By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
The Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Comrade Joel Salifu, has stated that the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, is a loyal promise keeper and a divine gift sent to transform the state.
The Deputy Governor made these remarks while attending the defection ceremony of over 1,500 members from the opposition PDP, SDP, and LP to the ruling All Progressives Congress in Ojofu Anyigba, Dekina Local Government Area.
In a press statement issued by Mr Unubi Emmanuel, the Deputy said that Governor Ododo is different from other politicians, commending him for his unshakable commitment to delivering good governance to the people, despite the poor support he has received from Kogi East.
Salifu urged the people to unite behind the APC and the current administration to succeed.
He stressed that the present administration is deeply rooted in the grassroots, recognizing that they derive their mandate from the people.
He expressed their readiness to travel to every corner of the state to provide effective governance.
Comrade Joel Salifu congratulated the new members for embracing the light of progress, while calling upon former members who may have mistakenly joined the opposition parties due to the manipulations of selfish politicians in Kogi East, to return to their rightful party, the APC.
He used the opportunity to solicit the support of the locals for the All Progressives Congress and its candidate in the upcoming Okura State Constituency House of Assembly by-election scheduled for August.
Earlier, Hon. John Urah Ikani, the Executive Chairman of Dekina Local Government Area, said that the new members would receive equal treatment alongside existing party members, lauding the Deputy Governor for his humility in attending such a smaller gathering, while praying for the preservation of both the Governor and his Deputy.
He urged the people to give their support to the APC in the forthcoming House of Assembly by-election in Okura ward, ensuring a resounding victory.
In welcoming the new party members, the Kogi East Acting Zonal Vice Chairman of the APC, Hon. Ogwu Abdul Alhasan, expressed his satisfaction with the large number of defectors, congratulating them for their courageous decision to join the rulling party.
He assured them that they would be actively included in all party affairs.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Mr. Anthony Bala Usman stated that the new members of about 1,500, hail from Ojo-Ofu, Erane, and EtiUkpolo polling units in Anyigba ward.
He said that their decision to join the APC stems from the many commendable projects undertaken by the current administration, pledging their support for both the government and the party's success.
Prior to the ceremony, the Deputy Governor made a brief visit to the residence of the revered Alhaji Asta Salami, a prominent APC chieftain in Anyigba.
