Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State on Friday said the Governor-elect, Alhaji Usman Ododo, “will carry his cross” while governing the Confluence State.
He spoke to the state House reporters after the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, led the re-elected Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State and Ododo for the presentation of their certificates of return to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The incumbent governor promised that he would not interfere in the administration of Ododo as the Governor of Kogi State.
When asked whether he would be dictating things for the new governor, Bello said: “In this administration, I have nobody dictating for me rather we follow the law, and the rules, and the people are satisfied with me. This is going to be Usman Ododo administration, good or bad which I pray is going to be good. He will carry his cross and I know he will do well.”
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Governor Bello implored Kogi State citizens to join hands with the incoming government to ensure that they benefit from the Renewed Hope Agenda of the federal government.
Speaking on the party’s victory in Kogi State, the governor-elect, who said his mandate was for the people of the state, said he was ready to serve the people.
“Through the campaign processes, we have met our stakeholders, the mandate is for the people and as such, we are coming to serve the people, we must consult with them. We thank PBAT for the good he has done for the people.
“Our administration is coming to solve problems. We thank the people of Kogi for voting for APC,” he added.
Ododo further stated that the November 11 governorship election in Imo and Kogi states reflected the growth of the party.
“The election in the two states shows that our party has moved from the old dark days to the new world order. Kogi State and Imo people know what is right for them and they have done what is right,” he said.
Speaking on his victory for the second term in office, Governor Uzodinma said his victory further validated the victory of President Tinubu at the presidential election and the growing popularity of the APC among Nigerians.
“You recall that the election of November 11, our great party, APC, that is growing in popularity came out successfully in Kogi and Imo states and you know that the leader of the party is the President and it is our tradition that after we have received our certificates of return in an off-cycle election like that of Imo and Kogi states, we should come to honour him by presenting the certificate to him in recognition of not only his leadership but also the guidance he has demonstrated since he emerged as the President of the country.
“Our victory at the polls shows that Nigerians are still very happy with the APC. Nigerians voted en mass for the President and this victory validates this claim through the voters in Kogi State and Imo State.
“So, we have come to honour the President and also use the opportunity to thank him for the support and advise the wisdom he imparted on us and achievements he has recorded since he became the President which most of us leverage to be able to convince the voters to vote for us.”
