Governor Usman Ododo has assured all aspirants and electorate in Kogi state that forthcoming local government elections will be free, fair and transparent.
The local government elections is scheduled to hold on October 19 this year.
In a special message to the people to mark the 33rd anniversary of the creation of the state on Tuesday, Governor Ododo promised to defend every Kogite everywhere in the world and to ensure that Kogites are not subjected to any act of aggression and oppression.
He stated that the harassment of Alhaji Murtala Yakubu Ajaka, the candidate of the Social Democratic Party, by some miscreants as he made to depart the Supreme Court after the judgement is completely unacceptable.
Governor Ododo insisted that violence, intimidation, and disrespect have no place in our democracy.
“I have called on law enforcement agencies to swiftly investigate the matter and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. We must always uphold peace and respect for one another as we build a better Kogi,” he said.
He solicited for the continued cooperation and support of the people of the state for his administration’s efforts to birth a “New Kogi State” that all of them will be proud of.
Governor Ododo urged the people to join hands with him in the noble task to build and
shape a Kogi that generations to come will be proud to call home.
He paid glowing tributes to the founding fathers of the state, promising to use his position to ensure that their efforts does not end in vain.
The governor also commented former military administrators and five former civilian governors of the state for their contributions to the progress and development recorded under their tenures.
“I also salute our founding fathers and my fathers and leaders who have at one time or the other sat in this Lugard House to pilot the destiny of our dear state. We are not there yet. But we are hitting the right spots to make sure we are there sooner than later.
“As the 5th person to be elected to serve as the Chief Servant of our dear state, I can stand here today because of the sacrifices and legacies of our founding fathers and the many leaders who have served this state with dedication. I have had two military administrators and four civilian Governors come and go before me, each of whom led an Administration which contributed in no small measure to where we are today. Their work in laying the foundation for our development over the years cannot be overlooked. We will not only continue where they left off, but strive to build on their successes to achieve even greater things for our state.
“I pay special tribute to my immediate predecessor and leader, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, CON, who made remarkable strides, especially in infrastructure and good governance, which helped to position our state to benefit from improved and modern governance indices,” he said.
Governor Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fulfilling every promise in it manifesto and those in Kogi State 32-Year Development Plan.
He explained that the manifesto and development plan are designed to usher in sustainable development, improved infrastructure, enhanced security, and a brighter future for the people.
Kogi State was created on August 27, 1991 by the military administration of General Ibrahim Babangida.
