Kogi Elections: Stay away from ”Greek gifts”, YPP candidate cautions electorate
Dr. Samson Omale, the candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) in the Nov. 11 Kogi off-cycle governorship election, has cautioned the electorate against accepting “Greek gifts from some politicians.
Omale, who gave the warning while addressing newsmen in Abuja, urged the electorate to beware of politicians who share gifts during elections.
”A servant applying to work in your house and he is already giving you bribes, will sell the house when you let him in.
”The electorate should read between the lines and only vote for the candidate with the best ideas to transform the state”, he said.
Omale expressed confidence that he will emerge governor on Nov. 11, saying that he has the best initiatives and is the most qualified and connected among all the candidates.
The YPP flag-bearer said that if elected governor, he would ensure the security of the state through surveillance, an emergency management system, financing security agencies, and local vigilante groups.
He said that he will ensure speedy economic growth through large-scale mining of natural resources in the state, agribusiness, tourism, industrialization, and the maritime economy.
The candidate pledged to turn the water bodies in the state into effective means of transportation, irrigation, hydropower, research, leisure centres, and portable water, among others.
Omale said that he will ensure the state generates 500 MW of electricity within four years through hydro, solar, and biomass if elected governor.
“We shall operate an efficient, transparent, and predictable justice system that protects the freedom of our people while providing easy access to justice.
“In addition, we shall enforce absolute accountability across the entire public sector, starting with my office.
“Corruption, bribery, and abuse of office have cost the state significant sums of money. More so, wanton disregard for the rule of law and deliberate trampling on the freedom of the Kogi people negatively impact the state’s ability to attract businesses, increase perceived risks, and decrease residents’ quality of life.
Under my administration, we shall sanitise the public sector by closing loopholes, enforcing transparency and accountability, and pursuing policies aimed at protecting the fundamental rights of all Kogi people,” he said.
The YPP candidate said that if elected governor, he will ensure human capital development through the financing of healthcare and education, infrastructure development, and welfare.
He pledged to establish the Kogi Investments Promotion Agency (KOGIPA), which will guarantee the establishment and registration of businesses within 24 hours.
Omale said that he will establish Kogi Mines Holding Company (KOGIMINES), which will ensure an enabling environment for investors.
The candidate said if elected, he will set up a N20 billion Kogi Venture Fund (KVF) in partnership with international investors to support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
“I am equipped, willing, and ready to serve; I know and have what it takes to turn around businesses.
“I have helped institutions with turnaround strategies that ensured their recovery from bankruptcy and have transformed them into vibrant businesses across the world.
“My working experience cut across many sectors of the economy, including banking and finance, manufacturing, insurance and reinsurance, public service, and charity work.
“I am a technocrat; I am a serial entrepreneur. I know how to create businesses, and I love my people. I want to lead my people rather than govern them. It will be all about you, not about me,” he said.
