The Kogi State Government has committed to upholding the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy. They also criticized those calling for nationwide protests, labeling them as adversaries of Nigeria.
This information was revealed in a statement issued on Tuesday by Kingsley Fanwo, the state Commissioner for Information, in Lokoja, the state capital, following a stakeholders’ meeting with members of the All Progressives Congress.
Governor Alhaji Ahmed Ododo assured that under his leadership, the state government will maintain democracy and the continued autonomy of Kogi Local Government Councils.
He emphasized his administration’s dedication to reinforcing democracy at the local government level.
Ododo stated that the local government election in Kogi, scheduled for October 19, 2024, would be free, fair, and credible. He urged stakeholders to promote women’s participation in the election.
He expressed his expectation for women to occupy at least 40% of the legislative seats at the local government level, recognizing their significant voter turnout during elections.
He stressed the importance of including women in decision-making processes within the state.
Under Governor Yahaya Bello’s leadership, the state achieved 30% women’s representation, and Ododo aims to increase this to 40% in the upcoming election. He encouraged candidates for chairmanship positions to choose women as their running mates and assured that he would not impose any candidate, allowing the people to select their representatives in various local government areas and wards.
Ododo also urged newly elected councillors to consider appointing women as their council leaders, emphasizing Kogi’s commitment to women’s inclusion in governance.
The governor also called on Nigerians to continue supporting President Bola Tinubu, highlighting his efforts to improve the country.
Ododo dismissed protests as unproductive, emphasizing the government’s hard work to reduce food prices in the coming months. He condemned those promoting protests, branding them as enemies of Nigeria.
Ododo confirmed that Kogi Local Government Councils have been autonomous since 2016, with the primary change being that their allocations will now be directly deposited into their accounts.
He urged the Local Government Councils to justify the President’s efforts by positively impacting the lives of people at the grassroots level.
