*Appeals for N2.7b salary arrears payment
By Grace Ben Kato
The Forum of Ex-Political office holders from the 21 Local Government Areas in Kogi State, has passed a vote of confidence on Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
The forum unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the governor, citing his visionary leadership and commitment to human and infrastructural development, at a press conference recently in Lokoja.
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According to the forum’s Chairman, Musa Abdullahi, Governor Ododo’s short term in office, has provided vehicles, gadgets to security agencies, full and prompt payment of pension, salaries, paid WAEC/NECO for public schools in the state, embarked on the construction and rehabilitation of schools.
The group also acknowledged the administration’s commitment to traditional institution reforms, quality healthcare delivery as well as the introduction of a health insurance scheme for civil servants, in addition to the women and youth empowerment schemes, rural electrification projects amongst others.
The forum equally used the forum to make a passionate appeal to Governor Ododo to pay the balance of N2.7bn arrears of their salaries and allowances.
“This call became necessary based on the fact that majority of our members are suffering from illnesses, hunger and can no longer pay their bills. We are very optimistic that Almighty God will use His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Executive Governor of Kogi State to wipe away our tears.”
According to the forum Chairman, the forum ordeal began in 2014 when the Kogi State High Court annulled the election of the 21 local government chairmen and other political office holders.
“On the 6th of May, 2016, when our tenure elapsed, the then Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, dissolved the council and promised to pay arrears of our salaries and allowances. He was able to pay two billion Naira in three tranches out of the 4.7bn owed us. We make bold to say that the third tranche was facilitated by Governor Ododo, who promised to clear the balance if God ordained him to become the Governor. We will remain eternally grateful for that crucial role.”
The group also condoled with the governor and the people of Kogi State on the passing of the governor’s father, Alhaji Momohsani Ahmed Ododo, and congratulated the governor and the people of Kogi State on the 34th anniversary of the state’s creation, wishing the Governor more wisdom to lead the state to greater heights.
They pledged their unalloyed and unwavering support to the Governor and the All Progressive Congress (APC), with a promise to stand by the Governor at all times.
The forum, which comprises former local government chairmen, vice chairmen, councillors, and other political office holders, was formed in 2013 to advocate for their rights after the Kogi State High Court unjustly dissolved the council.
