On his first day of office, the newly sworn-in Kogi Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has appointed cabinet members and other key aides.
He announced that the nomination of some commissioners would be forwarded to the Assembly for prompt confirmation as members of the State Executive Council (SEC) during his inaugural speech.
The Nation reported that Ododo was sworn in as the 5th elected Kogi Governor on Saturday afternoon.
All Progressive Congress (APC) Kogi Governorship candidate, Usman Ododo has taken the oath of office as Kogi Governor following his November 11 victory.
The ceremony was held at the Muhammadu Buhari Square, Lokoja, Bello handed over to Ododo.
All Progressive Congress (APC) Kogi Governorship candidate, Usman Ododo has taken the oath of office as Kogi Governor following his November 11 victory.
Some of the dignitaries present at the event include Vice President Kashim Shettima; APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje and immediate past Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello among others.
Kogi State Governor-elect Usman Ododo has promised to build on the legacies of the outgoing governor, Yahaya Bello.
He spoke at the thanksgiving ceremony to mark the end of tenure of Alh Taufiq Isah, Chairman of Ijumu Local Government Area and chairman of the Association of Local Government Chairmen (ALGON), Kogi State.
Ododo, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said the GYB years have marked a massive transformation of the Confluence State in the areas of security, education, healthcare, industrialization and women and youth empowerment, assuring the people that his administration will work hard to continue the “beautiful legacies of GYB”.
“I want to thank the good people of Ijumu Local Government Area for voting for me massively on November 11. You demonstrated your commitment to the united, prosperous Kogi State. I also thank you for giving us Alh. Taufiq Isa who has done so much for the people and for humanity.
“We are coming to ensure massive rural development as well as consolidate the achievements of the GYB administration. Our slogan is Consolidation and Continuity. I worked with GYB and I have a perfect undertaking of where we want our state to be in a couple of years. We thank GYB for being the architect of a new Kogi State.”
Ododo said he is determined to turn the youth to legitimate wealth creators by focusing on the digital economy and deploying their Information Technology knowledge to create wealth and jobs.
He called on the people to support him to step into the “big show that GYB is leaving behind.
“Succeeding a phenomenal leader like GYB is a massive task. But we are not afraid of making Kogi people proud because we have learnt from the best,” he assured.
President Bola Tinubu on Friday received Governors Hope Uzodinma of Imo, Yahaya Bello of Kogi and Governor-elect Ahmed Ododo of Kogi that visited him over their Nov. 11 electoral victory.
Uzodinma, who briefed State House Correspondents after the meeting said that the visit was to intimate the president on their victories and appreciate him for his support.
‘’As the leader of the party, we came to meet with our president in respect of the victory the party had at the polls in Imo and Kogi.
‘’The elections were an affirmation that the people have identified the quality leadership that the All Progressive Congress has been offering them.
‘’The victory is also an affirmation of the acceptance of the leadership style of Mr President in the last few months of the administration.
‘’By the victory of the APC in both Imo and Kogi states, Nigerians have demonstrated that the Tinubu administration would be given the needed support to succeed,’’ Uzodinma said.
He said that the victory given to the APC in the state would be replicated with resounding development and people-oriented programmes and projects in the coming four years of his tenure.
The Imo governor also commended the residents of the state for the support and solidarity at the polls, adding that their trust would be repaid with more dividends of democracy.
Similarly, Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi said that the support given to the APC in the state would translate to more development and better living standards for the people.
He said that the governor-elect would hit the ground running in taking Kogi to a new height, adding that as the outgoing governor he would not interfere in the administration of the new governor.
‘’As Gov. Yahaya Bello nobody dictated to me. I carried my cross and I believe the same thing would happen to Ahmed Usman Ododo as a governor.
“I will not interfere in the government and he also has to carry his own cross just as I did.
‘’What I will assure the people of Kogi is that they have a competent person to rule them and I have full confidence in his ability to govern well.
“The state will have a smooth transition into an efficient administration,’’ he said.
The governor-elect Ododo also gave the assurance that his administration would ensure a smooth transition from the good works of Bello, adding that all the people of the state are in for a new treat.
