Ejeh Ankpa gets staff of office, as governor Bello urge traditional ruler to entrench unity, peace »

…says emergence not politically influenced

…calls for peaceful, violence free election

Kogi state governor, Yahaya Bello has admonished the newly coronated Ejeh of Ankpa, HRH, Alhaji Abubakar Ahmed Yakubu to entrench peace and unity among the people while urging him to toe the path of truth without fear or favour.

Governor Bello made this known on Saturday, during the occasion of the official presentation of the Staff of Office to the Royal father, an event which held at the grounds of the College of Education in Ankpa.

The governor who described the Ejeh of Ankpa as a hardworking and dedicated leader hinted that the traditional ruler will build on what his predecessors have done for the people of Ankpa and the state by extension.

He mentioned that the build up to the coronation and the eventual victory has clearly vindicated his government which ensured that due process was followed and the right person was appointed to occupy the revered seat.

Gov. Bello added that the traditional ruler will be just, fair and equitable in ruling the people noting that the Ejeh being well connected and with his remarkable profile and antecedents were indications that he would bring more investment to the Local government, Igala Kingdom and the state entirely.

Governor Bello said the land of Ankpa is richly blessed with solid minerals and the APC government will join hands with other stakeholders to ensure that they benefited from the resources domiciled in their territory.

He said his government was coming up with a policy that would fast track the process of ensuring that the region benefitted from its resources.

Governor Bello also stressed the importance of peaceful coexistence, especially as the state was approaching the governorship election. He appealed to the people to refrain from actions that could jeopardize the peace of the state.I

He said, “This is the election season, and representatives from various political parties are present here. You can see my brother, Rear Admiral Jibrin Usman, the Accord party candidate for the November 11 governorship election, seated alongside the APC candidate for the same election, Hon. Usman Ododo. They are engaged in discussions about the issues. I implore all of you to adhere to the rules. There will always be a forum where we can convene to discuss the growth and development of our state.

He said that his government is resolute, and the security agencies remained very vigilant hence acts of violence will not be tolerated before, during, and after the election while he expressed the confident that the APC will emerge victorious.

Among the distinguished figures in attendance were the Atta Igala and Chairman of the Kogi State Traditional Council of Chiefs, His Royal Majesty Mathew Alaji Opaluwa Ogwuche-akpa, CFR; the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, Mni; the Etsu Nupe, Dr. Yahaya Abubakar, CFR; the Governor of Katsina State, Mallam Diko Umar Rada; former Governor of Kogi State, Capt Idris Ichalla Wada; former Governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Ibrahim Shema; the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shaibu Audu, as well as eminent sons and daughters of the state, and a host of other prominent individuals.