Kogi Group Absolves Engr. Bashir Gegu out of Kotonkarfe Sallah Crisis in Kogi .
The Koton Karfe Progressives, a Socio Cultural Organisation, has asked the spokesman of the Social Democratic Party, Isaiah Davies Ijele to leave Engr. Bashir Gegu alone, in the ongoing unrest in KotonKarfe.
The Group distanced the Kogi State Commissioner For Solid Minerals and Natural Resources
Engr. Bashiru Gegu from the purported and alleged attack on the opposition Members of the Social Democratic Party in Kogi local Government.
In a statement issued and signed by Abdullahi Musa Koto on behalf of the Group and made available to Newsmen while reacting to an open letter to Engr. Bashiru Gegu on Wednesday in Lokoja.
The group described the accusation as baseless, adding that the allegation by Isaiah Davies Ijele, spokesperson of the SDP was false and a figment of his imagination.
The group while reacting to the open letter said ordinarily they would have wanted to keep mute and not dignify the baseless accusations, said neither Engr. Bashiru nor, any of his aides, were in KotonKarfe the night of Monday 17th or Tuesday 18th June, 2024.
According to the statement, “Our attention have been drawn to a post titled:
Open Letter To Bashir Gegu.
We however wish to place on record that, “We had our Sallah celebration at the Ohimegye’s palace between 10:00am to 3:00pm of 17th of June 2024. It was peaceful and enjoyable because all the Traditional Rulers in Kogi LGA were in attendance”.
“But we have it on good authority that in the late hours of 17th June, 2024 the opposition, followed the Aides of the Royal Majesty, going from house to house, destroying properties and shoot at innocent citizens.
The statement noted that the actions caused unrest in koton karfe until the Governor has to put a halt on all activities with regards to traditional procession”.
“We must also commend the Ohimegye camp. HRM Saidu Akawu Salihu, who obeyed the directives of the Governor while the opposition side led by Mallam Halilu was alleged to have caused rancour in the town by chanting war song against the Governor”.
” We are aware that the unrest is purely a KotonKarfe matter and wondered why mischief makers would want to drag the name of Engr. Bashir into the mud. It is unfortunate that for a man who has built integrity, that has been hard earned over the years, known for his well doing, would be dragged into an issue he nor his aides know nothing about as most unfortunate”.
” We therefore use this medium to call Isaiah Davies Ijele to order. His activities leading to the last Governorship election that saw him fanning embers of discord amongst the citizens of the State by spewing lies in the name of propaganda and media relations should stop forthwith”.
” We are aware that politics of the State Governorship has come and gone with Gov. Usman Ahmed Ododo, being declared winner by the Tribunal. We urge opposing parties to thread softly, as the attempt to cause unrest as witnessed in KotonKarfe Karfe recently is uncalled for”.
The group described Engr. Bashiru Gegu as a peaceful and law abiding citizen, not associated with violence, who has made peace, promoting unity, prosperity and development of Kogi LGA of the state.
The group noted that he that will come to equity should come with clean hands and would forever remain committed to the well-being, peace of the people.
