Contrary to recent speculation, the Kogi State Government has reaffirmed that Governor Usman Ododo remains a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and has no intention of defecting to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Recall, a recent photo of the Governor with PDP governors at the Taraba State Government House had sparked rumors of a potential party switch.
However, the Kogi State Government has issued a statement on Saturday, categorically denying the reports and confirming Governor Ododo’s commitment to the APC.
“We urge the people to rest assured that Kogi remains APC and will continue to support the laudable policies and progress being recorded by the President of our dear nation, His Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.Indeed, Governors are united across party lines to support the efforts of Mr President at uniting our nation,” the state Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, said.
In refuting the media report, the commissioner described it as “reckless and unprofessional.”
“We want to assure the good people of Kogi State that their Governor remains a solid member of the All Progressives Congress and will support the party’s success, not only in Kogi State, but nationally.
“It is, however, pertinent to remind the media of its responsibility to the tenets of journalism. Journalists should always strive to stay away from falsehood/unfounded lies concocted by interested ‘sources’. The media must continue to retain our trust and confidence at all times.”
The commissioner stated that the picture seen on social media platforms was taken at the wedding ceremony of the daughter of the Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas.
He said that ceremony was attended by dignitaries across the country, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Former President Good luck Ebele Jonathan as well as governors across party lines.
“The attention of the Kogi State Government has been drawn to a reckless and unprofessional media report that the Governor of the State was considering dumping the All Progressives Congress. We would have ignored the blatant falsehood but we owe the public the duty of correct and adequate information.
“The promoters of the falsehood are people who are still rueing their woeful failure at the law courts and probably trying to find a back door into the All Progressives Congress, hence their resort to the only tools at their disposal which are falsehood, propaganda, misinformation and disinformation,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court affirmed Ododo as the validly elected governor of Kogi State yesterday,August 23, 2024.
In a unanimous decision on Friday, the five-member panel of the apex court held that the SDP candidate’s appeal was lacking in merit.
