Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has called on the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to fulfil the party’s resolution to reserve 40 per cent of councillorship positions for women candidates in the upcoming local government election on October 19.
During an expanded stakeholders’ meeting of the party in Lokoja yesterday, Governor Ododo emphasised the importance of implementing this decision.
He also commended the state APC for nominating women as vice chairmanship candidates in all 21 local government areas and electing women councillors as council leaders in each local government council.
Ododo expressed his administration’s commitment to building upon the achievements of former Governor Yahaya Bello in promoting 35 percent affirmative action for women in elective positions. He affirmed that the state APC will continue to provide more opportunities for women in recognition of their loyalty and support for the party at all levels.
The governor urged the party leadership to engage in extensive consultations with stakeholders to select candidates who will represent the party in the 239 wards and 21 local government areas. He stressed the importance of avoiding the imposition of candidates ahead of the local government election.
He assured the people of Kogi State that the forthcoming local government election would be peaceful, free, and fair.
In addition, the governor applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his timely interventions in critical sectors at the subnational level. He also expressed relief over the Supreme Court’s judgement on local government autonomy, as it ensures that the state Joint Account Committee no longer has jurisdiction over local government funds.
“This means that the local government areas in the state will directly receive funds allocated to local government areas from the federation account,” he said.
