Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo: The Blossoming Flower of Hope for the Confluence
Through the thick and thin, he weathered the known and unknown storm of politicking, traversed the nooks and cranny of Kogi State, consulted widely beyond party affiliations and today, he is the fifth democratically elected Governor of Kogi State. Such encapsulates the inspiring story of the former Kogi State Auditor-General for Local Government, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo who polled a total number of 446,237 valid votes cast in the November 11, 2023 governorship election to clinch the coveted seat at Lugard House.
When Alhaji Ododo, who was fondly called the Flower Boy emerged as the flagbearer of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a keenly contested primary election last year, Hillcrest TV was upbeat and optimistic that the Confluence State would be ushered into unprecedented realm of sustainable development through him, having learnt the ropes of governance from his mentor cum benefactor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello. Then, we made an incontrovertible conclusion that Alhaji Ododo was lonely at the top (apologies to Asake) in Kogi politics.
Barely one week after inauguration, there are obvious signs that the hope of the good people of Kogi State who were vehement in their choice of Alhaji Ododo would not be dashed. From his inaugural speech, Governor Ododo hinted at his desire to tow that path of his predecessor by evolving statutory mechanism where power would be rotated amongst the three Senatorial Districts of the state in the nearest future. He was reported to have said that “…This is the time for us to commence the process towards achieving a charter of equity on power rotation in the state because it is now apparent that no single senatorial district in our state can go it alone without the cooperation and support of others who are co-equals in the political configuration of the state”. We believe this approach to power acquisition will neutralise any future effort by desperate politicians to polarise the state along ethnic and religious sentiments.
Governor Ododo, a product of the previous system, knew that the dimension of challenges in running a multi-ethnic state like Kogi does not give room for lethargy of any sort. He hit the ground running by appointing seasoned administrators and technocrats to man various ministries before anyone could say ‘Jack Robinson.’ He declared that his approach to governance will be open, frank and rugged, but confident that such approach will lead the state to progress and prosperity.
Indeed, the people of Kogi State went into the wilderness (election), scouted for economic flower that will blossom into improved healthcare delivery, security, education, more infrastructural revamping and productive economy where everyone would have a chance of decent living. We are optimistic that in this era, more jobs will be created, destinies will be fulfilled, and our dear state would be turned to investment hub and Kogi citizens will have cause to rejoice.
