01/11/2023
On Kogi Politics: Truth is bitter
By Stephen Ojate
The long awaited controversy surrounding the Kogi central senatorial election which was later dragged to Tribunal and subsequently to Appeal court has come to rest following the latter judgement today declaring Natasha Akpoti, the Senatorial Candidate of Peoples Democratic Party as the rightful winner of the last election in Kogi Central.
This wasn’t a surprise to me as I longed predicted Natasha Akpoti winning should she contests for the senatorial election even before the general election itself. One could recall that barely two years to the last general election in Nigeria, I visited my home town in Kogi State and use the opportunity to understudy the political event in the State taking note of how the ruling party and the opposition parties were fairing in the State.
I am one person who likes to say things the way they were not minding whose ox is gored. One would agreed with me that I was one of the main supporters of All Progressive Congress writer then but getting home and study political events that did not becloud my sense of reasoning and judgement. I came to realization that the ruling party was losing grip of their strong-holds in the State most especially where the incumbent Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello hails from.
In one of my accounts, I told Governor Bello point blank he was presently standing alone if we juxtaposed the feeling of the people at home to what he numerous supporters were claiming on social media platform. I summarised my report with a title of the article as ‘’Governor Bello a lonely masquerade. I added that with the situation of things right then, Natasha Akpoti stands the chance of defeating any person that the ruling party might choose to slug it out with Natasha Akpoti who might likely secure the People Democratic Party’s ticket in view of her tremendous humanitarian services in Kogi Central by single-handedly constructing inter local government roads.
For having the audacity to say the truth the way things were, I was mimicked by All Progressive Congress media supporters who erroneously tagged me as unrealisable person. Due to that report, one prominent politician in Governor Bello’s cabinet then whom I regularly exchange phone call with and call me as well discountenance our relationship. He stopped calling me as well and stops responding to my message on facebook and whatsapp. I lose the little helping hands he normally gives to me when I called for help on account of this report.
As I could pictured then, what pre-empt that article was not to undermine or ridicule the ruling party but a call to open their eyes on the reality on ground with a view to make amend where necessary. I made that report for them to check themselves on where they were presently getting it wrong and re-strategise properly ahead of the general election. I was called all manners of names and some even misinterpreted me that I collected some few naira notes from Natasha and her supporters to make that report. Here we are today; the reality is now starling on our eyes.
Natasha political sagacity is unique and she is such a big school which every political gladiator in Kogi State should understudy. Her victory and increasing popularity in Kogi State is nothing other than her genuine love for her teaming supporters. She likes keeping and maintaining her supporters unlike other politicians who use you and dump after achieving their mission.
How I wish Governor Bello and his arsenals can make amend ahead of November gubernatorial election in the State? Notwithstanding, I will make a report on who may likely win the forthcoming Kogi Gubernatorial election in the State in the next few days.
Stephen Ojate is a public affairs commentator and freelance Journalist writes from Abuja. He is reachable on phone call 09075716236 or 09056202714.
