This formed part of the discussions when Tinubu received the leaders of the Okun Development Association, led by Professor Micheal Ikupolati, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
“When you talk about domination, I’ll have to dig deeper into the issues. Yes, the question of rotation was agreed upon by Prince Audu and some other leaders, but death didn’t allow him. God Almighty knows the reasons and we cannot question him,” the President told the leaders, referring to an agreement on power rotation made by the late Abubakar Audu.
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, revealed this in a statement he signed on Thursday titled ‘President Tinubu urges peace and unity among Okun people ahead of Kogi elections.’
The Nigerian leader assured them of his commitment to look into their concerns regarding marginalisation and the need for fair representation in the governance of their state ahead of the November 11 governorship election.
Responding to their appeal, the President told the delegation: “Democracy is about horse trading, numbers, conflicts, and conflict resolution. I appreciate your leadership and your position.
“One of your sons, James Faleke, has worked very closely with me and I know about the issue when the late Prince Audu was alive. But that was the way of God Almighty.
“He passed on and the arrangement didn’t work and there was a judgment from the Supreme Court that was the last bus stop. That brought about the present government in the State, which is also a member of our party.”
On power rotation and constitutional provisions to guarantee equal rights for all Senatorial Districts, the President said he would thoroughly examine the matter of fair representation they brought to his attention.
He recalled the agreement on power rotation made by Audu and other leaders but acknowledged that unforeseen events can impact such arrangements.
President Tinubu assured the group that having listened carefully to all their concerns on issues surrounding the elections in November, “he would look into the issues very carefully to ensure fairness, justice, and equity but democracy is still a game of numbers.”
In the meantime, he called on the people of Kogi West Senatorial District to maintain peace and unity ahead of the elections in the State. He also urged them to extend love to one another, be patient and show solidarity with other members of the Senatorial districts in the State.
Earlier, the delegation had expressed their unwavering support for the Tinubu administration and requested the President’s backing for Kogi West Senatorial District to have an opportunity to produce the next Governor of the state.
They stressed that this would be the first time the district will have a chance to produce a governor in 27 years since the state’s creation in 1991.
Prof. Ikupolati had appealed to the President to intervene by directing security agencies to ensure a fair and peaceful election process during the elections.
Furthermore, the group requested the enforcement of the use of the Biometric Voter Authentication System in the upcoming election in Kogi State.
The Kogi West Senatorial District Leader of Thought highlighted that their appeal for a power shift to the district reflects the region’s historical support for other districts in the past.
