Kogi poll: Coalition cautions politicians on ethnic slogans

Ahead of the November 16 governorship election in Kogi state, a group under the aegis of Kogi Coalition of Umbrella Development Association (KOCUDA) has called on political gladiators in the state to desist from using ethnic slogans for electioneering.

The group gave the advice at a press conference in Lokoja on Monday, was jointly organised by the national presidents of Ebira People’s Association (EPA), Dr Adeiza Abdulrahman;  Igala Cultural and Development Associations (ICDA); Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq and Okun Development Association (ODA), Barrister Femi Mokikan.

The group lamented that politics that ought to have united the people and pave the way for development, has succeeded in dividing them as a result of primordial ethnic sentiments in the state.

The national president of ODA, Femi Mokikan who addressed newsmen on behalf of others, said one of the objectives of the coalition was to build bridges across the geographical divides of the state, using the development associations to address the existing ethnic polarisation and animosities that have always bedevilled the state at every turn of elections.

“It is instructive for all leaders of thought to start thinking of the future of Kogi state. Ethnic nationalism and mediocrity has become the Siamese blind to our development and peace. Coming together, therefore, is an attempt to redirect our focus on development,” he said.

“To achieve KOCUDA objective, we will explore opportunities in several areas that will continuously keep the various peoples of the state engaged with each other. One of such that we have identified is to organise an annual peace and unity summit, drawing participants from across the state to dialogue on issues that will promote peace and unity in the state.

“Other areas we will also look at are inter school competition in academics and sport including debates, quiz and cultural exchange,” Mokikan stated.

While expressing optimism that with cooperation, understanding and support of all, the objectives of the coalition would be realised, the ODA president declared that KOCUDA would complement the efforts of the state government and other bodies in the state in consolidating on the gains so far recorded in promoting peace , unity and understanding across the state.

“This become more imperative if we bear in mind that these association; EPA, ICDA and ODA truly represent the aggregate interests and aspirations of their people,” he stressed.

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