Kogi State Deputy Governor, Mr Yomi Awoniyi, says Governor Idris Wada\u2019s performance will earn him victory in the November governorship election. Besides, he says among others in this encounter that the impartiality of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Police and relevant agencies will guarantee a free and fair election in Kogi on November 21.<\/p>\n
The conditions that will guarantee free and fair election in Kogi.
\nThe impartiality of all the institutions and agencies involved, including the INEC, the police, and the support facilities. I know the Federal Government is on that track of honesty, truthfulness and anti-corruption. Election manipulation is the height of corruption. It corrupts the democratic process. If we can ensure that the democratic process is not corrupted, there will be free and fair election and we stand to benefit from that type of arrangement.
\nWhy is Governor Idris Wada seeking a second term?
\nIdris Wada
\nIdris Wada
\nHe is desirous of a second term to complete the projects he started in his first term and also to do more. When this administration came on board, the first priority was to complete all the on-going projects. These include the Secretariat building, the waterworks in Lokoja, various road projects, the diagnostic centre, the vocational centre and other projects.
\nWith the completion of those projects, the governor embarked on new projects, which he was able to do by accessing the bond market.
\nAccessing the bond market
\nMany of the on-going projects include bus motor park in Lokoja, the College of Medicine, Akaragba, various water schemes, the construction of township road in Lokoja, the by-pass road. We are striving to complete these projects and initiate new ones.
\nWhat are the issues that will shape the next governorship election in Kogi State?
\nThere are many issues confronting our state at the moment. But Governor Wada is always on top of every situation. He has not defaulted in the payment of salaries. Thus, there is no industrial dispute in the state. Owing to the importance attached to the welfare of workers, the NLC has also been showing understanding and giving cooperation to our government. Another issue is that of power rotation in Kogi State.
\nThere is so much agitation by the people of West and Central senatorial districts for power shift. We in the PDP are committed to power rotation. The PDP is committed to power rotation in 2019 to either the West or Central. Other things that will shape the election will be the personality of the candidates. Our people are aware of the antecedents of the candidates. At the end of the day, they will make the right choices.
\nSome people have described Audu as the builder and father of Kogi, what is your reaction?
\nHe was the first civilian governor of Kogi. He was also the first governor in this dispensation in 1999. Prince Audu had the benefit of being the pioneer governor. But, some of the things he had done, we are re-doing them again.
\nMay be, because they were done over 20 years ago. They are decaying. For example, the Lokoja Township Road, for the first time, we are trying to do proper drainage. After the completion of the drainage, the road will last much longer. Development is a continuous process.
\nAlhaji Ibrahim Idris was there for about nine years. He did a lot of things-roads, schools, clinics. Within the limit of resources we have today, Captain Idris Wada has done well. So, that title also fits Captain Wada.
\nIs the second term ambition of Captain Wada not being threatened by the intimidating profile of the APC, which now wields the power of incumbency at the centre?
\nThe PDP still remains the party to beat in Kogi State. During the election that ushered in the APC Federal Government, there were a lot of issues. The APC won the presidential and National Assembly elections. Two weeks after, the PDP won the House of Assembly elections in Kogi State. The House of Assembly election is a local election. The issues are more local. They are issues dear to the people. The candidates are very close to the local people. With the strength of the PDP in the House of Assembly, it is evident that the PDP is on ground. So, I am not worried by the national profile of the APC. It is not an issue. But, this Federal Government is for change. A level playing field will be provided for all parties to contest for the governorship of Kogi State. And I am sure the PDP will win.<\/p>\n
Vanguard<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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