President Bola Tinubu has said Kogi State is very strategic to Nigeria’s development, just as he underscored the vital historical position of the state, having served as the capital of Nigeria in the past.
The president stated this on Monday, during a ceremony that welcomed opposition political leaders and their supporters who had defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
The event was held at the Muhammadu Buhari square in Lokoja.
The president, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, noted the defection of the former governor of the state, Capt. Idris Wada, and the former Speaker of the state, Rt. Alfa Umar Imam, and thousands of their supporters into the fold of the APC demonstrated the confidence they have in the current administration.
“The president of Nigeria, Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu and the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo are doing very well in the delivery of their campaign promises to the people of Nigeria and Kogi State.
“This is the confidence that these opposition leaders have in our economic policies and several reforms aimed at positioning the economy of Nigeria for greater efficiency.
“I want to assure you that the party will provide a level playing field for all, both old and new members. Our party meant well for Nigeria and we will do our best to ensure a prosperous nation for all.”
Earlier the national chairman of APC, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, while welcoming the decampees, assured that the government of APC will continue to strive for a better Nigeria through effective service delivery.
He commended the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo for replicating the ideals and programmes of the APC government at the center, which he said was responsible for opposition members decamping to the APC.
Speaking also, the Governor Ododo, commended President Tinubu for giving the state all the necessary support to deliver the good dividends of democracy to the people of Kogi State.
According to him, his administration has initiated and completed several projects across the state which has direct bearing on the lives of the people of the state.
He said in addition to road infrastructures and other human capital developments, his administration has been able to rehabilitate and commission over 80 primary health care centers across the state, to provide quality health care services to the people, particularly women and children.
“We will continue to follow the footsteps of Mr. President our father, through the delivery of dividends of democracy to our people. He maintained
Speaking on behalf of the decampees, the former Governor of Kogi State, Capt. Idris Ichala Wada, said they are convinced that the APC Government meant well for Nigeria.
“You can see the infrastructural development going on in Nigeria and Kogi State. That is why myself and others have come to join forces with them to bring about a great nation and Kogi State that will be the pride of all of us.”
Others who defected to the ruling APC include, the deputy governorship candidate of the Social Democratic party, (ADC) Hon. Ranti Abenemi among other top opposition party members.