Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has vowed to make the state unsafe for all manner of criminal elements.
He said that the security agencies are fully equal to the task, commending them for their gallantry.
The Governor, according to his spokesperson, Ismaila Isah, spoke to mammot crowd of supporters who welcome him into Lokoja after the affirmation of his November 11 electoral victory by the electoral Tribunal in Abuja.
Ismaila Isah quoted Governor Ododo as saying: “Kogi state shall remain unsafe for criminal elements wherever they may come from.”
The Governor commended the security agencies in the state for their commitment and gallantry in protecting lives and property in all parts of the state.
Ododo invited opposition parties to join him in advancing the development of the state.
“Today, we celebrate a significant milestone – our court victory. This triumph 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.”
Governor Ododo stressed 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.”
Governor Ododo had earlier in the day, arrived Lokoja, the state capital to a rousing welcome by a mammoth crowd of supporters from across the state.
The supporters, including members of All Progressives Congress (APC) from the 21 local government areas in the state, traders, artisans, members of the Transport Unions, students, youth and women groups converged on major streets in the state in a glorious climax of a carnival-like three-day long street party to welcome the Governor.
From Gegu in Kogi Local Government Area through Koton-Karfe, around the Murtala Muhammed Bridge in Jamata, Nataco Junction to the Government House 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.
