Okun Development Association, South West Zone (ODA-SW) has denied reports alleging that the group endorsed Kogi state Governor Yahaya Bello’s re-election bid at a political summit in Kabba over the weekend.
In a press statement signed by the Chairman, Chief Akere Owoniyi, ODA-SW stated the associated did not collect a dime from Bello and was not party to the purported endorsement.
“It has become not only necessary but important to put across a strong rejoinder as asserted from the recently concluded Kogi West political summit in Kabba on Saturday 19th October, 2019.
“Myself as the Chairman of Okun Development Association-South West Zone, along with the Executives, Patron and Matron were not party to the purported 2nd term endorsement of Yahaya Bello.
“The truth remains that we were duly invited to be part of the October meeting. Thorough consultation with the elders and stakeholders was done, before a delegation from ODA SW was led by my able self to the meeting.
“It’s noteworthy for us to remember that ODA SW is strictly apolitical. Development of Okun Nation is in the fore front of our agenda and that is what we do. In the avoidance doubt, be informed that ODA SW under my leadership never collected a dime from Yahaya Bello neither did we endorse Yahaya Bello for re-election,” he said.
He appealed to members and the Okun Nation to go ahead and vote for any candidate of their choice based on their conscience.
