By Thompson Yamput
The Forum of Former Kogi House of Assembly members says it has endorsed the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Candidate Usman Ododo for the Nov. 11 governorship election in the state.
Addressing news conference in Lokoja on Thursday ,the forum spokesman, Alhaji Alhassan Adakeke, said that the decision to support Ododo “is our sole resolution after series of meetings, consultations and engagements with our members across the state”.
Adakeke explained that as an organised body, the forum would not take hasty decisions knowing fully well the effects on numerous supporters across the state.
He said that the forum took their time to examine the candidates in the contest and had taken a decision in the best interest of the state.
“The fact about Ododo is that he is a product of a system that has put Kogi on the map of development.
“Among the candidates jostling for the number one seat, he is the most qualified, the most experienced, the most prepared and the best man for the job.
“Apart from his message of consolidation and continuity, Ododo possesses character traits of a great leader.
“He is accessible, humble, brilliant and devoid of the negative drama that have dotted the history of his competitors.
“As former lawmakers, we are proud of the symbiotic relationship between the two assemblies that worked with Gov. Yahaya Bello.
“A good number of Laws were passed that have helped to provoke development in our dear state.
“The Local Government Audit Law was excellently implemented by the former auditor general for local government and now the candidate of the APC, Usman Ododo.
“For those of us who understand statecraft, we saw how the implementation was able to improve transparency and accountability in that tier of government.
“Ododo is greatly equipped to press the pedals of development forward when he succeeds our governor.
“Apart from the capacity, competence, capability, brilliance and readiness of Ododo for the task ahead, it is also pertinent to note that the resurgence of the Ajaokuta Steel Company Ltd. is at the centre of the economic recovery plan of the current administration,” he said.
Adakeke, who served Bassa State constituency and under the platform of ANPP, said that Kogi supported the election of President Bola Tinubu and would continue to support him to succeed.
He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately activate relevant sections of the Electoral Law against candidates fanning ethnic divisions.
“Kogi State has remained very peaceful and cannot afford to lose it now to desperate politicians.
“We wish to commend the state Gov. Yahaya Bello for equitable distribution of landmark projects, his poverty-reduction policies and his huge success at uniting the state.
“He has built ensuring legacies of development, unity and progress. We are proud of him and what he has done to steer our state to the path of greatness and national consciousness.
“It is our desire that the revolution currently ongoing in education, health, agriculture, youth and women empowerment as well as infrastructure will continue when we elect Ododo”, he said. NAN
