Ododo sworn in as Kogi governor, vows to end politics of bitterness

Usman Ododo was inaugurated as the new governor of Kogi State on Saturday, succeeding Yahaya Bello who finished his second term.

Ododo swore the oath of office in Lokoja, shortly after his deputy, Salifu Joel Oyibo, did the same. Ododo is the fifth executive governor of the state.

The ceremony was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, former governor Bello, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, and other party leaders. Ododo also acknowledged the presence of Leke Abejide, his rival from the ADC, in his speech. He said he was ready to work with all stakeholders to end the politics of bitterness in the state.

Ododo promised to make Kogi a model for the federal government’s initiatives on food security, poverty reduction, job creation, capital access, rule of law, anti-corruption, and economic growth. He said he would tailor these programmes to suit the needs and potentials of the state.