Ododo, Uzodimma Unveil Blueprint As Diri Gets Second Term

Savouring their victories in the just concluded election, Governors Hope Uzodimma and his Bayelsa State counterpart Douye Diri have pledged to serve the electorate better in their second terms in office.

Also, the governor-elect of Kogi State, Ododo Ahmed Usman, has also pledged to uphold transparency, accountability and inclusiveness in his incoming administration.

They spoke separately yesterday in their acceptance speeches and messages to the people of their states following their declaration as winners in the off-cycle governorship elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Ododo said his administration would embark on a “historic journey to build a united and prosperous community of people with a common destiny.”

“Your trust is a compass guiding us in our commitment to enthroning a transparent, accountable and inclusive governance,” Usman stated.

“As we sail the ship to new frontiers, I am confident that our collective determination will yield positive outcomes for every citizen of our dear state.”

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating an atmosphere of peace and a level playing field for all the contestants in the recent governorship election.

He also expressed gratitude to the outgoing governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, describing him as his mentor, leader, benefactor and leadership coach.

To Governor Uzodimma, his opponents in the polls did not lose, rather the people won.

Uzodimma made the assertion during his acceptance speech at the Government House, Owerri on his reelection last Saturday.

Bayelsa State erupted in jubilation yesterday as INEC declared Governor Diri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) winner of the governorship election in the state.

Governor Diri polled 175,196 votes to defeat his closest rival, Chief Timipre Sylva of APC, who scored  110,108 votes.

In the state capital, Yenagoa, jubilant crowd trooped into the streets singing, dancing and waving the PDP flags in carnival-like celebrations.

Governor Kefas Agbu of Taraba State and his Delta State counterpart, Sheriff Oborevwori joined Governor Diri among other leaders of the party and the state at the PDP situation room inside the Government House annex at Onopa as the results were being announced.

Reacting to the victory, Senator Diri expressed gratitude to God Almighty and the people of the state for the honour of returning him for another term in office.

Diri assured people of the state that he will continue to operate an all-inclusive government, insisting that he will be governor for all irrespective of political divide while serving with dedication, integrity and transparency.