Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed the confidence of the President Bola Tinubu administration in the just inaugurated new Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, to deliver good governance.
Senator Shettima said Ododo is fit for the shoe she has stepped into, expressing more confidence that the change of baton from one progressive to another in Kogi State will not disrupt the dividends of good governance to the people.
The Daily Crucible reports that Ahmed Usman Ododo who won the November 11 governorship election in Kogi State on the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was sworn in by the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Josiah Majebi, on Saturday, as the fifth executive governor of Kogi State at the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre, Lokoja, the state capital.
He made his first appointments during his inaugural speech, drawing experienced hands from the immediate past administration of ex – Governor Yahaya Bello, who was lauded by many for his eight years of enduring achievements in Kogi State.
In a statement on Saturday by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Vice President Shettima noted during the inauguration of Ododo and Salifu Joel Oyibo as Governor and Deputy Governor of Kogi State respectively that the new Governor is coming in at a difficult time but urged him not to despair, asserting that “it is precisely during these tumultuous times that a leader of note proves their resilience.”
According to the Vice President, it is the same resilience that sets Nigerian leaders apart, as they navigate through challenges that shape the nation’s collective destiny.
He added that the “change of baton from one progressive to another will not disrupt the dividends of good governance,” noting that “Kogi State remains bound by the ideals and promises of a unified council of leaders and the largest party in Africa,” the All Progressives Congress (APC).
And in his speech titled: “Standing together, Standing for the people,” the Vice President conveyed what he described as the heartfelt goodwill of Tinubu to the people of Kogi State, saying the President holds absolute confidence in Ododo as the new helmsman of the state.
He stated: “The President remains committed to collaborating to optimise the vast potentials of Kogi State and bring to fruition the aspirations of its illustrious people.
“This historic day is not an orphan; it is born from a collection of sacrifices and an inventory of commitments to serve the people. This historic day is the ultimate demonstration of faith in Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo, a man fit for the shoes he is about to step into.”
For the outgoing Governor, Yahaya Bello, VP Shettima who described him by his nicknames, “indefatigable White Lion, the people’s lion,” pointed out that the historic inauguration of Ododo as his successor “is an eloquent referendum on” Bello’s stewardship.
“We are not here by accident, for none of us would ever escape our destiny. It’s this fatalism in our service to humanity that inspires our humility to stay on track. We are here merely because we are chosen by the people to represent their ideals.
“While political parties embody ideologies, it is the people who uphold the value system that appeals to our humanity, and Kogi State is fortunate to have our trusted patriots safeguarding their interests,” he added.
The VP further observed that Ododo is stepping in as the next Governor of Kogi at a time it may seem difficult “to assume a leadership position in Nigeria, especially as Nigeria adjusts to geopolitical events that have exerted pressure on our economy and the inherited greed and grievances that have threatened our national security.”
The Governor who promised not to betray the people’s trust also pledged to pay attention to the health, education, agriculture and infrastructural sectors.
Ododo singled out Tinubu for his commitment to the conduct of free and fair elections.
He pledged to hit the ground running by completing critical projects left behind by the immediate past Governor of the State, Yahaya Bello.
The new Governor of Kogi State also announced the appointment of Dr Folashade Arike Ayoade as the Secretary to the State Government, SSG.
Ayoade was also the SSG in the eight years of former governor Yahaya Bello’s administration.
She is from the Kogi West Senatorial district.
He announced the appointment of Ali Bello, the nephew of former governor Bello, from the Central Senatorial District, as the Chief of staff.
Until his appointment, Ali Bello was with Yakubu Adabenege, who has become the Auditor General of Local Government, having being appointed into the office by the former governor two weeks ago.
Also, Alhaji Suleman Ibrahim was announced as the Director General, Protocol
Oladele John Nihi clinched the Chief Press Secretary.
Nihi was a former Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, Kogi State chapter.
The governor also announced the appointment of some commissioner-designates, majority of whom were commissioners under his predecessor, Bello.
They are former commissioner for information, Kingsley Fanwo, Ashiwaju Idris Ashiru, former finance commissioner, Engineer Bashir Gegu, former commissioner for solid minerals, Wemi Jones, former commissioner for education, and former commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, Barrister Salami Ozigi Deedat.
