A group, Forum of Ex-political Office Holders in Kogi State has made a passionate appeal to Gov. Ahmed Ododo to pay the balance of N2.7 billion in arrears of their salaries and allowances.
The group Chairman, Hon. Musa Abdullahi; and Secretary, Hon. Muhammad Omale, made the appeal at a press conference on Wednesday in Lokoja.
According to them, the group, which comprises former local government chairmen, vice chairmen, councillors, and other political office holders, was formed in 2013 to fight for their rights after the Kogi State High Court unjustly dissolved the council.
Abdullahi said the group’s ordeal began in 2014 when the Kogi State High Court annulled the election of the 21 local government chairmen and other political office holders.
“However, the Court of Appeal later set aside the judgment, declaring it null and void.
“Although the tenure of the office holders elapsed in 2016, the then Governor Yahaya Bello promised to pay their arrears of salaries and allowances, amounting to N4.7 billion.
He commended the former Gov. Bello for paying N2 billion in three tranches, with the current Governor facilitating the third tranche.
The group appealed to settle the outstanding balance of N2.7 billion, citing their suffering due to illness, hunger, and inability to pay bills.
They expressed confidence in the Governor’s ability to fulfill the promise, given his reputation as a man of his word.
Despite the pending payment, the group unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the Governor, citing his visionary leadership and commitment to human and infrastructural development in Kogi State.
The forum highlighted Ododo’s notable achievements including: supporting security, paying civil servants promptly, funding WAEC/NECO fees, constructing roads, improving healthcare, and empowering women and youth.
The group also condoled with the Governor and the people of Kogi State on the passing of the Governor’s father, Alhaji Momoh Sanni Ahmed Ododo.
They prayed that Almighty Allah grant him Aljanatu Firdaus.
The forum congratulated the governor and the people of Kogi State on the 34th anniversary of the state’s creation, wishing the Governor more wisdom to lead the state to greater heights.
They pledged their unwavering support to the Governor and the All Progressive Congress (APC), vowing to stand by him at all times.