He said that all hands would be on deck to ensure that all stakeholders were carried along in the new task of a continued development of the state.
A group, Corps De Progressive Nigeria has urged Kogi State Governor elect, Ahmed Usman Ododo to recognise politicians who contributed to his victory in the governorship election held on November 11th, adding that it was crucial for effective governance.
The group in a statement signed by its President Comr. Yunusa Jimoh said while the victory of Ododo reflects the choice of the people of the state, the governor-elect must focus on some areas and give closer attention.
“In the spirit of this celebration, we would like to mention few areas you need to watch out for and perhaps give them closer attentions. Strategic planning, team building, and fostering innovation are key. Addressing issues such as transparency, accountability, and embracing technological advancements can contribute to effective governance,” it said.
Congratulating Ododo and the Deputy Governor-elect, Comr. Joel Salifu on the election victory, the group which consists of professionals dedicated to the development of Kogi State and Nigeria, expressed their commitment to adding value to the lives of the people through partnerships in education, health, and other areas. They hoped to work closely with the governor-elect to further their charitable programmes.
It advised the incoming administration on several issues bordering on appointments, civil servants, unity, fairness, transparency and partnership.
The statement reads in part: “Balancing patronage of competence and recognising politicians who contributed to your victory is crucial for effective governance. Prioritising appointing individuals based on their qualifications, expertise, and merit will ensure a competent administration.
“Treating civil servants fairly and justly is imperative for social justice and economic advancements for the larger population of the State, after all, Kogi State is usually perceived as Civil Servant State. This will help to foster a positive work environment, boosting morale and productivity. It enhances job satisfaction, leading to increased commitment and dedication to public service.
“It is necessary to foster unity, prioritise inclusivity, engage with diverse community leaders, Encourage dialogue where necessary to address concerns and emphasize shared values for more cohesive and harmonious state.”
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented certificates of return to the Governor-Elect of Kogi State, Usman Ododo and his running mate, Joel Salifu.
The certificates of return were presented at the INEC headquarters in Lokoja, the state capital on Friday, amid jubilation by a crowd of supporters.
Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) won the November 11 off-season governorship election in Kogi State with a wide margin, having polled 446,237 votes to defeat Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) who came second with 259,052 votes. Dino Melaye, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), scored 46,362 votes.
Speaking shortly after receiving his certificate, the Governor-Elect assured the people that he would make good his campaign promise to build on the sterling achievements of Governor Yahaya Bello, while preserving the unity of the state.
He expressed appreciation to the people of the State for the overwhelming support he enjoyed at the polls, describing it as a consolidation on the strength and unity of the Kogi State.
While promising to justify the confidence reposed in him, Ododo said: “My administration will be committed to sustaining the youth and women empowerment programs of the present administration. My resolve to provide employment for our teeming youths and ensure that education occupies the front burner of our administration remains unchanged.
“My victory at last Saturday’s election is a victory for all. We will run an all inclusive administration, where everyone, irrespective of tribe, religion and political affiliation, will be carried along.”
The presentation of the certificates of return was witnessed by Governor Yahaya Bello, who urged the people of the State to join hands with Ododo in building a greater Kogi State.
”The election has come and gone and a winner has emerged. I call on the people of the State to work towards the unity and togetherness our administration has achieved,” he said.
Kogi Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC, Gabriel Longpet, said the presentation was part of the Commission’s mandate.
He said Usman Ododo was being presented the certificate, having met the constitutional requirements.
Traditional rulers in Kogi State have commended the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC), security agencies and other stakeholders for the peaceful and credible conduct of the governorship election last Saturday.
They congratulated Governor-elect, Usman Ododo and affirmed the traditional institutions’ commitment to continued collaboration with the Kogi State Government to enhance the unity and development achieved under the current administration.
The monarchs spoke when they paid a congratulatory visit to Governor Yahaya Bello at his GRA residence, in Okene, on Tuesday.
The Atta Igala and President of the Kogi State Traditional Council of Chiefs, His Royal Majesty, Mathew Alaji Opaluwa Ogwuche-Akpa, said the visit was to celebrate with the Governor, his administration and Ododo for the peaceful and successful governorship polls.
