The Afemai people of Edo State living in Lokoja, Kogi State have endorsed Gov. Ahmed Usman Ododo and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their Second term election bid.
This is just as they pledged to deliver 50,000 votes to the APC in the coming general elections in 2027.
The Onogie Afemai in Lokoja, Alh Zakaria Dangana made the pledge on Sunday during the second edition of their annual end of the year celebration held in Lokoja.
Chief Dangana said his peoples’ pledge of support and loyalty to the Gov. Ododo was informed by his pragmatic policies towards non indigenes from which the Afemai people have heavily benefited.
The Afemai people who are also known as Etsako people with six local Government councils in Edo State have lived in kogi state for over a century, contributing to the development and growth of Kogi State.
He informed that his people are peace loving citizenry and have knack for establishing projects that have direct bearing on the host communities.
While assuring the present administration of their massive support, he appealed to the Kogi State government ti grant his stool official recognition.
Onogie pleaded that his stool be graded and gazetted just like that if other ethnic nationalities residing in Kogi State.
He added that in their many decades of stay in the state, the Afemai’s have not been found wanting in any human endeavour and acts of criminality as they are tenaciously mindful of their businesses.
He solicited civil service employment and political appointments for qualified Afemai people , who he said have demonstrated integrity, proven character and expertise that should be trusted with high political positions and empowerment projects for the unity of the State.
Meanwhile, Governor Ododo has assured them of considering their requests and advised them to form a formidable group to chart their cause with relevant government platforms.
Represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Water Resources, Engineer Yahaya Farouk admitted the critical role the Etsako people have been playing in the development and growth of Lokoja and indeed Kogi State.
He added that from the second republic, the Afemai sons and daughters have been playing critical roles in the formation of national political parties in the state, urging them to continue to play active politics to open floodgates for the sharing of the dividend of the democracy.
According to Ododo
” My charge to you, is for you to make yourselves relevant by forming associations that can reach the government through your programmes and activities.
“We know your strength and it is only when your strength is communicated to the government through political activities that you will be considered for the perks in the state.
“You have started in this direction with your annual end of the year celebration, and I can assure you, your request will be looked into,” Ododo through the Commissioner said.
In the same vein, the Maigari of Lokoja, Alhaji Gambo Maikarfi V, said he is overwhelmed by the development prodigy inherent in every Afemai sons and daughters in Lokoja.
According to him, the growth of Adankolo and Lokongoma cannot be complete without the contributions of Etsako people in the state.
In a remarks, the state Chairman of PDP, Mohammed Sani Gambo applauded Governor Ododo for his fight against banditry and kidnappings.
He said Ododo’s stance against ransom payment and pled to confront bandits us a welcome development.
Gambo said, though, he belong to the PDP, but security issues is everybody’s concern , hence, his call on the people to give maximum support to the governor to defeat the common enemies.
He pledged to mobilize his members in support of the government in the area of security and programmes that have direct impact on the people.
The PDP Chairman commended the organizers and assured Afemai people of his support.
In his opening remarks, Abu Michael, Chairman, Afemai Progressive Union, Lokoja branch, said the gathering was for a sober reflection, reposition Afemai people for socio – economic development, particularly, ahead the 2027 General election.
He solicited support for Afemai sons and daughters, in the area of employment, appointment and empowerment.
Abu, urged the state government to identify with the Afemai people in the state, pointing out that that they should be treated as indigenes , having lived in the state for more than a century.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
