,,,,,, Appeal for Settlement of N2.7b of Outstanding Arrears.
By Dada Ahmed in Lokoja.
The Forum of Ex-Political Office Holders of Kogi State (2013–2016 set) has expressed strong confidence in the leadership of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, describing him as a visionary leader whose short time in office has transformed governance in the state.
The forum, which comprises former chairmen, vice chairmen, councillors, secretaries, supervisory councillors, and advisers across the 21 local governments, made the declaration at the end of its meeting in Lokoja on August 27, 2025.
The Chairman of the Forum, Hon. Musa Abdullahi, and Secretary, Hon. Muhammed Idris Omale,in a statement,a copy of which is available to The Reporters on Wednesday,said the group unanimously resolved to pass a vote of confidence on the Governor after a meticulous assessment of his performance so far.
They listed Governor Ododo’s achievements to include the provision of vehicles and gadgets to security agencies, prompt payment of workers’ salaries, pensions, and leave bonuses, payment of WAEC/NECO fees for public school students, ongoing school renovations.
Others area:educational reforms, traditional institution support, road rehabilitation, quality healthcare delivery, rural electrification, women and youth empowerment, and the completion of projects initiated by past administrations.
According to the forum, “Indeed, the people of Kogi State are proud of the unprecedented achievements of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo. His visionary leadership, commitment to human capital and infrastructural development, and his passion for the welfare of the people stand him out as a true servant-leader.”
The group also recalled Governor Ododo’s role in facilitating the payment of the third tranche of their entitlements during the administration of former Governor Yahaya Bello, a promise he made to fulfill if he became governor.
While pledging loyalty to the Governor and the All Progressives Congress (APC), the forum passionately appealed to Governor Ododo to redeem the outstanding arrears of ₦2.7 billion owed to them, representing part of their salaries and allowances dissolved prematurely by the 2014 court ruling.
“Many of our members are sick, hungry, and unable to meet their basic needs. We are optimistic that His Excellency, being a man of his word, will fulfill this promise and wipe away our tears,” the forum appealed.
The ex-political office holders commiserated with Governor Ododo over the recent passing of his father, Alhaji Momoh Sanni Ahmed Ododo. They prayed for the repose of his soul and for Allah to grant the family the strength to bear the loss.
The forum also congratulated the governor and the people of Kogi on the state’s 34th anniversary, pledging continued solidarity and unwavering support for the administration.
“We will stand by the Governor at all times, come rain or shine,” they promised.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
