APPRECIATION FOR THE 2023 GUBERNATORIAL CAMPAIGNS EFFORTS.

 

I want to seize this opportunity on behalf members of the Campaign Committee to express our profound appreciation to all those who stood and still standing by us for the Teamwork and Collaborative efforts that saw us all through the Campaigns journeys up to the polls.

The journey was both tortuous and challenging but above all everyone took them in strides and joyfully because we were all committed to the course. The outcomes of each of the campaign outings were a mixed bag but overall each came with lessons which I know we all took to heart. The enthusiasm and collaboration from each member of our contingent were tremendous and I must commend everyone. 

The situation we find ourselves in Kogi State made the 2023 electioneering process more challenging. Over the years, our people became impoverished and polarized along ethnic lines and these magnified as the campaigns progressed. This has never happened in the history of Kogi State. 

The outcome of the election clearly portends great uncertainty for the future of our State. It is my prayer that this is nipped in the bud before things take the turns for the worse. God forbids. Kogi started as Kabba Province and I recall our history as a people with pride but sadly we are where we are, divided and suspicious of the other. The election of our Principal, Senator Dino Melaye, would have stemmed this tide and returned us to the path of reconciliation and prosperity but the divide has been further widened. Until we have equity, justice and fairness in the sharing of power and development,  Kogi still has a lot to deal with. May God raise for us leaders with the sense of justice and equity to save our State. Whoever God chooses for us now has a lot to do in terms of TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION. 

The campaigns have come and gone and we have had the elections. The dusts arising from the efforts at all levels are yet to settle but we must begin to take stock. I have indeed started and there are a lot of lessons to learn. May God help us to heal quickly and move on. There are still a lot to be done and there is life after this. 

As the Director-General and leader of the Dino/ Habeeba Campaign Organization, I want to take full responsibility for all the errors of omissions and commissions of every single person that worked with us on this journey up to the polls from the East, Central to the West across the State in the Campaign Committee only. I do not have control over the Party structure with whom we must work for the success of the project. We must delegate and decentralize if we must succeed in projects like this. These are best practices! However, we do not expect everyone to be totally committed due to conflicts of interests. Many are with us in body but not in spirit. I have no regrets for delegating for acts of omissions and commissions which are expected in projects or this nature. While I thank all those who worked their hearts, I apologize profusely for the those whose actions were inimical to our goals. We pray for a change of heart for the good of our State and our country. 

As we think through the next line of actions, I want to give thanks to God for the safety of everyone throughout the journeys for campaigns and votings. We had few accidents and I commiserate with those that were wounded and wish them quick recovery. We are however sad to announce that some deaths have occurred after the campaigns and elections but not as a result of the activities. May their souls rest in peace and May God give the families the fortitude to bear the pains of the loss.  

I would like to specifically thank the His Excellency, Alhaji Atiku ABUBAKAR GCFR and his entourage, the Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Umar Damagun, who led the National Working Committee on this journey as well as the National Chairman of the Kogi State Campaign Council, His Excellency, Dickson Adeleke for all his sacrifices and commitment. My thanks go to Professor Jerry Gana for setting the tone by thr reconciliation movements. We are particularly indebted to Her Excellency, Senator Abiodun Olujinmi who was with us every step of the way. Thank you ma. 

Our immense gratitude goes Chief Sola Akanmode, who hosted and chaired all the Strategic sessions that saw the birth of the structures that drove the entire process up to the polls. Thank you sir, o learnt a huge lot from you. Through you we shall realize our dream of the birth of a NEW KOGI as my Principal would say. Thank you sir. 

The support of great leaders and fathers, HE Ibrahim Idris, HE Capt Idris Wada, HE Gen Tunde Ogbeha, HE Senator Bukola Saraki and  Senator Dr Alex Kadiri, are immeasurable. We got the needed courage and morale support from them! 

Leaders and members of the Caretaker Committee were our pillars of support. Thank you sir, Senator Philip Aduda and the entire team of Kogi State PDP Caretaker Committee. You were with us individually and as a team. 

To all our donors, visible and invisible and too numerous to list, we are on our knees praying to God to replenish your pockets. 

Finally, I want to thank members of the Campaign Committees and subcommittees for their contributions to the projects. Do not brood over the temporary outcome but time will prove us right that our path is truly, the path to go. 

Thank you and God bless you. 

Prince Inuwa Iyodo

DIrector-General, 

Dino/Deen Campaign Organization 

2023 Gubernatorial Election