Good governance, access to government: The Ododo/Oyibo leadership example
By Isah Jibrin Egbolo
The growing Ododo/Oyibo political network, with its visible mobilization and agenda to support the Ododo/Oyibo continuity project across Kogi State and the FCT, raises a fundamental question: Is Ododo/Oyibo a reflection of the people, or are the people a reflection of Ododo/Oyibo?
Considering their development blueprint for the state, the answer is clear. The Ododo/Oyibo leadership is anchored on comradeship, sportsmanship, and inclusion. It has galvanized support groups across the state around a single agenda: to defend good policies fiercely and pursue a system of governance relentlessly.
This leadership is not driven by personal bitterness or a desire to victimize perceived adversaries, even in moments of vulnerability. Instead, it is guided by basic human empathy and a commitment to service.
The strength of the mobilization is evident. Hon. Emma “Show Love” has demonstrated capacity. Hon. Eunice Achimugu has demonstrated capacity. Hon. Omika Shuaibu has demonstrated capacity. Many others are doing the same across various political networks. These individuals have deliberately worked to secure the total support of the electorate for the Ododo/Oyibo re-election project.
From the outset, His Excellency Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo and his Deputy, Comr. Joel Salifu Oyibo, made the composition of a cabinet of technocrats their first priority. The goal was to drive the development agenda of the state.
The Ododo/Oyibo leadership reflects the electorate. It reflects the unity, culture, and demographic realities of Kogi people. A careful assessment shows a leadership that functions like inseparable twins on issues of culture, unity, and the heterogeneity of the state.
They are deliberately succeeding in delivering good governance through democratic and foundational ideals. This contrasts with previous administrations that, in many cases, failed due to political, religious, and ethnic sentiments.
Ododo and Oyibo have proven to be uncommon enablers of democratic values and the consolidation of state renewal. State development, institutional reforms, and economic prosperity for all stand as proof that this leadership will leave a lasting legacy for present and future generations.
Kogites must move beyond needless political comparisons and focus on the long-term progress of the state. Opposition parties, hampered by disorganization and internal greed, are yet to present stronger democratic ideals or a credible alternative capable of challenging the Ododo/Oyibo re-election bid.
Their conduct has made it difficult for citizens to appreciate the importance of unity in state building.
Well-meaning Kogites have a responsibility to continue advocating for peace, unity, and social and economic cohesion across all segments of the state. The Ododo/Oyibo administration is making deliberate efforts to promote equity, inclusiveness, and social justice, ensuring that every ethnic group has a sense of belonging.
Reforms will naturally come with resistance and unintended challenges. No leader is infallible. But genuine efforts to correct long-standing economic imbalances should be embraced rather than condemned. Progressive states do not abandon meaningful reforms because of opposition insinuations or ethnic propaganda.
The two leaders have expressed determination to foster and strengthen democracy in a way that delivers development. Opposition parties should drop negative criticism and embrace democratic engagement instead of persistent confrontation.
His Excellency Ahmed Usman Ododo and his Deputy, Comr. Joel Salifu Oyibo, are a blessing to the state at this critical point in our history. It is incumbent on us to concentrate on solutions to pressing state challenges.
Kogi’s greatest challenges remain insecurity, banditry, kidnapping, economic sabotage, and the effects of past governance deficiencies. These problems did not originate with this administration. But this leadership is committed to long-term structural reforms to address them.
The political future of Kogi State should be determined by competence, experience, and the capacity to unite all ethnic groups, not by ill-fated opinions, conjectures, and political rhetoric. Ododo/Oyibo possess the experience and vision to confront the state’s long-standing problems and implement reforms aimed at securing a more egalitarian and prosperous future.
History will remember the Ododo/Oyibo leadership for taking difficult but necessary decisions in the interest of the state.
Traditional rulers, political leaders, religious leaders, community and opinion leaders are admonished to embrace constructive dialogue and work in synergy with the state government to ensure continuity.
State actors should present practical policy recommendations that address the unique challenges facing their communities, instead of misinformation, ethnic brouhaha, and actions that poison communities against the government.
While the government recognizes the constitutional right of individuals to hold differing political opinions, state unity and social cohesion must not be sacrificed for partisan interest. No state achieves sustainable peace and development through division or by pursuing only immediate political gains.
Enduring progress is built through shared sacrifice, visionary leadership, and courageous decisions, even when those decisions involve temporary hardship.
It is my humble appeal to opposition parties to drop the drum of conflict and avoid using ethnicity and chauvinism to advance political interests.
As we pray for the Ododo/Oyibo continuity project, we pray for more wisdom, strength, and good health for them in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.
The Ododo/Oyibo leadership has, in practice, abrogated ethnic, religious, and patriarchal biases in Kogi politics. That is the standard we must sustain.
Isah Jibrin Egbolo is a businessman and grassroots mobiliser
