AS political permutations for 2023 general elections continue to gather momentum across the country and discussions on zoning of key political offices by political parties, stakeholders, support and interest groups take the front burners and heating up the polity. The latest is coming from the Global Alliance Of Progressive Professionals code named GAP3 declaring support for the North Central geo-political zone to produce the next president of the country and the candidature of the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello.
The group made the disclosure in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary Hon. Suleiman Muhammed Siraj and made available to newsmen.
The group noted that their decision to back the North Central geo-political zone and a candidate from the zone for the 2023 general elections in the All Progressive Congress (APC) was anchored on glaring political injustice and marginalization based on facts and figures since the enthronement of democratic governance in 1999 till date. The statement read in part; “what we stand for is justice, equity and fairness in the distribution of leadership positions of our great country”.
“We state clearly base on political statistics that out of the six geo-political zones created by the 1999 constitution, only North Central and South East geo-political zones have not been given the opportunity to serve the country in the capacity of President and Vice President respectively.”
“It is on record that since the inception of democratic rule in Nigeria 1999 till date, the North West, Noth East, South West and South-South geo-political zones have had their turns as President and Vice President respectively. It is obvious therefore that in the true spirit of justice, equity and fairness as envisaged by the 1999 constitution, the people of North Central and South East geo-political zones of the country should be allowed to produce the next President and Vice President respectively”.
“It is on the above premise as Progressive Professionals that we implore the leadership and stakeholders of the All Progressive Congress (APC) across the country to back the marginalized zones. As leaders, we must strive to live above board, drive the nation’s political wheels above primordial sentiments and ethnic chauvinism and uphold the tenet, beauty and opportunities provided by the constitution of our land without prejudice”.
On the presidential ambition of the Kogi State Governor Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, the group assured of the overwhelming support of its members across the country because he comes from the marginalized zones and that he is eminently qualified for the top job.
“Our core mandate as a group is to contribute to the advancement of global community through the building of Nigerian society where citizens are provided the enabling environment and equal opportunity to develop their potentials economically and politically”.
Bandits attack ECWA Church, kill 2, abduct 3
BARELY a fortnight ago that some gunmen attacked the Kabba Correctional Centre in Kogi State, killing several security men and freed over 200 inmates, again on Sunday morning, the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) was attacked by yet to be identified armed bandits
According to reports, the gunmen killed two worshipers and abducted three others right inside the Church situated along the express road in Okedayo in Kabba.
It was reliably gathered that the bandits fully armed with AK 47 numbering about five invaded the church at about 8 am on Sunday morning shooting sporadically as they made their way into the church premises.
The source disclosed further that some worshipers took cover, while others in an attempt to escape were kidnapped and a worshiper who was on his way to the church for Sunday service was also killed as he ran into them.
The source also disclosed that one of the persons that was killed has been identified as the Deputy Chief Security Officer of a higher institution in the area.
Confirming the incident to our correspondent in Lokoja, the Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), DSP William Ayah, said he was yet to confirm the actual number of persons abducted and those killed during the attack.
“I have just confirmed the attack from the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the area. But I am yet to confirm the actual number of deaths and those abducted. Some say two but we’re waiting for further briefing from those on ground there. Ayah” said.
Kogi State has of recent been rated the safest in view of the insecurity situation across the country because of the state governor’s efforts in the fight against banditry and kidnappers.
