Why we’re backing Zakari Abubakar Ola for Kogi West Senate seat — Katuka of Lokoja Emirate. By Dr. Bawa Dangana

Why we’re backing Zakari Abubakar Ola for Kogi West Senate seat — Katuka of Lokoja Emirate

Hon. Alhaji Bala Salisu, the Katuka of Lokoja Emirate, is a former Executive Chairman of the old Kogi and Lokoja Local Government Areas. A foundation member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), he is widely regarded as a staunch supporter, critical stakeholder, and influential leader within the Lokoja/Kogi (Koton-Karfe) Federal Constituency.

A seasoned administrator, community leader, and respected politician, Hon. Salisu bares his mind in this interview on burning political issues and the future of Kogi West Senatorial District.

Excerpt –
EH: May we know you, Honourable Sir?

Ans: My name is Hon. Alhaji Bala Salisu, the Katuka of Lokoja. I am from Lokoja Local Government Area. Both my father and mother were from Lokoja LGA, and so were my grandparents. I am proudly from Kogi State.

EH: Which Senatorial District do you belong to?

Ans: I am from Kogi West Senatorial District. I am a team player and a leader in the APC. I once served as Stakeholders’ Chairman of the party in Lokoja LGA. I successfully led three senatorial election campaigns in Kogi West; two for Senator Smart Adeyemi and one for Senator Dino Melaye. Both of them are alive; you can verify this.

EH: We learnt you played a prominent role in 1999 when Senator Tunde Ogbeha contested for the Senate seat?

Ans: Indeed, I personally led a strong team comprising Mr. Hassan Bekpo (Diko), the late Hon. Musa Kamsaleem, and the late Alhaji Ismaila Abdulkareem. We toured the Okun-speaking areas from villages to towns and LGAs, canvassing support for Tunde Ogbeha. That movement and wide consultation secured victory for him in the 1999 elections. We repeated the same mission in 2003, with Mr. Hassan and Mr. Angulu Franco joining me, which ensured Senator Ogbeha’s re-election.

EH: As we approach 2027, there are agitations from Lokoja LGA that the Senate slot should rotate, given that the Okun speaking areas have occupied it since 2007. What is your position?

Ans: If the Okun-speaking people want Lokoja LGA to continue standing with them, this is the right time to concede the seat to Lokoja. For 20 years, Okun-speaking areas have been in the Senate: Senator Smart Adeyemi for 12 years, Senator Dino Melaye for 4 years, and now Senator Sunday Karimi is serving another 4 years, making it 20 years in total.

For the incumbent, Senator Karimi, to still contemplate contesting in 2027 is unfair, unjust, and insensitive. Lokoja/Koto has always stood by Okun land, helping them in their time of need. Now is the time for them to reciprocate. If this rare opportunity is denied us, it will be a sad and unjust development. It is our turn to represent Kogi West Senatorial District in 2027.

EH: Who is the leading personality from Lokoja/Koto being considered for the Senate seat?

Ans: For now, the only person who has shown interest is Ustaz Alhaji Zakari Abubakar Ola.

EH: Can you tell us more about him?

Ans: Ustaz Zakari Abubakar Ola is a humble, disciplined, God-fearing, and kind-hearted individual. He was born and raised in Lokoja. A philanthropist and humanitarian, he is widely loved by the people across Okun land, Lokoja, and Koto.

Through his foundation, he has empowered people with skills acquisition programmes, provided educational support, sponsored healthcare services, and funded borehole projects in several communities all from his personal resources. He has touched countless lives positively and continues to do so.

Some people are saying Senator Karimi should be allowed to serve another term before Lokoja/Koto takes its turn. Do you agree?

Ans: That is absolute rubbish! People who have already enjoyed 20 years in the Senate now want another four? No! 2027 is for Lokoja/Koto, and by God’s grace, it will not return to Okun land.

Zakari Abubakar Ola has shown capacity and compassion for humanity across the seven LGAs of Kogi West. Those clamouring for Karimi’s continuation are selfish and unpatriotic. They are only pursuing personal benefits. God is watching, and He will not allow injustice to prevail.

EH: On which party platform will Zakari Abubakar Ola contest?

Ans: He will contest on the APC platform. I am a staunch APC leader who has invested heavily in building and sustaining the party in Lokoja/Koto, Kogi West, and across Kogi State. Even Senator Karimi knows the role I played.

I call on the people of Lokoja/Koto to rally behind Ola because of his vision and humanitarian works. Remember, no single paymaster can make someone a senator. Only the genuine will of the people, through their votes, can.

EH: Some publications have tried to tarnish your image. How do you respond?

Ans: I am not the first victim of character assassination and blackmail. The community knows me. Nobody can call me what I am not. I hate stealing with passion, and those behind such baseless accusations will one day be asked to prove them.

I have built a good name over time. My parents left a legacy of honour, and I intend to protect it. As a former Executive Chairman of Lokoja LGA, and at one time Acting Administrator and Overseer of Kogi State when Col. Danladi Zakari was appointed Military Administrator of Kogi State while still in New York (USA), I have served this state with loyalty. I remain a patriotic citizen and proud son of Lokoja.

EH: Finally, what advice do you have for Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo?

Ans: First, I condole with the government and people of Kogi State, especially the Ododo family, on the passing of elder statesman Alhaji Ahmed Momoh Sanni Alabi Ododo. May Allah grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus.

I appreciate the positive strides of Governor Ododo and urge him to remain focused, avoid distractions, and continue his good works.

However, he should be wary of political saboteurs who pretend to support government policies but secretly work against progress. At the right time, their names will be revealed.

I commend the foresight of the immediate past Governor, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, for choosing Ododo as his successor.

Finally, I call on INEC to be proactive, impartial, and responsive in the forthcoming elections. I also urge APC members in Kogi West to work collectively for the success of the party, especially in the 2027 senatorial elections.