Ododo takes over as Kogi gov, reappoints Bello’s SSG, commissioners, others
Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo was yesterday sworn in as the 5th executive governor of Kogi State, taking over from Alhaji Yahaya Bello after his eight-year term. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Ododo, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the November 11, 2023 governorship election in the state as winner.
The state chief judge, Justice Joe Majebi, administered the oath of office on Alhaji Ododo and his deputy, Joel Salifu, at the Muhammadu Buhari Square, Lokoja before a mammoth crowd of supporters and well wishers.
In his maiden address, Ododo called on the people of the state to join hands with his team for the state to maintain the momentum of achievements bequeathed by Bello.
Ododo said the immediate past governor had laid down enough structure that would guarantee steady growth in all sectors in the state’s economy.
He promised to govern with the fear of God, fairness, equity and justice.
The event was witnessed by top dignitaries, including Vice President Kashim Shettima; the national chairman of the APC, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; Kwara State govermor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazak and a former governor of Kogi State, Captain Idris Wada.
In his remarks, Vice President Shettima told the new governor to govern the people with open hand.
Meanwhile, the governor has reappointed some appointees in the immediate past government of Yahaya Bello. They include the secretary to the state government, Dr Folashade Ayoade and some former commissioners, including Kingsley Fanwo, Deedat Ozigi, Wemi Jones, and the security adviser, Jerry Omadara, among others.
Also, Ali Bello, who is said to be a nephew of Yahaya Bello, was appointed as the new chief of staff to the governor.
All the names of the new appointees have been forwarded to the state House of Assembly for confirmation.
Meanwhile, some alumni of the Federal Polytechnic, Bida, who are classmates of the new governor, have congratulated him on his office as the chief executive of the state.
Ododo’s classmates, including the immediate past deputy governor of Niger State, Ahmed Mohammed Ketso, expressed confidence that the new Kogi governor would bring positive change and infrastructural development to the state.
In a letter addressed to the Kogi governor, his accountancy schoolmates (1995-2001) said his ability to bring people together, listen to their concerns and find innovative solutions would lead to a brighter future for the people of the state.
Ketso, who was their class captain at the polytechnic, described Ododo as a humble and hardworking fellow who was never found wanting in any endeavour.
A director in the Federal Polytechnic, Bida, who was a classmate of the governor, Abubakar Kawu Alhassan, said Ododo stood out as a contemporary servantleader who is amiable, unassuming and an embodiment of humility.