Although this piece is primarily intended for the people of Kogi State, especially Kogi Easterners, I cannot foresee who else may come across it. For the benefit of those who do not understand Igala, the name Enemona simply means “Who Knows Tomorrow?” Just as the Igbos would say “Onyemaechi.”
The late great Prince Abubakar Audu, a former governor of Kogi State and yet-to-declared governor-elect before his sudden passing, was the father of politics in Kogi State. Even when he was out of office, he remained the dominant force in the state’s political landscape. He was not just a leader but a symbol of Igala political relevance at the national level.
It is perhaps because Audu understood the uncertainty of tomorrow that he named one of his sons, Prince Mustapha Mona Audu, Enemona. Today, Mona is seen as the true replica of his father, emerging as the face of Kogi Easterners, particularly the Igalas, in national politics.
For as long as he has lived, Mona has been deeply invested in the progress of Kogi State, especially Igala land. After all, charity begins at home.
Pause for a moment. Take a deep breath. Now, let me take you through what I know and what many may not yet realize about Mona Audu—his past, his present, and what his journey means for Kogi State, particularly for the Igala people.
My first encounter with Mona was during the buildup to the 2019 Kogi gubernatorial election. After assessing all the candidates, I aligned myself with Mona. This decision was not only based on my political analysis but also on my late father’s deep involvement with the Audu-led ANPP. I still recall how my father plastered our community with Audu’s campaign posters, and his campaign wrappers remained some of his favorite clothing. These memories shaped my perception of Mona.
However, my support for Mona wasn’t merely sentimental. He had built his own reputation beyond his father’s legacy. Mona had carved out a name for himself in politics, humanitarian work, and social influence. His impact was undeniable.
I joined Mona’s media team, working tirelessly until internal party politics forced us out of the gubernatorial race. Yet, through this experience, I gained invaluable insight into Mona’s political philosophy, leadership approach, and character.
Mona belongs to the category of refined and intelligent politicians—leaders with vision and competence. Unfortunately, in Nigerian politics, particularly in Kogi East, intelligence, exposure, and technical expertise do not always translate to electoral success.
In Kogi East, coming into politics with polished language, economic strategies, and leadership credentials often amounts to wasting time. No matter how successful you have been in business or leadership, the deciding factors are often the muscles of street enforcers, the weight of money bags, and the readiness to embrace political chaos.
This is why seasoned professionals like Dr. Victor Alewo Adoji, Elder Adejo Okedi, Dr. Sam Omale, Idoko Kingsley Illona, Mona himself and their ilk are not at the forefront of Igala political leadership. These are men who have excelled at international levels, leading and consulting for global organizations. Yet, despite their global influence, their home region remains difficult to reform.
Despite his struggles in politics, one thing remains clear: Mona does not believe in politics of violence or chaos. He is a gentleman in politics—one who values peace over power. Unfortunately, this very principle has been used against him in the past.
But what shall it profit a man to win an election at the expense of people’s lives? Mona’s approach to politics reflects his selfless intentions. Many may not understand it now, but Enemona—who knows tomorrow? Time will reveal his true impact.
Fast-forward to 2023, when Mona contested for the Idah Federal Constituency seat at the National Assembly. I recall how we received intelligence about thugs being mobilized in Ofu Local Government to disrupt the process. When Mona was briefed, he simply waved it off, insisting that he did not believe in winning through violence.
Leading up to the primaries, Mona was aware of every tactic his opponents were deploying. Yet, he chose the path of peace. Even when he was harassed at the primary election while engaging with his people, he remained calm.
We all remember how his vehicle was burned during this period. But let me remind you: Mona is not a weakling. He is Prince Audu’s son—a lion cannot give birth to a goat. However, as a true statesman, he prioritizes peace over political gains.
Even before these election attempts and up to this moment, Mona remains a vital player in national politics, working tirelessly to ensure that the Igala people are not forgotten. After Audu’s passing, the Igalas lost their most significant voice at the national level. Mona is striving to fill that gap.
In 2021, he led an APC faction—the Progressives Youth Movement—to Kaduna, where they passed a vote of no confidence in the Governor Mai Mala Buni-led Caretaker Committee. As I traveled with him from Abuja to Kaduna that day, I saw a reflection of the late Prince Audu in him. It was clear that the Igala people once again had a voice.
Today, through Mona’s influence and support, his wife, Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, now serves as the Director General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC). This is a win for Kogi State and the Igala people.
I remember when news of Mona’s wife’s appointment broke. After sharing it on several Kogi political WhatsApp platforms, I saw people, especially the Igalas, celebrating. While they expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the appointment, they also urged him to continue remembering the region, emphasizing their trust in Mona—the replica son of his late friend, Prince Audu.
We are glad the Princess has exceeded expectations in just a few days in office. No surprise, she is leveraging her extensive experience as an entrepreneur and technology specialist. With a background in software engineering and business management from a top UK institution, she has successfully founded and scaled businesses for over a decade. A strategic thinker and dynamic leader, she is known for turning visionary ideas into actionable strategies, driving sustainable growth, attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and improving global quality of life.
At a time when Igala representation in the current government is almost nonexistent, this achievement stands as a testament to Mona’s political relevance. If Audu were alive, we can only imagine the weight of his influence in the APC, especially under the Tinubu administration.
Mona and his wife continue to stand tall for Kogi State, especially for the Igala people. This is the tomorrow that late Prince Audu envisioned when he named his son Enemona.
That tomorrow is unfolding before our eyes. And while Mona is yet to be elected into a leadership position capable of transforming Kogi East, the journey has already begun.
Let every son and daughter of Ane Ayegba Oma Idoko know this: Audu has left us a comforter, and his name is Enemona—shortened as Mona.
