By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab
The Action Alliance (AA) governorship candidate in Kogi State, Engr Olayinka Braimoh, has assured the state chapter of the League Of Immams that his administration will operate on the principles of fairness, equity and justice as enshrined in the 1999 constitution.
Braimoh gave the assurance when he met with Muslim clerics in continuation of his dialogue with stakeholders in the state on Friday in Lokoja.
He said as religious leaders who control large followers, majority of whom have been affected by the wrong policies of the APC government, it was imperative to seek their prayers and support as well as interact with them on the way forward for the state.
The governorship flag bearer said he will defend the rights of every citizen to exercise their sociocultural and religious freedom at all times, adding that inclusiveness will be his watch word.
He urged the clerics to deeply reflect on the prevailing economic and security situations of the state and preach the truth so that the electorate would understand what choice to make.
“I came to unveil myself to you, to seek your prayers and support to succeed in becoming the governor of Kogi state so that together we could secure the state and restore hope to the people.
“I will be fair and just to all citizens and segments of the state. I will rule by the principles of justice as enshrined in the 1999 constitution as amended. I will defend all and promote all, and each person will exercise their freedom as the constitution permits.
He lamented that poverty, unemployment, kidnapping, ethnic conflicts were the result of bad leadership in the state and pledged to reverse the trends within a record time in office.
He said when leaders do not operate on the basis of inclusiveness and empathy the society was bound to experience decline in all ramifications.
Responding, the Kogi State Chairman of the League Of Immams, Ibrahim Nyass Yusuf Abdalla, urged the governorship candidate to keep to his promise, adding that it is important “to operate an open door policy” in order to be accessible to the common man.
He lamented a situation where leaders get elected and shut the door behind them, saying “if we see failure in your policy implementation, we shall express displeasure openly”.
Abdalla pledged to mobilise their members in support of Braimoh.
