Alhaji Zakari Abubakar Ola is a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC), in Kogi State, in this interview with Hon. Danladi A. Abubakar, the publisher Confluence Times Online, where he bared His mind, says that the alleged under representation of Kogi West Senatorial District in the past and present, informed this decision to run for the position. He also spoke on other issues:
– WHY DO YOU WANT TO RUN FOR THE KOGI SENATORIAL SEAT?
I found out that my constituency lacked purposeful representation over the years that my people are so disconnected from governance at all levels. So having seen all these, I decided to heed the call of my people to run for the coveted position.
– APART FROM THE ALLEGED UNDER REPRESENTATION, WHAT DIFFERENCE WOULD YOU BRING TO THE SEAT?
Thank you very much. When I go round my constituency during my consultations visit to party leaders and stakeholders, what I saw really was what gingered me to aspire for this position so as to give my people good representation. It will interest you to know that my Constituency is so prominent in terms of natural and human resources but to me, what I saw does not measure up to show good representation at the National Assembly. My people are so far from governance particularly Lokoja/Kogi federal Constituency where I happened to belong. You don’t see or feel the presence of dividends of democracy in my Constituency. My vision as a lawmaker, I will create enabling environment for my people to create wealth because they are very industrious, women and youths empowerment through acquiring professional skills, provision of fertilizers to rural farmers, opening up of rural feeder roads, award of scholarships to indigent students and many so numerous to mention.
– DO YOU HAVE THE REQUIRED ROBUST SUPPORT BASE THAT WOULD GUARANTEE YOUR VICTORY?
There was that say: ” you can know a ripe corn by its look” As we speak today we have an active campaign organization across the seven local governments in the constituency. And have done everything possible to empower the campaign organization. As I am talking to you now, our men are on ground networking for our victory. To a large extent, I will say that we have the support of those that matters in the constituency’s politics particularly Lokoja/Kogi federal Constituency in making sure it’s my strong base and strong barrier because in politics make sure you secure your area. Inshallah we can tell you that we are gained much support. They really accepted our vision for the constituency. I am a foundation member of All Progressive Congress, APC in the state. I have contributed financially for the growth of the party. I did not just wake up to say I am running for this position as some people negatively claimed. This is a product of grassroots consultation among my people. So, my party knows about my aspiration and is behind my aspiration. I derive pleasure from being in the ruling party.
– HOW DO YOU RATE THE ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR AHMED USMAN ODODO?
Yes the governor is doing fine. He is a refined man who has a listening ears and his developmental strides is very impressive. He started well and inshallah he will end his eight years successfully.
