James Abiodun Faleke: And The Long And Steady Walk To Destiny

At first, he was hit by the sudden death of Abubakar Audu, who was minutes away from a governorship victory. Again, he was poked by legal luminaries who described the situation as "lacuna," bringing the wonderful plans and ideas of the joint ticket to a halt as the decision of his political party regns supreme.

This, by divine providence, marked the beginning of an era that brought unprecedented pain to the inhabitants of the state. A direct opposite of the dreams Audu/Faleke had before marching to the polls in 2015.

In all these, the doggedness, resiliency, and, most importantly, the commitment of the master strategist to actualize the political dream of his political godfather beat my imagination. In an intriguing fashion, he demonstrated, in every sense, the art and mastery of political perfection across the six geopolitical zones of the federation.

He now controls, in large measure, the system that once denied him the highest political office in Kogi State, sitting comfortably in a pole position to determine and/or lobby for how power spheres in the state

James Abiodun Faleke, who was instrumental in Bola Ahmed Tinubu's victory at the polls a couple of months ago, now wields unimaginable power in the current politics of Nigeria. He will, by virtue of the paradigm shift, determine who becomes what in the next political dispensation, especially in Kogi State.

He didn't just arrive there; he endured pain and shame. He remained true to his subordinates as he refused to compromise his principles for a "quid pro quo. He now enjoys the reward for steadfastness and dedication, and there's a lesson to be learned.

I see no spark of skepticism in his leadership prowess. He will restructure, reconcile, and, most importantly, deodorize the system functions that appeared lopsided in previous years.

This will, by all standards, in any form or shape, mark the beginning of a new breath in kogi APC as James Abiodun Faleke stamps authority in kogi politics.

Samuel Mona Endurance

samuelendurance1999@gmail.com

Hon. Leke Abejide Paid Visit To The Bishop of Catholic Dioseces of Lokoja.

 

The African Democratic Congress ADC governorship candidate in Kogi State, Hon. Leke Abejide paid the Bishop of Lokoja Diocese the visit to familiarize with him and also express his intent of becoming the next governor of Kogi State come November, 2023.  

In the courtesy visit with Hon. Leke Abejide were, Barr. Shola Ojo, Dr. Bolu Femi, Dr Femi Klimsman and the State Chairman of ADC Mr. John Adaji. 

Abejide met with Most Revd.Martin Dada Abejide Olorunmolu, Catholic Bishop of Lokoja Diocese who he described as a man after God's own heart, who has dedicated his life to the service of God and mankind, and Chancellor  Fr. Okafor through a meeting conveyed by Catholic Social Forum  coordinator Mr Adeyemi Dare Michael.  

Abejide in his remarks acknowledged the good works of the Most Rev.Bishop of the Diocese and his commitment to the services of God. 

Fr. Okafor received Hon. Leke Abejide stating that even though this is the first time the Diocese is meeting with him, a lot have been heard and said about him, especially what he has been doing for the people of Yagba Federal Constituency and how he has contributed immensely to development, although I have to say this, Catholic Diocese is a Church of God that is not political, we embrace everyone as much as that you are an exceptional man and the Bishop is delighted to meet you. 

He describe Abejide as a leader whose vision is broad and whose hands are large enough to embrace everybody.

The Most Revd.Martin Dada Abejide Olorunmolu, said during the courtesy visit that most of the things being said of Hon. Abejide were all interesting things that a good Christian should poses and he is most delighted to meet him, importantly he heard of the WAEC payment and how he has promised to extend it to all the public secondary schools in Kogi State. 

The Most Reverend Bishop agreed with CFS Coordinator Mr. Adeyemi Dare Micheal, who  described the ADC governorship candidate as a "White Angel" that stands for Purity, sent by God to deliver and rescue the people of Kogi State. 

The Bishop stated that in Catholic Diocese the Church as always remain neutral when it comes to politics but  give avenue for politicians to come around. 

"It is our tradition to meet, interact, pray always that God will bring someone that will lead the good people of Kogi State to that prosperous promise land and to also express solidarity with ourselves and those who are ready to serve the interest of the masses. We are the voice of the people. Our voice is a prophetic voice. When we see where things are good, we say it exactly the way it is and where things are bad, we say it so also. 

"It is part of our prayer that God should give the state a governor that will serve in the interest of all in fairness irrespective of religion and ethnicity, a man that will be for all both Christians and Muslims including people who don't have believes, we know that God has raise your to deliver this generation". He said. 

Hon. Abejide, received prayers from the Most Revd. Bishop while Barr. Shola Ojo the Director of Campaign Leke/Omede for Governor 2023 in his remarks thanked the Most Revd. Bishop of the Diocese and Fr. Okafor for their warm welcome and for standing by the people of the state through thick and thin, stating that the Leke/Omede team are the ones God has sent and he desires the support of the Church and prayer for them to win and restructure Kogi State.

PRESIDENT TINUBU RECEIVES LEKE ABEJIDE, OKUN LEADERS AT STATE HOUSE.

…PROMISES TO LOOK INTO COMPLAINTS OF MARGINALISATION

President Tinubu on Thursday received Elder Leke Abejide, the candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and leaders of Okun Development Association, the apex Socio-Political group of Okunland in Kogi West Senatorial District.

President Bola Tinubu has called on the people of Kogi West Senatorial District to maintain peace and unity ahead of the forthcoming gubernatorial elections in the State.

Speaking at a meeting, Elder Leke Abejide with leaders of Okun Development Association, led by Professor Micheal Ikupolati, at the Presidential Villa on Thursday, the President assured Okun people of his commitment to look into their concerns regarding marginalization and the need for fair representation in governance of their state.

The statement released by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) said the Okun People apex leadership 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 emphasized that this would be the first time the district will have a chance to produce the governor in 27 years since the state's creation in 1991.

Responding to their appeal, the President told the delegation:

‘‘Democracy is about horse trading, numbers, about 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 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 judgement from the Supreme Court that was the last bus stop. That brought about the present government in the State, who is also a member of our party.’’

Regarding the issue of 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 late Prince Abubakar Audu and other leaders but acknowledged that unforeseen events can impact such arrangements.

‘‘When you talk about domination, I’ll have to dig deeper on the issues. Yes, the question of rotation was agreed by Prince Audu and some other leaders but death didn’t allow him. God Almighty knows the reasons and we cannot question him,’’ he said.

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 number.’’

He charged them to extend love to one another, be patient and show solidarity to other members of the Senatorial districts in the State. 

Prof. Ikupolati had appealed to the President to intervene by directing security agencies to ensure a fair and peaceful election process during the elections scheduled for November 11, 2023.

Additionally, the group requested the enforcement of the use of Biometric Voter Authentication System (BVAS) in the upcoming election in Kogi State.

The Kogi West Senatorial District Leader of Thought highlighted that their appeal for power shift to the Kogi West Senatorial District is a reflection of the region's historical support for other districts in the past.