By Femi Olugbemi.
Kogi State House of Assembly has disclosed its readiness to partner with the administration of the Federal Capital Territory in the area of infrastructural development, Kogi being one of the gateways to the city.
This was disclosed when the entire members of the 7th assembly led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon Matthew Kolawole paid a courtesy visit to one of their own, the newly inaugurated Minister of State for FCT, Dr Tijjani Ramatu in her office in Abuja.
Speaking at the occasion, Rt Hon Kolawole said it has become imperative as a sign of solidarity to visit and congratulate her on her appointment that is well deserved.
According to him, they were in Abuja to attend a 3-day Workshop organised by National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies to build capacity for the members and management of the Assembly, hence they find it expedient to see her in the office.
He commended her for the maturity she displayed even when things seem not to be going the way she expected during the last National Congress of the All Progressive Congress (APC), stressing that she never knew that God was working out a better deal for her.
He said the House being a one party affair which has never happened before, except under the able leadership of Governor Yahaya Bello, that produced 2 senators, 7 House of Reps members and 25 members in the Assembly. He solicited for her cooperation and support the New Direction Administration to move the state forward.
He said the minister has a great role to play for the state to attract more federal presence especially in the areas of roads infrastructure, noting that the majority of the federal roads in the state are in bad conditions.
According to him, the volume of commuters plying those roads is high because of the proximity of the state to the FCT, hence the roads are worst hit.
He noted that Kogi State has borders with nine other states in the Federation, hence there is a need for more attention.
He said the forthcoming Governorship Election in the State is the next assignment for them to jointly return Governor Yahaya Bello for the second time, stressing that with the results on the ground from the last elections, it is already a done deal for the party, APC.
He said he is happy at her roles to strengthen the party in the state, noting that her coming on board now as a Minister will further consolidate on the existing robust foundation laid by Governor Yahaya Bello for the party in the state.
The Minister, Dr. Tijjani Ramatu who was highly elated commended the 7th assembly under the leadership of Rt Hon Prince Matthew Kolawole, stressing that with the caliber of men she saw, Kogi State will be better for it.
Dr Ramatu said, she is happy to receive them saying that her office remain open to all Kogites irrespective of their tribes, religion or party affiliations.
According to her, she look forward to a united Kogi State where things will not be done based on where you come from, stressing that the next election of Governor Yahaya Bello will further preach the oneness of the state.
She said this has been her desire even as a National Officer of the defunct APP, ANPP and throughout her service as the National Women Leader of APC; that the oneness of Kogi will go a long way to fast track the rapid development of the state.
She promised to represent the state well at the Federal Executive Council and also work with Governor Yahaya Bello to deliver more dividends of democracy to the people of the state under the next level agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari.
She urged the people of the state to continue to support and cooperate with the APC led government at both the state and national level, noting that the change the party is preaching is in changing our attitudes toward a better and civilise ways of doing things.
While giving the vote of thanks, the member representing Ajaokuta State Constituency and House Leader, Hon. Abdullahi Bello Balogun commended the Minister for her outstanding performance on the floor of the Senate during the screening exercise, stressing that Kogites are proud of her.
He said her coming onboard as the first female minister in the state is a plus to assist the women folks in the state to get involved in politics.
He urged her to use her good office to mobilize more women to be active in politics, a case study of the current 7th assembly that has no female representative which made the assembly not to be represented at some critical fora in both continental and regional levels.
He appealed to the Federal government to build a standard Sea Port in Lokoja that will serve the Federal Capital Territory and nearby states.
Barr. Cosmas Attabor of Igalamela/Odolu State Constituency commended the Minister for her purposeful leadership, stressing that they will continue to cooperate and support her.
