An All Progressives Congress chieftain, John Okolo, has attributed what he described as increased support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration in the North Central to the appointment of people from the region to key federal positions.
Okolo specifically cited the appointment of Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, saying it had boosted the sense of inclusion among residents of the region, particularly in Kogi State.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, the APC chieftain described Shaibu’s appointment as an important development for Kogi and the wider North Central, linking it to the region’s contribution to national service.
“The appointment of Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu means a lot to the North Central and to Kogi people.
This is an opportunity we will not take for granted. The time for rewarding Mr. President is here. The Igala will give a unanimous decision and will not allow vote splits.”
Okolo said the appointment of Shaibu, together with other federal appointments involving Kogi and North Central indigenes, had increased confidence in the Tinubu administration among people in the region.
“When the presidency carries the North Central along with appointments, it shows respect for our people and our place in the federation,” he said.
He also attributed what he described as improvements in security in parts of the North Central to Shaibu’s leadership of the Nigerian Army.
According to him, traditional rulers and community representatives had reported fewer attacks in some areas, while the Army had also intensified its engagement with civil authorities.
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He added, “Since Lt.-Gen. Waidi took charge, we have seen an uptick in coordinated operations, faster responses to incidents and better intelligence sharing with communities. Troop morale is higher, and civilians are beginning to feel safer.”
Turning to development, Okolo cited ongoing Federal Government projects in Kogi as further evidence of the administration’s attention to the region.
“Work on the military barracks in Anyigba is almost completed, alongside other rural development projects.
“These developments were things we never dreamed of achieving so quickly. They are adding real value to human existence in the region,” he said.
The APC chieftain said the combination of federal appointments, security measures and development projects could further consolidate support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.
“The North Central has in the past been seen largely as a useful ally for other regions. Today we are being carried along,” he said.
“For Kogi East in particular, a second term for President Tinubu would secure the progress we are beginning to see.”
Okolo subsequently called on stakeholders across the North Central to maintain unity as the 2027 elections approach.