Igala to NASS members: Perform or be recalled

Speakers at a forum in honour of elected representatives from Kogi East in the National Assembly lamented alleged marginalisation of Igala nation in the scheme of things at the national level due to “lack of quality representation.”

The occasion was the reception for Senator Abdulrahaman Abubakar (APC, Kogi East) and Hassan Atayoma Omale (APC), member representing Ankpa/Olamaboro/Omala constituency in the House of Representatives, organised by Ojoku District Development Association in Abuja.

Former minister of justice, Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrhaim (SAN), who was the chairman of the occasion, decried what he referred to as the agelong neglect of Kogi East and urged the elected representatives to do all they can to correct the anomaly.

He specifically drew the attention of the legislators to the electricity challenges that have become endemic in Kogi East, despite the location of the Geregu power project in Ajaokuta and called on them to lobby appropriate committees for immediate intervention.

He also enjoined them to get relevant authorities to seek ways of taping the rich coal deposits in the area for the benefit of the people, even as he called on the federal government to intervene in the ecological problem thrown up by exploration of coal in Odagbo in Ankpa local government area of the state.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Onu of Ojoku, Alhaji Muhammed Alfa, challenged the representatives to be good ambassadors of their people by initiating and supporting people-oriented legislation.

The traditional ruler, who decried the neglect of the area by successive administrations at the centre, urged them to draw the attention of relevant authorities to the challenges of development that the area has to endure overtime.

Responding, Abubakar and Omale promised to reciprocate the gesture by the electorates which culminated in their election by attracting development to Kogi East.