By Musa Baba Adamu
The Auditor General of Kogi State Local Governments, Ahmed Usman Ododo has joined the race to succeed the incumbent Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, even as he said the governor made it possible for common people to become relevant today in the State.
Speaking with journàlists weekend after he obtained his fifty million naira expression of interest and nomination forms at the APC National Secretariat, Ododo said since Bello came into the leadership of the state in 2016, he has crashed the tribal division among the three tribes in the State, hence he wants to sustain such legacies.
“Before he came in 2016, an Igala man does not see an Ebira or Okun man as his brother, it was a case where we relate based on tribe, religion and social class but today we see ourselves as Kogites. And if I emerge as the candidate of the party, I will continue in the same manner.
“I’m going to consolidate the infrastructural development to ensure that I improve what he has put on the ground. On the issue of the blueprint, GYB has put in place a 32 years development plan that I am fully a part of, I will continue it and if I have any new ideas, I will add them to make sure we deliver development to the people of Kogi state.
He said as an auditor, he will continue on revenue drive and ensure he blocks the leakages, while exploring new avenues to increase the revenue of the state.
“I tried in 1999 to contest for councillor because I don’t know anybody, but today, GYB has made it possible for everyone. More than 90% of people here are card-carrying members of our great party APC, which means that we are qualified to even contest the post of president.
Also speaking to journàlists after paying for his forms, another aspirant, Salami Momodu Ozigi Deedat, said “My vision is to sustain the giant strides of his Excellency and consolidate it. What is consolidation, to expand his achievements and having that, we would have provided leadership for our dear state.
“We have a house of assembly, representatives and senators and governors from our state, but we need a leader whom his excellency will provide. You will agree with me that this is lacking in Kogi state all this while.
“I’m a practical politician who believes in the will of God. Whoever emerges, whether by election or the decision of our leader, will be acceptable and we will work gladly, actively and assiduously with him to win. Our primary aim is to ensure that our governor chooses his successor. Whoever emerges will work to sustain his legacies and add to them.”
Meanwhile, he said Governor Bello is his godfather, because he appointed him to become a Commisioner in Kogi State, adding that Bello is more of a mentor than a godfather in Kogi politics.
