Ahead of 2023 general elections, the Bassange community in Bassa local government area of Kogi state have unanimously raised the sum of five million naira to obtain the All Progressives Congress (APC) expression of interest and nomination forms for the party’s House of Representatives primary for the Maaji of Bassa land, Dr. Tim Nda Diche.
This sum of money was presented to the businessman and astute politician Dr. Diche who officially declared his intention to run for House of Representatives, Dekina/Bassa federal constituency.
The community leader, Mr. Pius Mathew Awom told newsmen that the majority of Bassange residents at home have deemed it fit to contribute the sum of N5 million which was presented to Dr. Tim Diche during his declaration and visit to the traditional palace at Gboloko over the weekend.
Awom said the gesture was in fulfilment of their promise to purchase the forms for him in view of the tremendous assistance he has rendered to ameliorate the suffering and hardship in Bassa land.
“The council of chiefs from the palace too are fully in support of Diche’s continuous developmental strides and empowerment of youth in Bassa land,” he added.
Dr. Diche, while receiving the cash contribution of N5 million from his community, expressed appreciation to them.
He said the donation was an indication that his people wants continuation of progress and development in Bassa land.
He assured that he will not betray the trust reposed in him. He also noted that the challenges confronting Bassa are enormous and requires the collaboration of everyone to tackle.
He charged the people of Dekina/Bassa to put away their differences in the interest of the state.
Dr. Diche had earlier met with Bassa Elders Advisory council alongside with Team Diche coordinators, and later move his campaign train to Gboloko, where he formally made an open declaration in the presence of all party members.
Dr. Diche assured the teeming youth of Dekina/Bassa of using the position to attract employment opportunities, massive empowerment schemes and infrastructural development to the areas.
Dr. Tim Nda Diche who is the founder and chairman of Dichmark insurance company Abuja called on all APC stakeholders to rally round him and give him the needed support.
“I want to appreciate my community once again, for wonderful donation of N5 Million for me to buy nomination form. I am also soliciting the support of my people from Dekina and Bassa local government areas in the coming House of Representatives election and I urge all delegates to give me their votes,” he appealed.
He said the declaration was as result of the intense pressure from the people of the constituency for him to contest for the coveted position.
Dr. Diche noted that Dekina/Bassa people are concerned about the quality of persons to represent them at the National Assembly, saying that he is the most qualified aspirant considering his track records and years of experience in politics.
Dr. Diche further said being a well educated person, he promised to use his wealth of experience to further unite the people of Dekina/Bassa.
“I am a man with compassionate heart. I will ensure that my priorities are concentrated on the poor, downtrodden and the masses of our constituency.
“I am a visionary leader who can create wealth for our teeming populace thereby, addressing the issues of poverty, insecurity and youth restiveness.”
These concerns, he said, are part of his reasons for declaring his ambition as he solicited for the prayers of the elders advisory council, delegates and Team Diche coordinators.
He also urged all APC members in Dekina/Bassa to continue to support the Executive Governor of Kogi state, Alh. Yahaya Adoza Bello in his bid to contest for president of the country.
Etsu of Bassange, Gen. Abu Ali (rtd.), said “Tim Nda Diche is a member of my council of chiefs, as Maaji of Bassa, he has contributed immensely to the growth and development of Bassa land.”
The leader of Elders Advisory Council, Hon. Peter Afum Agasokoa and his counterpart in Bassa-kwom, Elder Paul M Ndazhaga paid glowing tributes to Dr. Diche for successfully contributing to the growth of Bassa land.
