. . . Endorses Muri Yakubu, Idoko Lona

Igala socio-cultural group, Igala Vanguard, has threatened ostracism against any Igala indigene that succumbs to play second fiddle in the next governorship election in Kogi State.

Addressing newsmen earlier this week in Idah, a leader of the group, Engr Lawrence Akpa, expressed bitterness over the continued marginalisation of the Igala in Kogi State, saying that “it’s only in Kogi state that the largest and majority tribe is being treated as a minority”. He condemned Governor Yahaya Bello for allegedly sowing seeds of discord in Igala land.

According to Akpa, a retired Army General, the position of Deputy Governor should be between Ebira and the people of Kogi West which comprises Okun and Lokoja/Koto people.

Igala Vanguard announced the endorsement of Idoko Kingsley Ilona and Alhaji Muritala Yakubu Ajaka who are both from Idah Federal Constituency for the state’s number one seat.

The group criticised the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Igala land for being unable to come up with a harmonised list, accusing them of being afraid of Governor Bello.

Igala Vanguard called on other aspirants in APC to step down in the spirit of sacrifice and unionism for Muritala Ajaka and those in PDP to do the same for Idoko Kingsley Ilona, insisting that according to Igala arrangements, the next Governor should come from Idah Federal constituency.

The group declared that the Igala of Kogi East and Bassa “will no longer accept the position of Deputy Governor”, threatening that any person who is of Igala stock that accepts such would be declared persona non grata.