Kogi Councillors Endorse Tinubu, Ododo for Second Term as Gov Ododo Hails Grassroots Leadership
Kogi State Governor,Ahmed Usman Ododo, has expressed profound appreciation to councillors across the 21 Local Government Areas of the state for their resilience and unwavering support, describing their confidence in him as a “blank cheque” that continues to inspire his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and grassroots development.
Governor Ododo stated this on Friday while receiving members of the Kogi State Councillors’ Forum, led by its Leader, Rt. Hon. Comfort Olufunke Obaromi, on a courtesy visit at the Government House in Lokoja.
The Governor paid glowing tribute to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, saying his emergence as Governor was made possible through God’s grace, the leadership of President Tinubu, and the support of the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, CON.
According to Governor Ododo, President Tinubu’s leadership has continued to inspire hope and strengthen democratic governance across Nigeria, noting that he remains grateful for the confidence reposed in him.
“I want to sincerely appreciate all of you for your support, for giving me your trust and mandate. Most of you did not even know me personally, yet you worked tirelessly to ensure that the APC and I emerged victorious. I consider that trust a blank cheque,” the Governor said.
He commended the maturity, unity and leadership demonstrated by the Councillors’ Forum, describing councillors as critical stakeholders whose contributions remain indispensable to the success of governance at the grassroots.
Governor Ododo urged the councillors to remain committed to service, stressing that public office is about sacrifice and delivering tangible results to the people.
“You cannot continue doing things the same way and expect different results. I chose to do things differently because governance must continue to evolve for the benefit of our people,” he said.
Reflecting on his political journey, Governor Ododo said his emergence from a humble background serves as a powerful reminder that no citizen should ever see himself or herself as inferior.
“If God could use our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and our leader, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, together with all of you, to entrust someone like me with this responsibility, then nobody should look down on himself or herself. God can elevate anyone,” he stated.
He also applauded the growing stability within local government councils, noting with satisfaction that about 63 percent of councillors were returning for another term, a development he described as an evidence of improved performance and public confidence.
Earlier, the Leader of the Kogi State Councillors’ Forum, Rt. Hon. Comfort Olufunke Obaromi, congratulated Governor Ododo on the achievements recorded by his administration, particularly in infrastructure, security, economic development, youth and women empowerment, and improved service delivery.
She reaffirmed the loyalty of councillors to the Governor’s administration, describing them as the closest elected representatives to the grassroots and pledging their continued support for the implementation of government policies across the state’s 239 wards.
The Forum appealed to the Governor to improve the welfare of councillors through enhanced remuneration, provision of official vehicles for Council Leaders, capacity-building programmes, legislative training, ICT facilities and improved working tools.
The councillors also appealed to Governor Ododo to consider appointing outgoing councillors who may not be returning for another term into suitable positions to enable them continue contributing to the development of the state.
In a major political highlight of the meeting, councillors from the 21 Local Government Areas unanimously moved and adopted a motion endorsing the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for a second term in office.
The motion for the re-election of President Tinubu was moved by Hon. Alfa Abubakar, Chief Whip representing Anyigba Ward in Dekina Local Government Area, and seconded by Hon. Ayodele Dorcas Adejumoke, Councillor representing Okoro-Igah Ward in Ijumu Local Government Area.
The endorsement was greeted with resounding applause, reaffirming the councillors’ confidence in the leadership of President Tinubu at the national level and Governor Ododo in Kogi State.
