By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
CONNECTED Development (CODE), a Civil Society Organisation, has called for peaceful coexistence among the people of Kogi State in order to create room for economic and infrastructural development in the state.
Amb. Hamzat Lawal, Chief Executive Officer of CODE, made the call while on a royal visit to the Ohimege-Igu of Koton-Karfe Kingdom, HRM Abdulrazaq Gambo Isah-Koto in his palace as part of the Post-election Advocacy Visit to the kingdom.
According to the CSO Executive, Kogi State government under the present leadership of Governor Yahaya Bello has done a lot in ensuring that the people of the state in spite of their diverse ethnic nationalities and religions, were able to live peacefully with one another without rancour.
He said that traditional leaders in the State had onerous roles to play to complement government efforts through constant preaching of peace and the need for people to live a life devoid of crises in order to enjoy the dividends of democracy.
“Knowing fully well that you are first class king and a peaceful traditional ruler which you demonstrated during the last governorship election in your domain, you still have a role to play in ensuring that the existing peace in your kingdom continues.
“In the last off-cycle governorship election the people of Koton-Karfe came out en-mass to cast their ballots peacefully and this happened through your continuous sensitization and the encouragement you gave to your people.
“In the last eight years Kogi State has enjoyed relative peace and I know the role you played working tirelessly with His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello, to achieve the feat for the people of your kingdom.
“As the governor-elect takes over the leadership of the state on January 27th , 2023 it is expedient that we join hands to support the new government for the progress of the State”, he said.
In his response, the Royal Father Abdulrazaq Isah-Koto said he had heard much about the visiting CEO, Amb. Hamzat Lawal and expressed the confidence that the in-coming administration in the state would be successful.
The Ohimege-Igu of Kotonkarfe, thanked Lawal for demonstrating love for the community through the empowerment, adding that the people would continue to pray for him and the government.
Highlight of the visit to the monarch and Kogi Koton-Karfe Local Government Area was the presentation of N5,000 each to 100 vulnerable persons the Council Area. (Ends)