Kogi East youths warn politicians against ethnic politics

The Kogi East of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Youths Movement has warned politicians fanning the embers of ethnic politics to desist from it in Kogi State.

“We reject political tribalism in all its insidious forms and declare, unequivocally, that Kogi belongs to all its people, irrespective of tribe or creed

Addressing a press conference in Lokoja on Tuesday, the convener of the Kogi East APC Youths Movement, Comrade Promise Emmanuel, allegedly accused some politicians in Kogi State of continuously using ethnic politics as a platform for their selfish political ambitions under the guise of fighting for the people.

He warned that the Igala/Bassa nation is not being peddled by some groups in the state.

“Today, we address a political menace that has been left as a legacy for the youths in the region by politicians who only left ethnic tribalism and bigotry as succession plans for the youths instead of development and progressive leadership, ensconced in unity.

“We denounce in totality the continuous quest by professional politicians who deceive the youths by using the veil of ethnic politics to set us against our brothers from the other divides. The Igala/Bassa Nation is a progressive nation that accommodates other ethnic groups without the flare of wanting everything to itself.

“Again, we reject political tribalism in all its insidious forms and declare, unequivocally, that Kogi belongs to all its people, irrespective of tribe or creed. Make no mistake, we are drawing an immutable line in the sand—tribalism has no place in our state.

“This malignant scourge seeks to tear the very fabric of our society apart with its corrosive, divisive agenda. We denounce its vile forces utterly and call for their complete and utter excision from the political body of Kogi East.

“Those who avoided ethnic agendas in 2019 now lead such divisive narratives in 2023, only caring about their personal interests and ambitions. This behaviour shows the lowest levels of greed and selfishness. Unfortunately, many have fallen for their greedy, self-serving ambitions.”.

“We stand firm and unshakable in our belief that the progress and prosperity of Kogi East and Kogi State, by extension, can only be achieved when we extinguish the flames of tribalism and instead embrace our diversity as a source of strength,” he stated.

The group, however, passed a vote of confidence on the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, adding that his achievement in the state within 100 days of being in office is highly commendable.

“It is with profound conviction that we throw our unwavering support behind the transformative leadership of Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo. His resolute commitment to inclusive governance and rejection of tribal politics resonates powerfully with our core values. We celebrate his bold vision for a united Kogi State under the immutable banner of human fraternity, not fractured by tribal fault lines.

“In just a few months, Governor Ododo has already demonstrated an indomitable dedication to the wellbeing of all Kogites, irrespective of tribal affiliations. With surgical precision, his policies have transcended these outmoded, regressive tribal boundaries to focus squarely on the greater good of our state and its people as a cohesive whole.”.

He equally commended Governor Ododo for the quick rescue of students kidnapped at the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) Osara, stressing that efforts are currently underway to secure the safe return of the remaining three students still held in captivity.

According to him, the mandate of Governor Ododo will be reaffirmed by the judgement of the tribunal.

His words: “The governor attained his office through a free, fair, and credible process, earning the faith of the people. We trust in the impartiality of our legal institutions and eagerly await the day his victory is legally certified.

“This affirmation will be a triumph over the regressive forces seeking to sow division and disenfranchise the will of the Kogi people through desperate, tribal-tinted legal manoeuvrings. When the truth emerges unscathed, it shall extinguish any remaining flickers of hope for the purveyors of one ill-fated agenda.”.

“To our fellow Kogites, we issue a rallying cry: reject the demons of ethnic agenda that seek to divide and conquer us! Let us set aside these imaginary, tribal boundaries and join hands as one people with a common destiny. Only through an inviolable commitment to unity can we uplift our communities and build a better future for our children, unburdened by the yoke of tribalism.

“Kogi belongs to all its people, unshackled from the scourge of tribalism. And we, soldiers in the noble vanguard, the Kogi East APC Youth Movement, stand unyielding in our solemn vow to defend this ideal. With every fibre of our being, we shall fight to expel the demons of tribalism until our sacred mission is complete and Kogi emerges as a beacon of unity to light the path for the entire nation.”.

Also, READ THESE TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE