A frontline Igala Security Network in Kogi East popularly known as Operation Dago’Kegba has endorsed the mandate of the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Alhaji Murtala Yakubu Ajaka ahead of the November 11 2023 gubernatorial election in Kogi state.
In a statement circulated by the Chief Mobilizer of Operation Dago’Kegba, Comrade Ajogwu Jerry Ochada, he said the endorsement is strongly in line with the will of the people.
According to the statement, the agreement endorsing Muri Ajaka was reached at the end of a stakeholders meeting held on Saturday 15th September 2023.
The statement reads in part:
“We bring you fraternal greetings the Great descendants of Atiyele and Ayegba Om’Idoko. We are always proud of our heritage.
“Ane’Igala is our home and there is no place like home. We share common stories and ancestry. We are one united people and the bond we share is far beyond politics.
“From the early days of this Operation, we have restrained ourselves from engaging in partisan politics. It is also on record that we are not sponsored by any politician (in and out of Kogi state) or visited any politician either as a group or individual soliciting any form of assistance. Let it be stated clearly, that all funds that has been utilized in the course of this programme was generated through the personal commitments of our members.
“As we are all aware, the next gubernatorial election to decide the fate our people is scheduled for November 11 2023. We have equally observed that our silence is no longer golden. To this end, we need to define the next phase of our engagement and operational framework by endorsing the choicest candidate who has enjoyed the grace of general acceptance by the people.
“It is in lieu of this that we are calling on all Kogites (home and abroad) to fall back to base and support the emergence of Alh Murtala Yakubu Ajaka as the next Governor of Kogi state. Our resolve is in line with the decision of the bulk of Kogites. We can make it happen.
“We equally wish to task the people to be law abiding all through the process. Operation Dago’Kegba will not hesitate using all forms of legal means to crush any form of thuggery before, during or after the election. We must all be guided accordingly”.
Recall that Operation Dago’Kegba was launched on the 6th day of November 2021 in memorial of a notable Igala elite, Dr Stephen Omakoji Achema.
Since inception, the security network has carried out non violent sensitization campaign especially in Kogi East.
