejoinder also defended the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, arguing that his government has pursued development projects across Kogi East despite political differences during the last governorship election.
It cited road construction schemes, ecological intervention projects and environmental restoration initiatives undertaken in communities affected by erosion and other environmental challenges.
According to the statement, these interventions demonstrate a commitment to practical governance focused on addressing longstanding developmental needs.
The statement further argued that Governor Ododo has maintained an inclusive approach to appointments across Kogi State.
It noted that Kogi East currently occupies several strategic positions within government, including commissioners, the Auditor-General, heads of government agencies, Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants.
According to the rejoinder, these appointments reflect an effort to promote competence and balanced representation across the state’s three senatorial districts.
The statement further claimed that despite Kogi East contributing fewer votes than other districts during the governorship election, the administration has continued to allocate development projects and political appointments without discrimination.
It described this approach as an example of statesmanship rather than governance driven by electoral calculations.
As further evidence of the administration’s development agenda, the rejoinder referred to Governor Ododo’s recent visit to Ibaji Local Government Area, where he announced plans to commence road construction following technical assessments carried out during both the rainy and dry seasons.
The statement said the project reflected a government focused on addressing infrastructure challenges through planning and technical evaluation rather than political symbolism.
The rejoinder criticised the ỌLA IWỌ Movement’s campaign slogan, arguing that calls to reclaim “rightful positions” risk reviving ethnic divisions that successive administrations have sought to reduce.
It warned that political campaigns centred on ethnic entitlement encourage exclusion and mistrust rather than social cohesion.
The statement further argued that previous attempts to mobilise support along ethnic lines had failed to deliver lasting political stability or sustainable development in Kogi State.
The rejoinder credited the administrations of former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo with strengthening inter-ethnic cooperation through balanced political appointments and the distribution of development projects.
It maintained that over the past eleven years, Kogi East has benefited from investments in road infrastructure, healthcare, education, environmental protection and other public services.
The statement argued that these achievements remain publicly verifiable and should not be overlooked for political purposes
Concluding the rejoinder, James Idachaba urged political leaders and stakeholders to shift public debate towards governance issues including economic growth, healthcare, education, agriculture, infrastructure, youth empowerment and security.
He argued that Kogi State’s future depends on cooperation rather than sectional mobilisation.
Reaffirming Governor Ododo’s governing philosophy, the statement cited his commitment to “Project Agenda, Kogi Agenda, and not Tribal Agenda,” describing it as a guiding principle reflected in government policies, appointments and development programmes across the state.
The rejoinder concluded that the progress of Kogi State would be better served by politics centred on unity, development and democratic inclusion than by campaigns founded on ethnic entitlement.
