Kogi State’s freshly sworn-in governor, Usman Ododo, wasted no time displaying the loyalty of his administration on his very first day.
The inauguration at the Muhammadu Buhari Mini Stadium in Lokoja witnessed Ododo’s strategic submissiveness as he retained key figures from his predecessor, Yahaya Bello’s camp.
Ododo, sworn in on Saturday, made a splash during his inaugural speech by announcing significant appointments.
Notably, the list featured familiar faces from Bello’s administration, showcasing a deliberate effort to maintain stability while introducing new elements.
The appointed team includes former Secretary to the State Government (SGF) Folashade Ayoade Arike, Kingsley Fanwo, and Deedat Salami Ozigi, among others.
Sahara Reporters reports that Ayoade, who served as the SSG during Yahaya Bello’s eight-year tenure, hails from the Kogi West Senatorial district, emphasizing a commitment to diverse representation.
Ali Bello’s appointment as Chief of Staff adds a familial touch, being the nephew of the former governor. Hailing from the Kogi Central Senatorial District, Bello brings a mix of familiarity and fresh perspectives.
His prior role with Yakubu Adabenege, now the Auditor-General of Local Government, further underscores a continuity of trusted associations.
Other pivotal appointments include Suleman Ibrahim as Director-General of Protocol and Oladele Nihi as Chief Press Secretary.
The Commissioner-designates list prominently features former commissioners from Bello’s era, combining experience with an understanding of the state’s governance dynamics.
Governor Ododo, taking the oath around 2:24 pm on Saturday, now stands as the fifth Executive Governor of Kogi State.
The inauguration closely followed that of Salifu Joel Oyibo, Kogi State’s deputy governor, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the state’s political landscape.
Having secured victory in the November 2023 election with 446,237 votes, as declared by INEC’s returning officer, Prof. Johnson Urame, Ododo faces the ongoing challenge before the Kogi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
