Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has charged the 21 Local Government Chairmen to fulfil their campaign promises, set aside political differences and work with all stakeholders to accelerate development at the grassroots.
The governor gave the charge during the inauguration of the chairmen at the Government House, Lokoja, following the October 17, 2026, local government elections, in which the All Progressives Congress (APC) won all 21 chairmanship and 239 councillorship seats contested across the state.
Governor Ododo, represented by the Deputy Governor, Comrade Joel Salifu, congratulated the new chairmen and urged them to regard their election as a call to service, stressing that their priority must be the welfare and development of the people, irrespective of political affiliations.
He called on the chairmen to prioritise healthcare, education, security, rural roads and the welfare of youths and women, while ensuring that communities across the state remain safe and conducive for residents to live and pursue their livelihoods in peace.
The governor also urged them to be proactive in addressing security challenges by working closely with relevant security agencies and other stakeholders to identify and respond promptly to potential threats.
On financial management, Governor Ododo charged the council chairmen to ensure transparency, accountability and prudence in the utilisation of public funds, stressing that resources allocated to local governments must translate into tangible development and improved living conditions for the people.
He assured them of his administration’s readiness to work with the local government councils to promote even development across the state, urging the chairmen to remain committed to delivering on their campaign promises and the expectations of their constituents.
Governor Ododo thanked the people of Kogi State for their support for APC candidates in the local government elections, saying the outcome demonstrates strong backing for the party and readiness for the 2027 general elections.
He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and support for national development, pledging to continue working with the President for the progress of Kogi State and Nigeria.
Earlier, the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Muizuddeen Abdullahi, commended Governor Ododo for upholding the rule of law and providing an enabling environment for the conduct of local government elections in accordance with the Constitution and relevant electoral laws.
He administered the oaths of office and allegiance to the newly elected chairmen, formally ushering them into office.
The new chairmen pledged to work towards improved security, inclusive development and effective implementation of government policies and programmes at the grassroots.
They assured the governor and their constituents of their commitment to fulfilling campaign promises while also prioritising the welfare of the people.
