The people of Kogi State most especially APC members and supporters on Thursday gave
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo a rousing welcome when he arrived Lokoja, four days after his victory at the election petition tribunal in Abuja on Monday.
The rousing welcome came on the heels of the ruling of the Kogi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal that upheld his election as the duly elected Governor of the State.
Thousands of supporters of the Governor which include members of All Progressives Congress (APC) from the 21 local government areas of the state, traders, artisans, members of the transport unions, students, youth and women groups converged on major streets in the state started from Gegu – Baki through Koton-Karfe down to Lokoja the state capital in a glorious climax of a carnival-like three-day long street party to welcome the Kogi state Governor back to his state.
In Lokoja, the jubilant crowd thronged the streets and brought the convoy of the Governor to momentous halts at different points as Governor Ododo acknowledged cheers from the crowd of joyous supporters.
Governor Ododo while addressing the supporters at the Government House Lokoja, expressed gratitude to God for the victory at the tribunal and thanked the people of the state for standing by the mandate that made him the Governor of the state in the November 11, 2023 Governorship election.
The Governor noted that the affirmation of his victory by the governorship election tribunal is a further motivation for his administration to continue to improve on social welfare, security of lives and property, access to free education and quality healthcare, promoting industrialization and agricultural development and ensuring peaceful coexistence among the people of the state.
“I stand before you today, humbled and grateful, to express my deepest appreciation for your unwavering support. To the vibrant youth and women groups, I thank you for your tireless efforts and dedication to our great state.
“To my commissioners and government appointees, I commend you for your unrelenting commitment to our shared vision. Today, we celebrate a significant milestone – our court victory.
“This victory is not just mine, but belongs to every Kogite. I assure you that the mandate entrusted upon me will not be taken for granted. As a servant leader, I pledge to serve you to the best of my ability, ensuring that every Kogite has access to quality education, sustainable infrastructure, and security of lives and property.”
The Kogi State Governor also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his steadfast commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda, which he noted has been instrumental in driving progress and development in Nigeria and Kogi state in particular.
He commended security agencies in the state for their commitment and gallantry in protecting lives and property in all parts of the state.
The Governor restated his call on opposition parties to join him in advancing the development of the state.
