Downplay politics of party’s affiliation after elections, royal father advises

To ensure good governance and development especially at the grassroots, politicians should drop all imaginary differences after elections have been won and lost.

The argument is that irrespective of party affiliations, politicians have to join hands together and work for the common good of the electorate. The Olu of Okebukun land, Ige Omonile gave the charge at a quiz competition organized for all secondary schools by the member representing Kabba/Bunu state constituency, Mr. Mathew Kolawole.

The royal father spoke against the backdrop of altercations and acrimony often exhibited by politicians of opposing parties in the country, stressing that the time has come for there to be cooperation and collaboration immediately after elections.

He said that he was encouraged that unlike other politicians, the special adviser on Security to governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state, Commander (rtd.) Jerry Omodara who though serving with an All Progressives Congress (APC) government, graced the event of a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker.

This gesture, he noted was reinvigorating and makes for oneness, unity and growth of the people. He called on other politicians to emulate Omodara so that inter-party strife could be minimized to the nearest minimum.

The special adviser to the governor on security explained that that his action was informed by the desire to put the people first as it is not only when there is election that the electorate should be remembered.

“Politics is about people and our people must not only be recognized when there is election. Without Kabba/Bunu people there can never be House of Assembly representative or a majority leader in the person of Kolawole. Without the people of Kogi State, there cannot be Governor Yahaya Bello today. Therefore the people must be at the heart of the subject matter they are talking about.”

He said there was no need for such rivalry or politics of party affiliations as all parties work towards the good of the people. He promised to increase the prize money for first, second and third places by N25, 000 each.

On his part, Kolawole said he organised the quiz competition for all secondary schools in his constituency to enhance their knowledge and academic pursuit.

He said he decided to sponsor the Kabba/Bunu All Secondary Schools Quiz Competition because it is meant to encourage the students to perform better academically as well as the fact that education is the pillar of their future endeavours.

“Some of us went for the evening school with personal sponsorship now that I have the opportunity to help people, I have to put in my best to educate these children so they don’t suffer the same fate as myself.

He explained that the best school, its runner up and the second runner up will go home with trophies and cash prizes while the fourth position will get consolation prize along with all other participating schools. The winner is expected to have a scholarship for duration of one year.