Immediate past Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State, Abdullahi Bello, has assumed office as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in the state.

This followed a confirmation hearing and clearance by the state House of Assembly, marking the formal commencement of his duties as a member of the State Executive Council.

Bello’s appointment comes after his nomination by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo in line with constitutional provisions, and as a consequence of minor changes in the cabinet that saw, Barr Salami Ozigi Deedat move from the ministry of local government and chieftaincy affairs to the ministry of works following the resignation of Engr. Mohammed Yusuf.

Meanwhile, members of the Kogi State House of Assembly have expressed confidence in the ability of the former APC chairman and new commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs to translate his experience in managing multiple stakeholder groups into effective service delivery in his new position.

The Assembly, sitting as a Committee of the Whole, had earlier confirmed the nomination of the former APC Chairman for appointment as a commissioner in a unanimous voice vote during which the members commended Bello for his leadership of the APC in the state, acknowledging his role in sustaining the party’s electoral victories in Kogi State.

As Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bello is expected to focus on strengthening oversight, prioritise peacebuilding, ensure stability and deepen collaboration with local authorities and the traditional institution across the state in line with the mantra of the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to take governance closer to the people at the grassroots.