Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi on Friday says his administration would channel funds towards improving health, education, agriculture and other critical infrastructure to help cushion effects of subsidy removal.
The governor, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr Onogwu Mohammed, made the disclosure during a meeting with the Traditional Council of Chiefs at the Government House in Lokoja.
Bello explained that the decision became imperative and essential toward enhancing the well-being of the populace in the face of the hardship being faced.
According to him, he is fully aware of the effects of the removed petroleum product subsidies on the state government and its people.
He expressed happiness that the Operation Light Up Kogi East, a rural electrification project in Kogi East Senatorial District, has recorded substantial progress and impact.
“The operation light up Kogi East is very important to my administration in its continuing efforts to ensure that every community in the region receives reliable electricity supply to improve citizens’ standard of life,” he said.
The governor told the traditional rulers that the recruitment of qualified academics for the new Kogi State University (KSU) had been advertised for Kogi sons and daughters with the necessary qualifications to apply and support the project.
He expressed his gratitude to the Royal Fathers, whom he described as “crucial supporters” of his administration, especially in the realms of community policing and overall development.
Bello encouraged the traditional rulers to advocate for peaceful coexistence, tolerance and unity among their subjects.
“I want to crave your indulgence as traditional rulers to advise your people against engaging in acrimonious politics, spreading fake news and resorting to propaganda.
“I hereby implored you to continue working and praying for the success of President Bola Tinubu, considering the visionary policies his administration has undertaken to put the country on the path of economic development.
“I can assure you of my optimism that better days are ahead, and the current challenges will yield the desired results in the country,” he said.
On the upcoming gubernatorial election, Bello urged the traditional rulers to advise their subjects to conduct peaceful campaigns, devoid of any form of crisis, violence,or acts that might threaten the state’s peace and security.
He, however, expressed confidence in his political party, the All Progressives Congress, and its ability to secure a rancour-free atmosphere for the people of the state to cast their votes on Nov. 11.
Speaking on the rumours about his own life, the governor said “life and death are in the hands of God alone, and I will return to God when it is divinely appointed for me”.
The governor, however, used the opportunity to condole with the Attah Igala over the death of his brother two weeks back.
Responding, the President of Kogi Traditional Council of Chiefs, the Attah Igala, His Royal Majesty, Mathew Ogwuche-akpa II, was represented by the Ohimege-Igu of Koto Karfe, His Royal Majesty, Abdulrasaq Isah-Koto, conveyed their solidarity to the governor.
They commended the governor for his various developmental projects in the state.
The council urged the governor to maintain the momentum of progress, especially in the area of electricity and emphasised the importance of delivering good governance to the people while disregarding distractions. (NAN)
