On the Trail of Philip Salawu’s Governorship Consultation in Ebiraland
OKENE, the ancient headquarter of Ebira Kingdom was set agog recently when the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Dr. Philips Salawu and his supporters stormed the town for consultation and to kick start his gubernatorial ambition.
At the Itakpe junction were supporters already waiting for the Deputy Governor to usher him into the town.
The Deputy Governor who was in Okene to consult with stakeholders including traditional rulers in the Central Senatorial District of the state got an overwhelming welcome from the people of the area.
The palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Alhaji Ado Ibrahim was the first point of call and the entire place (in and outside) were filled to the brim with cheering crowd who defied the harsh weather to pledge their support to their man.
At the palace, women groups, youths, and the elderly ones were seen dancing and singing the praise of the Deputy Governor while others were displaying his posters.
The traditional ruler of Ebira nation, His Royal Majesty Dr. Ado Ibrahim presented the Deputy Governor to the cheering crowd.
He identified Dr. Salawu as not only the son of the land but his son as well, calling on the Ebira nation to throw their weight behind him.
The Ohinoyi maintained that the Deputy Governor has gathered about eight years experience in his present position which has adequately prepared him for the task ahead.
While registering his support for Dr. Salawu’s ambition, the royal father called on other aspirants to the Lugard House from the Senatorial District to engage in dialogue in order to have a consensus candidate.
For the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland to identify with the Deputy Governor’s aspiration, many observers noted that it was a positive step towards ensuring the success of his ambition come 2012 gubernatorial election.
Contrary to the belief that the visit of the Deputy Governor could be disrupted by some interest groups or political rivals, the consultation was smooth, meaningful and elaborate. It was conducted in a most uncommon peaceful atmosphere.
It was rather a celebration of one of theirs who they believe has the credential to win power from the hands of their eastern brothers.
The Deputy Governor, amidst pomp and pageantry majestically stepped in his bullet proof jeep to the Governor’s lodge where he had a close door meeting with those that matter in the Central Senatorial District. Those in attendance were, Dr. Habib Sani, Alhaji Musa Etudaiye, the Local Government Chairman and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) stalwarts, including party executives, and the forum of the stakeholders from Central Senatorial District. He also visited all the five first class Royal Fathers in the District.
Though, Dr. Salawu refused to comment on the outcome of the close-door meeting, it was hinted that he might have received the nod of those that matter in the Central Senatorial District.
Speaking to the mammoth crowd at the Ohinoyi’s palace, the Deputy Governor solicited for the support of all and sundry to realize his ambition as the first Ebira to occupy the number one position in the state, promising good governance.
While disclosing that he was not going to be a sectional governor but a governor for all the three Senatorial Districts of the state, Dr. Salawu pointed out that tribalism and sectionalism was not part of his political philosophy.
The Deputy Governor who spoke with journalists afterwards assured kogians that he was out to make a difference in the state.
He noted that he has learnt the intricacies of the job for about eight years now and was ready to answer the call of his kit and kin to contest for the ultimate position in the state.
While allaying fears that his Kogi East will hold on to power as a result of their majority population, Dr. Salawu maintained that “with dialogue and understanding, zoning will still be in place”.
Even though, it would be recalled that the State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris announced he was going to give a level playing ground for all aspirants, Dr. Salawu revealed that the State Governor has thrown his weight behind his aspiration, saying “I have the blessing of the State Governor to start consulting widely with the political stakeholders in the state”.
Interestingly, the Deputy Governor does not only have supporters from his senatorial district in his entourages, he had supporters both from the Eastern and Western flanks of the state singing his praises.
Speaking to journalists, a renowned clergy from the Western Senatorial District of the state, Pastor Charles Aiyemowa said the Deputy Governor was a man who has the fear of God in him and believed in fairness and justice.
He noted that their support for Dr. Salawu was neither based on personal gain nor tribal sentiment but for what he stands for.
“His quality is outstanding. He is a just man who belief in fairness and justice. When the campaign starts proper, the West will surely drum his support”, he maintained.
Similarly, a crowd puller and youths immobilizer from the Eastern Senatorial District, Sam Dave told journalists that he saw hope in Dr. Salawu and when the time comes, “we are going to mobilize support for him”.
Meanwhile, political mathematicians have asserted that the Deputy Governor’s endorsement by the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland who was formerly not having a close relationship with him was the first step towards success come 2012.