Immediate past Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Chief Edward Onoja, has commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his humility, leadership style and commitment to the welfare of workers in the state.
Speaking on TVC’s Politics on Sunday programme, Onoja described his relationship with Governor Ododo as cordial, noting that he continues to offer advice, encouragement, and support whenever necessary.
“He’s the Governor, but on the sidelines, I advise, I commend when he does anything great and good, and we communicate, I was in his house recently to condole with him. So we are on good terms, there are no issues.”
The former Deputy Governor acknowledged the Governor’s efforts in sustaining the payment of salaries and other welfare measures for civil servants in the state, attributing part of the success to improved federal allocations to states under the current administration.
“In the area of workers’ welfare, he has done greatly. And thanks to Mr. President’s increased revenue to states and local governments, every state can now meet its salary obligations,” he said.
Onoja also lauded Governor Ododo’s humility and reconciliatory posture towards all parts of the state, particularly Kogi East, which he said felt alienated in the build-up to the 2023 elections.
“By January 2026, when he will be two years in office, we can then do a good assessment. But so far, in the areas of welfare and debt management, he has done very well,” he said.
Onoja also urged the Governor to continue to harness the experience of retired and serving security personnel from Kogi State in tackling emerging security challenges.
