President Bola Tinubu has advised governors elected on the platform of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) to always put the interest of the people first and work for the good of their states.
Speaking when he received the Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, the returning Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, and the Governor-elect of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, in Abuja, on Friday, the President in a statement by Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the elections, which he described as free, fair, and peaceful.
“You worked hard for this victory. I am very proud of you, but the real challenge has only started, and it will stare you in the face. That is the challenge of good governance. Make sure that everyone is carried along. You are now the servants of the people. To God be all the glory for the victories, and may God guide you.
“Once the people of Nigeria and their concerns are the focal point of your plans and actions, not only will governance be easier for you, but you will enhance the value of your states and the masses of the people will have new opportunities to grow and enjoy a new standard of living. This must be your driving focus as governors, but especially as governors elected on the platform of our great party.
“Two out of three is not a bad way to start. We will focus not on winning the elections alone but on delivering for the people. They are sovereign, and when we achieve what we promise, voters will respect us. We will work with you at the sub-national levels, and we will uphold the strength and superior excellence that is symbolized by the eagle on our coat of arms,” the President concluded.
The National Chairman of the APC, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, who led the Governors-elect and APC stalwarts to meet with President Tinubu, said the party’s candidates conducted themselves with integrity as directed by the President during the elections, and that the party had conceded victory to the opposition in Bayelsa State.
“We lost the election in Bayelsa, and we have conceded in good faith. You directed that the elections should be free, fair, and peaceful, and it was so,” Dr. Ganduje said.
On behalf of the candidates who contested the elections, the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, thanked the President for providing strong and purposeful leadership at the centre, which enabled and energized their campaigns.
“We won because of the leadership you demonstrated. The country was struggling, but the economy has been responding to the reforms and rapid-response strategy you have put in place,” he said.
Speaking to State House correspondents after the meeting, Uzodinma called the Imo election “the only free and credible election ever recorded in the history of this country,” with results announced within hours.
He attributed the victory to an inclusive governance style that “carries everybody along.”
The President was able to convince Nigerians to vote for APC,” Uzodinma affirmed.
He said Tinubu’s own presidential victory “validates that Nigeria has once again spoken through the states.”
Meanwhile, Kogi State Governor, Bello thanked citizens for rewarding his efforts with a resounding mandate for APC’s new governor-elect, Usman Ododo.
Bello promised smooth transition support for Ododo while urging citizens to unite behind the new administration regardless of electoral choices.
Asked whether he will be dictating things for the new governor, he said “In this administration, I have nobody dictating for me rather we follow the law, and the rules, and the people are satisfied with me. This is going to be Usman Ododo administration, good or bad which I pray is going to be good. He will carry his cross and I know he will do well”.
Newly elected Gov. Ododo acknowledged consulting Kogi people to understand their needs and priorities for his tenure.
He joined Uzodinma and Bello in applauding Tinubu’s direction for securing APC wins.
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