By Ojotule Romanus
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State, has sworn in the newly elected 21 Local Government Chairmen, charging them to prioritise accountability as well as redouble efforts to ensure security of lives and property.
Represented by his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, Governor Ododo gave the charge during the swearing-in ceremony of the council chairmen at Government House, Lokoja.
According to him, there was urgent need to strengthen rural security, ensure accountability in the management of public funds and prioritise grassroots development to complement government’s efforts towards sustaining peace amongst others.
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The Governor urged the council chairmen to work closely with security agencies, traditional rulers and community leaders to protect lives and property, stressing that no community in the state would be abandoned to criminal activities.
He also called on them to prioritise rural roads, primary healthcare, basic education, environmental sanitation and programmes that create opportunities for youths and women.
Congratulating the chairmen on their election, Ododo thanked the people of Kogi State for their support for the All Progressives Congress (APC), which won all chairmanship and councillorship seats across the 21 local government areas and 239 wards.
He described the victory as a call to greater service and urged the elected officials to justify the confidence reposed in them by delivering on their campaign promises.
The Governor expressed confidence in the state’s continued support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and APC candidates ahead of the 2027 general and state Assembly elections, while commending the President for his leadership and commitment to development through his Renewed Hope Agenda.
Ododo further charged the chairmen to manage public funds transparently and responsibly, remain humble, accessible to the people and govern fairly without discrimination based on political differences.
The Governor wished the chairmen success in their tenure, while assuring them of the state’s government support for more development at the grassroots.
The swearing-in according to stakeholders is indeed the start of a new chapter in Local Government administration in Kogi State, with a call on the chairmen to improve security, use public funds wisely and ensure government presence is felt at the grassroots.
