By Ojotule Romanus
The defection of the main opposition political figure in Bassa Local Government Area, Honourable Sunday shigaba, along with thousands of his supporters into the All Progressives Congress (APC), has significantly altered the political dynamics in the area.
A two term former House of Assembly member under the People Democratic party (PDP), Hon. Shigaba’s defection is seen by many stakeholders from the area as a major milestone for the APC in Bassa Local Government and the state at large, considering his political influence and control of the council.
Speaking when he formally received Shigaba and his supporters into the party’s fold in Government House in Lokoja yesterday, Governor Ahmed Usman Odoodo, expressed confidence that his defection has permanently silenced opposition political parties in Bassa Local Government Area.
Related News
Governor Ododo further expressed appreciation to him for what he described as a strong show of leadership and unity among the people of Bassa Local Government Area ; just as he emphasised the need for team work so as to ensure victory of the party in the forthcoming general elections.
He appreciated and acknowledged the contributions of the people in maintaining peace in their communities and for supporting his administration, especially during the last governorship election.
The Governor pledged continued commitment to the development of Bassa, describing the area as rich in mineral resources with vast economic potentials.
According to him, with unity and sustained peace, the people would be better positioned to benefit from their natural endowments.
In addition, he pointed out that the era of politics driven by personal interest was over and as such, collective interest of the people must be given the most attention.
He went on to applaud Hon.Sunday Shigaba for what he called a bold and progressive decision to join the APC, saying the former lawmaker’s move was driven by love for his people and a desire to add value to governance in the state.
Ododo expressed satisfaction that peace had gradually returned to Bassa and urged stakeholders to sustain the harmony and prevent division, particularly over community resources.
On infrastructure, the governor promised that the township road in Bassa would receive government attention.
He assured residents that his administration would continue to prioritise their needs and make a lasting impact in the area.
The governor used the occasion to appeal to youths not to allow themselves to be used as agents of violence or destruction, but to see themselves as critical partners in development.
He also called on community leaders and stakeholders to guide and coordinate young people with sincerity and a sense of responsibility.
Earlier, Hon. Sunday Shigaba, said his descion to defect to ruling APC was borne out of a strong conviction of Governor Ododo’s commitment to the development of the state. Adding that, as one of the critical stakeholder in the opposition PDP, he had seen the numerous works of the governor and as such , decided to join him to contribute more meaningfully to the development of Kogi State.
He praised Governor Ododo’s humility and inclusive leadership style, noting that prompt payment of salaries and willingness to listen to the people were signs of responsible governance.
Mr.Shigaba said leadership was about service and responsiveness, stressing that he was ready to actively support the governor’s administration and future political aspirations. He further pledged loyalty to the party and promised to remain available whenever called upon.
In his address at the event, the State Chairman of APC, Alhaji Abdullahi Bello, described Mr Shigaba’s defection as a major boost for the party, saying his entry further strengthens the APC’s dominance in the state.
He maintained that politics was about interest and progressive ideals, and urged the new member to continue working diligently for the party’s growth.
In their separate goodwill messages, stakeholders from the area including the House of Assembly Member for Bassa State Constituency, Hon. Sunday Daku, the Local Government Chairman Mr. Theophilus Daruwana, alongside other party leaders welcomed Shigaba into the APC fold.
They reiterated the commitment of Bassa people to sustain their overwhelming support for the governor and to replicate similar backing in future elections.
