Yahaya Bello Bows Out, Usman Ododo Assumes Office as Kogi Governor

The Chief Judge of KogI State Justice Josiah Majebi has sworn in Usman Ahmed Ododo as the fifth democratical elected governor of the State.

Justice Majebi administered oath of office on the newly-elected governor of Kogi State shortly after the inauguration of the new Deputy Governor Joel Oyibo Salifu.

The swearing-in ceremony which took place at the Muhammandu Buhari Civic centre in Lokoja on Saturday, was filled to capacity.

The well wishers from the three senatorial districts, and diaspora , the All Progressive Congress faithfuls, friend and associate had throng to Muhammandu Buhari Civic Centre as early as 7 .00am in the morning to Grace historical occasion marking the new era in Kogi State Political Landscape.

The immediate past governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello who took oath of office on 27th ,January 2016 and re -contested and won gubernatorial election in November 2019 for second tenure of office which constitutional expired by 12.00 am on 27th January 2024 .

Former governor Bello officially handed over to Governor Ododo and subsequently stepped aside.

In his acceptance speech after swearing ceremony, Ododo expressed gratitude to God for making this a reality, commended the out going Governor Yahaya Bello for his numerous support during the electionneering campaign period and the victory for the All Progressive Congress APC in the State.

He called on all political opponents that contested the November governorship election to joined hand with to move the State to the next level.

He noted that the election has come and gone, stressing that it is time to build a United Kogi State.

The Governor pointed out that the state cannot afford to go back to era of ethnic divisive tendencies that have rocked it in the past.

He explained the time has come to entrench the power rotation in Kogi body polity. pointing out that the last election has shown that no single senatorial district can produce a governor without cooperation of two others.

He assured the people of the state that Kogi State has what it takes to be an industrial hub with the federal government’s commitment to revamp the ailing Ajaokuta steel company.

Ododo commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and the National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress APC ,Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for allowing a level playing ground.

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja