Age-Long Marginalization of Ogbabede Ward: Youths Calls for action
The Ogbabede Progressives Youths for Good Governance have frowned at the age-long marginalization threatening to cripple democratic practice in the area. According to the group, since the inception of current democratic practice, Ogbabede Ward has been marginalized, and it’s time to remind the Kogi state governor of the plight of the people living in Ogbabede Ward.
Detailing the political scenario in Biraidu districts since the beginning of the current political dispensation in 1999, this discussion, while appearing appealing and palatable for other wards that make up the district, Ogbabede, on the other hand, appears cheated, shortchanged, and maligned as they are completely obscured from the dividends of democratic governance.
In 2003, against what many considered impossible odds, Adejoh Akowe from Abocho Ward became chairman of Dekina Local Government. In 2010, Peter Andrew from Emewe Ward became vice chairman of Dekina Local Government. He later became acting chairman, a period that witnessed the impeachment of Muhammed Ali.
Abocho ward, in a similar fashion, has had a commissioner both in the first and second terms of the his Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello-led administration, in the person of Onechojo Ejigbo; one-time SA on project monitoring in Bello’s first and second terms, Usman Ochidi, who is also the current member representing Dekina/Biraidu.
Again, Abocho has the current SA on project monitoring in the person of John Urah Ikani; the SA on political education in the person of Odoh Akowe; the SA on physically challenged people’s, Usman Danjuma; and they also have up to seven special assistants currently serving in the current government.
In the above analysis, Ogbabede has been completely left out. The inhabitants of Ogbabede Ward are vehemently appealing to His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, to consider Ogbabede Ward as his choice of the caretaker chairman of Dekina Local Government.
Historically, Ogbabede has contributed immensely, not just to the success of democratic practice but also to the success of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). To date, they have maintained this standard, and are they ready to uphold such values heading towards the next government.
The governor, through his good office, should critically look into the pitiable state of political followers in Ogbabede ward. There is little or no sense of belonging as a result of this age-long marginalization of Ogbabede ward. To correct this political illness and pedal the wards involved in equality as it relates to power allocation and/or distribution, the governor, through his good office, should consider the appointment of the next caretaker chairman of Dekina Local Government Area from Ogbabede ward.
Ogbabede ward has the burning thirst to rule, and that would serve as their greatest consolation since the beginning of the current political dispensation in 1999.
Speaking for the group, James Akor expressed deep concern as he sincerely urged the governor to look deeply into the situation and salvage this age-long plight of the people of Ogbabede Ward.
