2019: Hassan Saleh suffers rejection in Ado, Okpokwu, Ogbadibo over third term bid

Hassan Saleh, the lawmaker representing Ado, Okpokwu, Ogbadibo federal constituency is on his way out, electorates in the area have declared.

Saleh returned to the green chamber following a controversial judgement that edged out his estranged friend, Adabah Abba otherwise known as Mad Lion.

Following the judgment, Saleh pitched his tent with the All Progressives Congress, APC, and declared interest in the Benue South senatorial seat, a development that sparked mixed reactions from his constituents.

However, few months later, the gangling lawmaker made a U-turn and returned to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and declared his intention to go back to the lower chamber for the third time, a decision that is believed to be against the existing zoning formula in the constituency.

Saleh, a native of Otukpa, Ogbadibo LGA succeeded David Onobi Idoko, who hailed from Okpokwu, based on zoning arrangement, the seat should move to Ado.

Fancis Otta-Agbo, Sunny Oche, James Oche Ogaba, all from Ado had all indicated interest in the seat.

With Saleh eyeing third term, the zoning formula, which had been in existence in the area would be distorted.

Speaking with out reporters when IDOMA VOICE sampled the opinions of some electorates in the area, they advised ‘failed Saleh’ to bury his ambition and put his life together.

One Adakole Akoji, a resident of Otukpa said, “That one that does not know what he wants? He keeps jumping from one party to the other. The level of his desperation is irritating. After imposing himself on the good people of Ado, Okpokwu and Ogbadibo through court, he’s here again. What does he want self. I pity him because the electorates are ready to give him a bloody nose. I just checked my PVC and is intact.”

Another Salome Obekpa, a native of Owukpa said, “How do you expect someone like Saleh to successfully lead us when he cannot event control himself? He’s is the perfect example of a ‘food is ready politician.’ Idoma community will never forget how he fought against the bill seeking for establishment of Federal University of Health Sciences Otukpo. It is a shame that he’s ran back to same David Mark he sabotaged his effort. We are waiting for him. And let me remind you. Our people had since rejected him; we went to court and collected a kangaroo judgment. So, we are as good as not having a leader, for Saleh in 2019, it is a no no.

Also speaking with our reporters, a youth leader in Orokam, Agbo D Agbo described Saleh as perfect picture of a failed politician. “Wait, did I hear you say Saleh is seeking for third term? What happened to his senatorial ambition? Is he no longer interested in representing Zone C at the Red Chamber? I told you guys this chap is a joker of the century. I will personally mobilize our youths against him. If this is what leadership is all about, then we will rather remain without a lawmaker. This guy is a perfect picture of a failed politician. I am even ashamed that such person is parading himself as the lawmaker representing the good people of Ado, Okpokwu and Ogbadibo.”

Speaking on the development, Enone Reclaimnation Movement warned Saleh to respect the existing zoning formula in the area.

One of the aspirants and headliner of Enone Reclaimnation Movement, James Ogaba Oche, said Saleh was only out to cause confusion in the zone.

He said, “I’m surprise he bought forms when he was part of the zoning arrangement. Saleh is a mischievous person and I am sure he’s out again to cause confusion in the area.

“Aside his woeful performance for seven years, Saleh has no business in the race.”