In continuation of his consultative visits ahead of the November 11th gubernatorial election in Kogi State, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Ododo Ahmed Usman (OAU), along with his Deputy, Comrade Joel Oyibo Salifu and other prominent party stakeholders, visited a business tycoon and opinion leader, Chief Jide Omokore today at his residence in Yagba East.
Alhaji Ododo informed his host that as a prominent stakeholder in Kogi State’s political and economic sector, it is imperative for him to formally visit and inform him of his governorship bid, while also briefing him about his plans and policies for the people of Kogi State when he assumes office as the Executive Governor of Kogi State next year.
The APC candidate who spoke glowingly about the multi-sectoral impacts of the current New Direction administration of Governor Yahaya Bello mentioned that despite being derailed by legal tussles in the first tenure, Governor Yahaya Bello managed to weather the storm and overcome the challenges, breaking several erstwhile regressive jinxes and positioning the state as one of the fastest developing states in the country.
“Admittedly, Governor Yahaya Bello’s first tenure faced unnecessary legal battles, but his second term in office has been remarkably fantastic and beneficial for everyone in the state and beyond.
“However, in our efforts of trying to transition from the old governance model, we might have unintentionally offended and stepped on several toes. But for the sake of unity and the sustained development of our dear State, we must forgive one another and collectively work towards placing it on the pedestal of economic and political stability. It is with this spirit of unity that I seek your support and the support of your followers for the upcoming governorship election, so we can realize the Kogi State of our dreams,” he earnestly pleaded.
Alhaji Ododo, reiterating the importance of Kogi State to national development due to its abundant natural resources deposited in virtually all Local Government Areas of the state, opined that Yagba East is specifically blessed with mineral deposits that largely remain untapped, adding that “We must come together as one big family to harness these resources for the development of our dear state.”
In his response, Chief Jide Omokore commended the APC candidate and his delegation for deeming it necessary to consult him ahead of the election.
He noted that Alhaji Ododo is truly passionate and assertive about his developmental plans for the state, saying that he possesses traits of visionary leaders essential for the continued development of Kogi State.
In a related development, Alhaji Ododo and his team paid homage to Agbana Isanlu kingdom, HRH Oba Moses Babatunde Etombi for consultation and prayers, where all the traditional leaders of Isanlu kingdom gathered to pray and pledge their support in the November 11th governorship election.
On the entourage of Alh Ahmed Usman Ododo and Comrade Joel Oyibo Salifu were the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barr. Ozigi Momodu Deedat, Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Asiru Asiwaju, Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Hon. Bashir Gegu and Commissioner for Information, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo.
Others present were the Executive Chairman of Yagba East Local Government, Alh. Usman Musa and Bashiru Audu.