By Ishaq Dan-Imam, Lokoja
Notable political groups in Kogi local government area have expressed explicit confidence in the political leadership of a political strategist, and state Commissioner of Solid Minerals Development, Hon. Engr. Bashiru Gegu, for his “political sense of direction, selflessness, politeness, team spirit, dexterity and doggedness” in the face of political incorrectness in the area.
The groups including Team Bash, E-BAG, Bello Vanguard, Kogi LGA Excos, and Ward Executives across the 11 Wards of Kogi LGA, have asked Barr. Tanko Osuku, the chairman of Kogi State Civil Service Commission to withdraw his recent ‘spurious and derogatory’ remarks against the person of Engr. Bashir Gegu.
According to the groups, “Bashir Gegu has no hands in his suspension by the Executives of the party because of his anti-party activities”.
They added that even a blind man knows the efforts Engr Bashir Gegu put into the electioneering which led to APC victory in all the elections in Kogi (Koton-Karfe) local government area where Engr. Bashiru’s political sagacity has changed the political narratives of the area, as he recorded several wins for the party.
“Election after election, Bashiru Gegu was always there for the party both physically and financially.
“As for the election funds of the party, the channels of disbursement were open to the public with facts and figures open to every Party member and stakeholder. We are in the era of e-naira where electronic financial transactions such as campaign funds can be traced to the beneficiaries without let or hindrance especially participating leaders across the board as against the false claims by Barr. Tanko Osuku, who leveled all manner of allegations against our political leader.
“We challenge Barrister Tanko Osuku to please take the matter to the party in the state so that he may understand better. The money was disbursed by the POS operators to various leaders across the eleven wards. It will also interest the public to know that the POS agents have published the names of the leaders the funds were transferred to, and their phone numbers as well as the amount of payments,” the groups explained.
“It’s evidently clear that Engr Bashir Gegu led other leaders to the victory of APC in Kogi LGA 100 percent.
“Bashir Gegu was instrumental to APC victory in all elections in his unit, ward, and majority units in Kogi LGA. He equally oversees the collation of results in Lokoja LGA, and he is the pillar of strength for the APC in Kogi State just as his Boss GYB is the pillar of strength for the APC in Nigeria.”
The groups warn that “Any attempt to drag his name into the mud will be utterly resisted.”
They challenged Barr. Tanko Osuku to defend himself as to why he failed to deliver his units to the APC during the elections.
When contacted, Engr. Bashir Gegu said,” I am not a lawyer but any accusation without evidence, is a baseless and unfounded rumour that has no basis in law.”
According to the groups, the House of Assembly Member-elect, Hon. Idrees Aliyu, said he had asked the party in the state to send a copy of financial transactions and other details of the POS agent named ‘Sultanate Internet Banking’, which handled the disbursement to various wards through their leaders.
The groups appreciate Engr Bashir Gegu for his active contribution to the election campaign, and for running an independent campaign for the APC with personal funds across the nooks and crannies of the LGA.
