Kogi election: The mistake must not be repeated

SIR: As a public affairs commentator and one who has been following political events in Kogi State, I have a very good suggestion, which I want to advance to the people of Kogi Central and Kogi West on their call for power shift.

I know how average people in these areas have been feeling in having one of their men in power. As the call for power shift lingers, they need to be careful and think twice on their choice of candidate for Kogi governor. I am saying this because the people of Kogi State have long suffered in terms of development and they must not go on the altar of power shift to elect mediocre person as governor come 2016.

They must not make the mistake of supporting or voting person who has no value to the society as Kogi helmsman. Whether the next governor comes from the Kogi West, East or Central, what should be paramount in our mind is one who knows the feeling of the people and ready to sympathise with them in terms of their needs.

The caution becomes necessary as that would make the people avoid the risk of electing inhumane person as Kogi governor. When you have inhumane person as governor, he shows non-challant attitude to societal development, derives joy in diverting public funds to his private pocket, owes workers months of unpaid salaries and only to come to media to deny owing anyone at all. This attitude is not in any way different to ritual killing.

As aspirants for Kogi governorship election start campaign, let me reiterate further that we should not be carried away by their cosmetic promises on media on how they shall turn Kogi State to another Dubai in Nigeria if given the opportunity to serve the people.

I want to make it clear that what the people of Kogi State need is one who truly has the interest of the masses at heart not minding whether the aspirant has millions of Naira to dole out or not. We can know each aspirant better by digging deep into their social life or antecedent in the time past. Kogi people need humble and mass oriented person as Kogi governor and not one who would close gate to the electorate or switch off his phone to the people if given the opportunity to serve.

I am sounding this warning because governance is not a business but a call to selfless service for the community.

• Shaibu Ojate,
Abuja, FCT