The Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has called on the people of Bassa Local Government Area to remain united and peaceful, stressing that peace remains the bedrock for sustainable development and prosperity in the state.
Governor Ododo made the call on Monday at the Government House in Lokoja while receiving prominent politician from Bassa local government area of Kogi East, Sunday Shigaba, who formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Governor thanked the people of Bassa for their overwhelming support during the last governorship election in the state, noting that their loyalty and confidence in his leadership remain deeply appreciated.
He declared that the era of division, and politics of personal interest in Bassa is over, emphasizing that the Local Government Area is special and endowed with resources that should foster unity rather than rancour.
“Peace is the foundation for the success of any people. Bassa must remain united. Your resources should be a blessing that binds you together, not a source of division,” the Governor stated.
Governor Ododo described the defection of Shigaba as a courageous and strategic move that would add value to ongoing efforts to consolidate development across Kogi East.
He assured the new entrant into the APC and his supporters of equal opportunities within the party structure, reiterating that the APC remains an inclusive platform for all well-meaning citizens committed to the progress of the state.
“Because of the love you have for your people and your record of service in different capacities, you have come to add value to this project. We are building a Kogi where no one is left behind,” he said.
He reaffirmed his commitment to the completion of the Bassa Township Road project, describing it as a critical infrastructure initiative that would boost economic activities and improve connectivity within the Local Government Area.
In his remarks, the Kogi State APC Chairman, Abdullahi Bello, described the decampee as a progressive-minded politician whose entry into the party would further strengthen its grassroots structure in Kogi East.
He commended the Governor’s leadership style, noting that it has significantly weakened opposition ranks and fostered unity within the party.
“The APC in Kogi State continues to grow stronger because of the inclusive and purposeful leadership of Governor Ododo. This defection is another clear sign of the confidence stakeholders have in his administration,” Bello said.
Speaking shortly after his reception into the party, Shigaba said his decision to join the APC followed extensive consultations with his supporters and community leaders in Bassa.
According to him, the developmental strides and approach of Governor Ododo to governance made it impossible for him to remain in the opposition.
Shigaba pledged loyalty to the APC leadership in the state and promised to mobilize grassroots support in Bassa and across Kogi East for the continuity and consolidation of Governor Ododo’s developmental agenda.
Stakeholders and party executives at the event commended the defection, welcoming Shigaba and his supporters into the party and assuring them of equal opportunities in party affairs.
