Traditional rulers in Kogi State has extended their commendations to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and other stakeholders for the peaceful conduct of the governorship election held on Saturday, November 11.
They also extend their congratulations to the Governor-elect, Usman Ododo, and affirm their commitment to continued collaboration with the Kogi State Government in order to enhance the unity and development achieved under the current administration.
These monarchs expressed their sentiments during a congratulatory visit to His Excellency Yahaya Bello, the Governor of Kogi State, at his GRA residence in Okene yesterday.
The Atta Igala and serving President of the Kogi State Traditional Council of Chiefs, His Royal Majesty, Mathew Alaji Opaluwa Ogwuche-Akpa, emphasized that the purpose of their visit was to celebrate with the Governor, his administration, and the Governor-elect, Usman Ododo, for the peaceful and successful governorship polls.
Represented by Obaro of Kabba, Oba Solomon Dele Owoniyi, the monarch recalled their peace accord meeting with relevant stakeholders before the election.
Represented by Obaro of Kabba, Oba Solomon Dele Owoniyi, the monarch recalled their peace accord meeting with relevant stakeholders before the election, where they were advised to be cautious of information on social media, and were assured that the government and security agencies had implemented mechanisms for a peaceful election.
On the election in Okunland, Oba Solomon stressed that the people were united in acknowledging and rewarding the governor for the positive impact of his administration.
The Monarch expressed the confidence that if they had to do this again, the people of Okunland wouldn’t only deliver the entire Okunland but would also widen the margin of lead.
He appealed to Governor Bello to continue in his efforts at strengthening the bond among the people of Kogi State, advocating for a united identity as Kogites rather than being identified based on ethnic divisions.
Oba Solomon commended the achievements of the current administration in fostering peace and unity over the past seven and a half years.
The Governor, who also played host to the Governor-elect, Usman Ododo, expressed gratitude to the traditional rulers for their prayers and the pivotal roles they played in ensuring the peaceful conduct of the November 11 election.
He commended His Royal Majesty, Williams Keke, the Aguma of Bassa, and His Royal Highness Bukar-Khalid, the Ohiogba of Mozum, for their contributions to the peaceful election and the overwhelming victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bassa land.
Bello emphasised the need for collaboration among senatorial districts for the overall interest of the state, emphasising that politics ends after elections, while development and good governance would continue.
He stressed the importance of every part of the state feeling the impact of governance, regardless of political affiliations.
Recall that INEC, on Sunday, declared Ahmed Usman Ododo winner of the November 11 governorship election, having polled the highest number of lawful votes of 446,237 to defeat other candidates.
