UNTIL ZACHARIAS CAME ON BOARD…
The Idah Federal Constituency remains one of the largest federal constituencies in Nigeria today. Its size brings with it significant challenges for anyone representing its people. The constituency is home to some of the nation’s finest academics, politicians, business leaders, and professionals. However, like any diverse community, it also has its share of complexities—the good, the bad, and the ugly. Representing such a constituency demands exceptional wisdom, knowledge, and understanding; without these, failure is inevitable.
To a great extent, the Idah Federal Constituency can be described as the heartbeat of Kogi East politics. The people from this region cannot be taken lightly. A quick mental assessment will confirm that the area is rich in quality individuals—quality in every sense of the word. You know this well. Given this reality, it is nearly impossible for an unprepared or unserious individual to effectively represent this constituency. A quick review of past representatives and their tenures will further illustrate this point.
However, the emergence of Rt. Hon. David Idris Zacharias is gradually rewriting the narrative. He is not imposing these changes on his constituents; rather, his actions are speaking for themselves, demonstrating what true representation should look like. Despite the constituency’s vast size, he is strategically reaching every corner as if it were a small, intimate space. Through his work, he has become more visible and impactful than any previous representative.
Rt. Hon. David Idris Zacharias embodies the essence of the people he represents. In him, you see a blend of the diverse traits that define the constituency—he is straightforward yet gentle, tough yet approachable, serious yet playful. Above all, he keeps his word, a quality that speaks volumes about his character. He was prepared for this role long before the opportunity arose, and he hit the ground running. With his consistent character and dedication, he is clearly on a path to greatness, God willing. He is a politician from whom aspiring leaders can learn valuable lessons.
ARISE!
–ONOJA J. OKPANACHI