Represented by Obaro of Kabba, Oba Solomon Dele Owoniyi, the monarch recalled their peace accord meeting with relevant stakeholders before the election, where they were advised to be cautious of information on social media, and where they were assured that the government and security agencies had implemented mechanisms for a peaceful election.
On the election in Okunland, Oba Solomon stressed that the people were united in acknowledging and rewarding the governor for the positive impact of his administration.
He expressed confidence that if they had to do this again, the people of Okunland would not only deliver the entire Okunland but would also widen the margin of lead.
Oba Solomon appealed to Governor Bello to continue in his efforts at strengthening the bond among the people of Kogi State, advocating for a united identity as Kogites rather than being identified based on ethnic divisions.
He commended the achievements of the current administration in fostering peace and unity over the past seven and a half years.
Governor Bello, accompanied by Governor-elect Ododo, expressed gratitude to the traditional rulers for their prayers and the pivotal roles they played in ensuring the peaceful conduct of the November 11 election.
He commended His Royal Majesty, Williams Keke, the Aguma of Bassa, and His Royal Highness Bukar-Khalid, the Ohiogba of Mozum, for their contributions to the peaceful election and the overwhelming victory for the APC in Bassa land.
The Governor emphasised the need for collaboration among senatorial districts for the overall interest of the state, emphasising that politics ends after elections, while development and good governance would continue.
He stressed the importance of every part of the state feeling the impact of governance, regardless of political affiliations.
On Sunday, INEC declared Ododo winner of the November 11 governorship election, having polled the highest number of lawful votes of 446,237 to defeat other candidates.
The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Mineral Resources to Governor Yahaya Bello, Mohammed Ahovi said Kogi Governor-elect Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo would continue the achievements of Yahaya Bello.
He said the outcome of the election in Kogi State which resulted in Ododo’s victory shows an expression of the will of the people.
Ahovi also said Governor Bello’s ability to strengthen the unity of the Kogi’s All Progressives Congress (APC) as well as provide credible leadership is a key factor that won victory for the party in the state.
In a statement, Ahovi stated: “I am confident in the ability of the Governor–elect to consolidate on the achievements of the Yahaya Bello’s administration, as the government is already harnessing the solid mineral potentials of the state for economic diversification through its creation of wealth and jobs.
“I thank my ward, which comprises Osisi/Ipaku/Inoziomi for voting massively for Ododo, and I also thank the people of Adavi council for their support throughout the electioneering campaign. I would like to assure the people that the incoming government will strengthen the delivery of good governance and dividends of democracy to the people Kogi State.
“I believe that the incoming government will consolidate and continue the achievements of Governor Bello to take the state to greater pedestal.
“The incoming administration will continue the focus on solid minerals development; the policy will lead to the full realization of economic diversification, a quest that would create multiple great jobs and wealth along the solid mineral industry value chain.”
The Independent Campaign Council (ICC) of the Ododo/Joel Campaign Organisation, on Monday, called on candidates in the just concluded Kogi State governorship election to join hands with the winner, Ahmed Usman Ododo, to develop the state.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had on Sunday declared Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the November 11, 2023 governorship election by. Ododo pulled 446,237 to emerge the winner.
The group in a statement by its Director of Media, Jacob Edi, in Lokoja, titled: “The storm is over” congratulated Ododo and Mr. Joel Oyibo as Governor-Elect and Deputy Governor-Elect of Kogi state respectively.
They described Ododo’s victory as authoritative, going by the number of votes he secured in the keenly contested elections to beat his opponents.
Political parties that participated in last Saturday’s Kogi State governorship election have commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) saying that the election was free, fair and credible.
Addressing a press conference in Lokoja, the state capital, spokesperson for the political parties under the umbrella of United Progressive Political Parties, Kogi State Chapter, Idrisu Bala Abdulgafar, said the election was one of the most peaceful in the history of the state and urged the All Progressives Congress to be magnanimous in victory.
“INEC announced the result after diligent collation of results from all the 21 Local Government Areas of the State.
They include Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Action Democratic Party (ADP), Young Progressives Party (YPP), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), African Action Congress (AAC), National Rescue Movement (NRM) and Boot Party, among others.
