Kogi Guber: Ododo extends olive branch to Ajaka, Dino, others »

…pledge to serve with accountability, transparency and inclusivity

Kogi state Governor-Elect, Ahmed Usman Ododo has promised to serve the people of the state with accountability, transparency and inclusivity while he called on the fellow gubernatorial contestant, Muri Ajaka, Dino Malaya and others to join him in the new task of building a greater Kogi state in the collective interest of the people.

He made this known on Sunday evening while delivering his acceptance speech at the government house, Lokoja following his announcement by the state Returning Officer, Prof. Johnson Urame as the winner of the November 11, polls after polling 446,237 to defeat his closest challenger, Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), who scored 259,052 votes.

The governor-elect said that his administration will build on the legacies of Governor Bello and improve on his achievements, noting that the New Direction Government under the leadership of the incumbent, has laid strong foundations in the area of infrastructures, policy initiatives, security and a host of other areas while the GYB led government has also established a working template that will enhance his smooth take-off.

He expressed that governor Bello have written a good history and history will be kind to him while alluding that his victory at the polls is a victory for the people of the state who have spoken loudly in support of continuity, for the revival of Ajaokuta steel company and for the consolidation on the achievements of the new direction government in security and safety, education, health, infrastructural development and many other areas.

The governor-elect, Usman Ododo thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Governor Bello, the National Chairman of the Party, Dr. Umar Ganduje and other stakeholders noting that their faith in himself and his team to further move Kogi state forward, is both humbling and inspiring.

He also extended gratitude to INEC, Security Agencies, the media and all stakeholders that have played their roles in the conduct of a successful election.

Governor Yahaya Bello earlier in his remarks while appreciating a long list of stakeholders who had contributed to the victory of the party and his success in his office noted that from his First day in office, he had envisaged a day when his government would be winding down and a successor will emerge.

The governor appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, National Chairman of the Party, Dr. Umar Ganduje, members of the NWC, National chairman of the Kogi Gubernatorial campaign council, Mr. Dapo Abiodun and other governors for their immense contribution to the success of the victory.

The governor thanked the people of the state for the opportunity to serve in the capacity he also noted that he is finishing his tenure gallantly and triumphantly while he thanked his family, who has remained patient with him though out his sojourn as the state govenor.

‘’Well, the journey has just began, I am not going to rest as I will always be available to serve the state, serve the country in any capacity that may be deemed fit, now and in the future’’. Governor Bello hinted.

He noted that he was confident that the governor-elect and his Deputy will not disappoint the people of the state as they have been tested and they remain trusted in delivering good dividend for the of the state

While urging the people to give them, the necessary support, prayers and cooperation, he assured that Kogi would remain united than ever than before.

‘’There is no tribalism in the state, as what is playing our is merely interest and the good people of the state have spoken loud and clear’’ he added.

Governor Bello said the governor-elect is compassionate person and will accomplish more for the people of the state. He added that his government has laid down certain foundational infrastructures and stakeholders must come together to help tap into the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu, using the state’s strategic location to gain more advantage.