by John Desmond from Lokoja
Prince Abubakar Audu is one unique leader that has his people and his state, the #Kogi State at heart. From all available record, he still is the only one within the shortest period of his administration that have made meaningful impact in the life of an average Kogite. What Prince Abubakar Audu does for Kogi State most times he has the opportunity to serve, is to create a platform for the people to showcase their abilities.
In 1987 Prince Abubakar Audu as a governor influenced the longest and shortest route that link #Kogi state to Eastern Nigeria as a commissioner in Benue state back then. And in 1992 as the governor of #Kogi State, he built a state polytechnic within the resources at his disposal and when posterity beckoned on him in 1999, his first major project was the establishment of Kogi State University. To all the people’s amazement, the first students and staff of the University are #Kogites who have suffered from the Nation’s unemployment syndrome and admission complicity into the available school then in Nigeria.
In 1999 #Kogi State was the first state in Nigeria to open a state own University with the little allocation that state received then and in three years after establishment, the School graduated it first graduates. What a joy Prince Abubakar Audu added to the people of #Kogi state. One of his legendary legacies is in investment. He single handedly brought the Obajana Cement Factory which is the largest in West Africa today. The best hotel the state can be proud of was Prince Abubakar Audu’s pet project, while the about to be commission Teaching hospital was built by Audu as reference Hospital.
In terms of power shift, his vision for all the indigence of the State is to test the joy of leading the state from Lugard house Lokoja. That is why between 1991 and 1999 he never used one ethnic group to support his leadership and actualize his dream. He used Okun in 1991 and in 1999, an Ibira was his deputy and this is an indicator that Prince Abubakar Audu will support power based on his party alignment. Audu is a man that wants the good of all and not just some individuals.
On this note dear Kogites, it time again for us to restore our lost glory. The Prince Abubakar Audu that I know will help us build a better Kogi State that all of us can benefit from. Let us return the #Kogi State number one “Adoja” as the Governor of our state and vote out#Col Idris Wada and his PDP which deceived the whole Nation for 16 years with their cluelessness
