Barely seven months to the governorship election in Kogi State, the people of the Igala Kingdom in the state have been called upon to unite and regain political relevance, as they are fast declining politically.
They have also been reminded that the incumbent governor of the State, Yahaya Bello, has been trying to reduce the Igala kingdom to nothing politically by his actions, and that for that to be overcome the kingdom must close ranks and shun selfishness.
Former Minister of State for Health, Arch Gabriel Aduku, made the call in an interview with journalists, on what the Igalas should do to get the governorship irrespective of their divers political parties.
Aduku, who is also the Chairman of Ukomu Igala Organization (UIO) as well as the Chairman of Aggregated Igala Elders Platforms, said the Igalas attempt is to try to get the governorship, but the system has not allowed it, and that is how the system will continue to plunge the state into more and more trouble because of the way Governor Yahaya Bello is doing.
He said the problem with some of the Igalas however is betrayal because of cash inducement, stressing that money is the major challenge working against the unity of the kingdom.
“This forthcoming election is another test for the Igala people to be united, and to be clearly seen to be united. And by that we can save our kingdom. Those of us who are elders in this system now are willingly giving our time and other contributions and continue to appeal to the people to realize that the objective of Bello in particular is to reduce the Igala nation to nothing. That is what he wants to do.
“He will not succeed, and that is why the people need to know that we will all be steadily destroyed if such is allowed.
“But the thing is that the people must all work together, and not that along the line some persons will retreat and begin to destroy the system because of cash inducement.
“In fact it is money that is the problem working against the unity of the kingdom,” he said.
According to the former Minister, their outlook in the election also is for opportunities to be opened up to other parts of the state so that they can all participate equitably and to work properly towards the election with all seriousness.