Member of the House of Representatives, James Abiodun Faleke, has called for a stronger political alliance among leaders in Kogi State, saying internal divisions and partisan interests must not be allowed to undermine the state’s development.
Faleke, who represents Ikeja Federal Constituency of Lagos State, made the appeal when he received a delegation of stakeholders from the Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency, led by Prince Yomi Kolawole, in Abuja on Friday.
The meeting, which brought together political and community stakeholders from Kogi West, centred on the need for greater cooperation among leaders and more effective mobilisation of resources and opportunities for the people of the state.
Faleke said Kogi could achieve greater development if its political leaders and influential stakeholders worked beyond personal and partisan interests.
According to him, the state’s abundant human and natural resources could only be fully harnessed through sustained cooperation and a shared commitment to the welfare of its people.
He particularly stressed the strategic importance of Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu to Kogi West, urging stakeholders from the constituency to maintain close engagement with leaders across the state.
“Kabba-Bunu is a strategic part of Kogi West. Whatever affects you affects all of us. We must continue to speak with one voice and work together for the good of our people,” Faleke said.
The lawmaker also pledged to deploy his influence and experience in the National Assembly towards attracting development projects and programmes to Kogi, particularly those capable of improving conditions at the grassroots.
His intervention comes amid renewed calls by stakeholders across Kogi West for political leaders to bridge their differences and develop a common agenda for the senatorial district.
Earlier, Kolawole said the delegation was in Abuja to consult Faleke on challenges confronting Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu and seek his advice on possible solutions.
He described the federal lawmaker as one of Kogi’s prominent political figures whose experience in public service could contribute to efforts to reposition the constituency and the state.
Kolawole said residents were particularly concerned about infrastructure deficits, youth unemployment and insecurity, adding that these challenges required cooperation among political leaders rather than competition.
“We are here to tap from your wealth of experience and to seek your guidance on how best we can move Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu forward. Your antecedents in public service speak for you,” he said.
Other members of the delegation also praised Faleke for maintaining links with Kogi despite representing a Lagos constituency in the House of Representatives.
They urged political leaders and stakeholders from Kogi West to close ranks and place the interests of the people above personal ambitions.
The meeting ended with calls for continued consultation among Kogi stakeholders, as well as prayers for Faleke’s success in public service.