By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has formally endorsed Dr. Paul Femi Fashagba as the political leader of Ogale/Aduge Ward in Ijumu Local Government, charging him to provide firm, responsible and unifying leadership while sustaining the political legacy of the late APC Chairman, Hon. Solomon Oyewale.
Governor Ododo made the declaration on Saturday during his condolence visit to the family, traditional institution and people of Aduge over the death of the late APC chairman, describing the deceased as a committed party man, brother, political associate and an important stakeholder whose passing was a painful loss to Kogi State and the APC family.
The Governor said his decision to openly recognise Dr. Fashagba was informed by the strong relationship that existed between him and the late Solomon, as well as his own longstanding knowledge of Fashagba’s mentorship, leadership capacity, political experience and commitment to the development of the community.
Governor Ododo stated that Dr Fashagba is his Lecturer, Mentor and no doubt the Leader of Ogale/Aduge ward.
He therefore charged the people of Aduge Community to respect and rally behind Dr. Fashagba’s leadership, urging them to work with him in the interest of peace, unity, political stability and sustainable development.
The Governor described the late Solomon as a man whose contributions to the APC and the community could not be forgotten, stressing that although he had passed on, his values, sacrifices and political legacy must be preserved through responsible leadership and continuity.
He called on Dr. Fashagba no to shy from the Leadership God bestowed upon him, and asked him to carry all the members of our great political party along, he said that the Kogi State Government and the APC family would continue to support him and the ward at large
Governor Ododo also announced that the State Government had resolved to take responsibility for the education of the late chairman’s children, assuring the bereaved family that the appropriate government authorities would communicate the details of the arrangement.
While commiserating with the family, Governor Ododo said the death of Solomon was a state loss, noting that the deceased was “part of us” and had remained an integral part of the political family and community.
He prayed God Almighty to forgive the deceased’s shortcomings, grant him eternal rest and give the family, community and political associates the strength and faith to bear the loss.
The Governor was accompanied by members of the State Executive Council, government officials and leaders of the APC as he conveyed the condolences of the government and people of Kogi State to the bereaved family.
The Governor’s endorsement of Dr. Fashagba effectively places him at the centre of the community’s political leadership, with a clear charge to provide responsible, unifying and purposeful leadership.
