Ododo sworn in as 5th Kogi gov, appoints cabinet members on first day

Ododo sworn in as 5th Kogi gov, appoints cabinet members on first day

The winner of the 2023 governorship election in Kogi State, Usman Ododo, has been sworn in as the Kogi State Governor.

Ododo, a member of the All Progressives Congress, took his oath of office as the state governor in Lokoja, the state capital on Saturday, following his November 11, 2023 victory.

The new governor took over from his predecessor, Yahaya Bello, whose second term in office has elapsed.

With his swearing-in, Ododo becomes the 5th Executive Governor of the state.

Ododo took the oath of office at exactly 2.30 p.m. administered by the state Chief Judge, Justice Joseph Majebi.

His deputy, Salifu Oyibo, also took his oath of office.

Ododo won with 446,237 votes, defeating his closest rival, Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party, who garnered 259,052, while Dino Melaye of the Peoples Democratic Party pulled 46,362 votes.

Speaking shortly after receiving his certificate of return from the Independent National Electoral Commission, Ododo assured the people that he would make good his campaign promise to build on the sterling achievements of Governor Yahaya Bello while preserving the unity of the state.

Ododo appreciated his predecessor, Bello, for putting him through the path of governance, as he promised not to disappoint the people of the state.

The new governor presented an award of service – Grand Conference Silver Service Star, to Bello.

The ceremony was held at the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre, Lokoja in a colourful ceremony graced by Vice President Kashim Shettima and the APC Chairman, Dr. Abdulahi Ganduje.

Mean, in an unprecedented decision, the newly sworn-in governor hit the ground running by nominating members of his Cabinet and other top aides on his first day in office.

He announced the nomination of some Commissioners to be forwarded to the State House of Assembly for prompt confirmation as members of the State Executive Council (SEC) during his inaugural speech to the people of the State.

The Commissioner-nominees were majorly members of the immediate-past administration of Governor Yahaya Bello. They include the former SSG, Folashade Ayoade Arike, Kingley Fanwo, Deedat Salami Ozigi, among other aides appointed with immediate effect.