The Young Progressive Party (YPP) is running Sam Omale for governor of Kogi State. He boasts that dishonest politicians won’t be able to purchase the voters’ conscience in this exclusive interview with DAILY POST as he discusses his chances of winning the election on November 11. Excerpts!
What makes you want to be the best citizen in Kogi State?
Everything is governed by politics. No matter how passionate, zealous, or skilled you are, you cannot carry out your plan if you lack the political clout. Politics is the centre of attention. By God’s grace, I have the ability and knowledge, having recognised the diverse natural resources our State has to offer.
The location of this State places it in the centre of Nigeria, passing through both the North and the South and being bordered by 11 other States. By God’s grace, I believe I have the ability to turn this enormous potential into a successful business endeavour that will assist the general populace financially.
How likely are you to win this election?
People are, in fact, frustrated on the ground. People are dying and going hungry. Parties are no longer popular. In Kogi State, parties have failed to resolve our issue for 32 years. It involves multiple governments. Parties have been pushed to the side. I interact with Kogites who are searching for capability. They want someone who can take them from where they are today to a place where they will have a life. They want someone who has clear-cut, doable policies.
In Kogi State there is no life. Younger and younger people are passing away. Even when there is enough, people are still hurting. Everyone who is planning a party will fall behind. You could determine who among us has the ability and abilities to deliver if you put the candidates up for election, questioned them, listened to what they had to say, and read their manifestos.
What are your thoughts on the pre-election money politics issues?
Money is what has gotten us to where we are right now. It’s never succeeded. You have been bought by politicians when they give you money. When they are in charge, you have no right to disagree with them. People need to understand that money politics are transient and have no bearing on advancement. Who are these people taking this money, exactly? The funds do not benefit the general public or voters. Giving money away is the same as selling your future. I only entered the room to alter the story. They are giving you stolen money, so beware. They do not own the money. For it, they did not toil. It is funded by tax dollars. It is absurd that they are buying voters with it. People should suffer and declare that they would go to bed without eating after waking up. Many things have been lacking from us in the past, and in my location, we were assured that hunger does not kill. Say no, I won’t take money; there are only around fifty days left until we have to put up with the hunger we have been putting up with for 32 years. I’ll go without food for the next 50 days, but then I’ll be free. Let money not be a factor in how you vote.
You are from the Eastern region of Kogi State; are you aware that one senatorial candidate from your district has received support?
No contender has received support. There are a lot of recommendations available. Even calling someone someone who has been endorsed is incorrect. The endorsing committees for candidates are obtained. So you will support me if I buy you as a group. There are numerous bogus endorsements out there, so go read. The highest bidder will get it.
Are you one of the supporters of the Igala Agenda?
No. If I present myself as an ethnic leader, I will be demeaning to myself. I desire to lead Kogites as governor. We are all kogites; there are no igalas, okuns, or ebiras. They are my people if I enter. Politics that are focused on ethnicity is what is hurting us. A third world mentality underlies this fundamental conflict between ethnicity and religion. I won’t be playing it.
What message do you have for the Kogites before the election?
Ask challenging questions to this applicant as you review them. Vote with your heart and according to your goals. Do you intend to keep using intimidation, fear, or servitude? Servants are governors. They were job candidates who submitted applications. They are going to be held responsible for the task that you assigned to them. Who among us can you hold responsible? Who has a positive review? Who possesses the contacts, skills, and workable ideas to transform the massive riches into something that will help the populace?
These are the inquiries Kogites ought to be posing. You and other journalists should be advising them to correct their mistakes after 50 days of suffering. It will take a while if we don’t get things in order straight away. The state of Kogi is incredibly harsh and unpleasant. It is a result of 32 years of lack of leadership, not the fault of one government.
How would you rate the last 7.5 years of Governor Bello’s administration?
Governor Bello gave it his best effort. Everyone who is coming should express his intentions to help the Kogites. Every government establishes a foundation. He has completed his goal. I’ll arrive and continue where he ends. He has left. You are aware that I have said for 32 years that you cannot single out one. Anyone who criticises has nothing constructive to say. I am able to mine all of these riches for the good of the Kogi State population.
