Politics
Kogi State Governorship Race Gains Two More Candidates
The contest to succeed Yahaya Bello, the Governor of Kogi State, has gained momentum following the purchase of nomination and expression of interest forms by Ahmed Ododo, the State Auditor General, and Salami Ozigi-Deedat, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
The pair led hundreds of supporters to the national headquarters of the All Progressives Congress in Abuja to purchase the forms, which cost N50 million.
According to sources at the secretariat have confirmed that in addition to Asuku, Ododo, and Deebat, both James Faleke, the Chairman of the House Committee on Finance and Secretary for the APC presidential campaign council, and Smart Adeyemi, the senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District, have dispatched emissaries to purchase their nomination and expression of interest forms.
Speaking to reporters in Abuja, Ahmed Ododo hailed Governor Bello as a political leader who has empowered ordinary citizens to achieve success, saying he has transformed many “nobodies” into “somebodies.”
Ododo highlighted his experience as the auditor general of local governments in Kogi State, stating that it puts him in a strong position to build on the accomplishments of Bello’s administration.
He said, “I want to thank GYB, our leader who has brought us here today. He is our leader, mentor, and governor. He is a leader who has made it possible for the son of nobody to become somebody without consulting anybody.
“GYB appointed me as the auditor general for local governments in 2016 without consulting anybody. 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.
If I emerge as the candidate of the party, I will continue in the same manner.
Salami Ozigi-Deedat, another grassroots politician who also purchased nomination forms, shared his views on the competition among Kogi aspirants, stating that the increasing number of people buying forms is indicative of a healthy democratic process.
He added that he is prepared to work with whoever emerges victorious in the election, whether through a popular vote or a decision by his political godfather, drawing a comparison to the situation in Lagos, where Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been known to play a significant role in deciding who emerges as the party’s candidate.
“The fact that we are having so many aspirants that spring from his wings is a clear testament that his excellency is a great leader. 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.” He added.
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has expressed the view that his administration is an agent of development that has positively touched all sectors of the Osun society within just two years in office.
He made the pronouncement while presenting Budget 2025 tagged “Budget of Sustainable Growth and Transformation” to the State House of Assembly, with members of the State Executive Council present at an annual event hosted by the House Speaker, Right Honourable Adewale Egbedun.
Gov Adeleke noted that “the total size of the Budget 2025 is Three Hundred and Ninety Billion, Twenty-Eight Million, Two Hundred and Seventy-Seven Thousand, Seven Hundred and Forty Naira Only (390,028,277,740.00).
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“The expenditure comprises Capital Expenditure of One Hundred and Forty-Four Billion, Two Hundred and Thirty-One Million, One Hundred and Eighty-Three Thousand, Eight Hundred Naira (N144,231,183,800.00), Recurrent Expenditure of Two Hundred and Forty-Five Billion, Seven Hundred and Ninety-Seven Million, Ninety-Three Thousand, Nine Hundred and Forty Naira Only (N245,797,093,940.00).
“Recurrent Expenditure is divided into Personnel cost, which is made up of salaries and allowances, as well as Pensions and Gratuities and stands at One Hundred and Two Billion, Eight Hundred and Ninety-Five Million, Eight Hundred and Twenty-One Thousand, Ten Naira Only (₦102,895,821,010.00).
The balance of One Hundred and Forty Two Billion, Nine Hundred and One Million, Two Hundred and Seventy Two Thousand, Nine Hundred and Thirty Naira Only (₦142,901,272,930.00) is set aside.
“Our Revenue consists of Recurrent Revenue, where Government share of FAAC is One Hundred and Ninety-Six billion, Seven Hundred and Seventy-Eight Million, Nine Hundred and Seventy-Five Thousand, One Hundred and Eight Naira Only (₦196,778,975,180.00 and Independent Revenue is One Hundred and Nine Billion, Eight Hundred and Seventy Million, Nine Hundred and Thirty-Two Thousand, Eight Hundred and Thirty Naira Only (₦109,870,932,830.00).
Other receipts from development partners are Fifty-Three Billion, Three Hundred and Seventy-Seven Million, Two Hundred and Forty-Four Thousand, Six Hundred and Ten Naira Only (₦53,377,244,610.00).”
He affirmed that his administration has recorded unprecedented progress across the sectors which will be unveiled in details during the midterm anniversary holding for a week later this month, submitting a synopsis to the Assembly.
According to the Governor, “our administration has reduced rural Health Access gap by 40% through rehabilitation of over two hundred Primary healthcare centers; We have increased health care access to all pensioners from less than 10% to 90% within two years;
“We closed road infrastructure gap and deficit by 50% from 80%; we took agric mechanization from 0% to 35%; We built digital economy policy structures from 0% to 55%; We built public service integrity from 25% to almost 70%;
“We expanded local content from 0% to 75%; We built climate agenda from 0% to over 70%; We raised state financial support for cooperative societies from 0% to 66%; We expanded financial support to ward cooperative societies from 0% to over 60%;
“We built Ilesa University from 15% to over 90%; We redeveloped Odeomu Cooperative College to HND institution; We increased Osun Google coverage from 20% to 65%; We launched phased bursary award from 0% to 40%; We liquidated 40% of inherited salary debt;
“We paid up over 35% of inherited pension debt; We improved School infrastructure by over 40 percent; We enhanced rural Infrastructure by over 40 percent with over 300 completed rural projects”, the Governor affirmed, adding that “Osun State has not taken any loan (External or Domestic).
“We rely solely on the prudent management of available resources to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the good people of Osun State. This is our goal and with God on our side we will not derail”, the Governor told the lawmakers.
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has announced a sweeping dissolution of executives across all state boards of government agencies and parastatals.
In a statement released by Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor confirmed that the affected officials are to vacate their positions immediately.
The decision, which was made public on Wednesday, also impacts Permanent Secretaries who were appointed from outside the Edo State Public/Civil Service, as well as political appointees across various government departments.
Governor Okpebholo directed that all outgoing officials hand over government property in their possession to the highest-ranking public officer within their respective agencies or departments.
“It is hereby announced for the information of the general public that the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the dissolution of executives of all boards, agencies, and parastatals in Edo State Public Service with immediate effect,” the statement read.
Senator Monday Okpebholo and Dennis Idahosa were formally sworn in on Tuesday as the Governor and Deputy Governor of Edo State, respectively.
The inauguration ceremony took place at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, where Chief Justice Daniel Okungbowa administered the oath of office to the new leaders.
During the ceremony, both officials pledged to uphold the constitution and dedicate themselves to the welfare of Edo State’s citizens. Supporters gathered at the stadium cheered as the oath-taking ceremony proceeded, marking the beginning of a new administration in the state.
Further details are expected as the new government outlines its agenda for the state.
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