President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, advised governors elected on the platform of the ruling All Progressives’ Congress (APC) to always put the interest of the people first and work for the good of their states.
In a statement from his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu offered this guidance during a meeting with Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, the re-elected Governor of Imo State Hope Uzodinma, and the Governor-elect of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, at the State House, Abuja.
During the discussion, the President conveyed his contentment with the election results, characterizing them as free, fair, and peaceful.
“You worked hard for this victory. I am very proud of you, but the real challenge has only started, and it will stare you in the face. That is the challenge of good governance. Make sure that everyone is carried along. You are now the servants of the people. To God be all the glory for the victories, and may God guide you.”
“Once the people of Nigeria and their concerns are the focal point of your plans and actions, not only will governance be easier for you, but you will enhance the value of your states and the masses of the people will have new opportunities to grow and enjoy a new standard of living. This must be your driving focus as governors, but especially as governors elected on the platform of our great party.”
“Two out of three is not a bad way to start. We will focus not on winning the elections alone but on delivering for the people. They are sovereign, and when we achieve what we promise, voters will respect us. We will work with you at the sub-national levels, and we will uphold the strength and superior excellence that is symbolized by the eagle on our coat of arms,” the President concluded.
The National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, who led the Governors-elect and APC stalwarts to meet with President Tinubu, said the party’s candidates conducted themselves with integrity as directed by the President during the elections, and that the party had conceded victory to the opposition in Bayelsa State.
“We lost the election in Bayelsa, and we have conceded in good faith. You directed that the elections should be free, fair, and peaceful, and it was so,” Dr. Ganduje said.
Representing the candidates who participated in the elections, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State extended gratitude to the President for offering robust and purposeful leadership at the national level, thereby empowering and invigorating their campaigns.
“We won because of the leadership you demonstrated. The country was struggling, but the economy has been responding to the reforms and rapid-response strategy you have put in place,” he said.
Meanwhile, addressing reporters after the meeting, the governors-elect explained that presenting certificates to the President was a acknowledgment of his leadership and the guidance he has provided since assuming the presidency.
Regarding his successful bid for a second term, Governor Uzodinma highlighted that his electoral victory reaffirms not only his own success but also underscores the popularity of the ruling party, as well as President Tinubu’s victory in the presidential election, among Nigerians.
Discussing the party’s triumph in Kogi State, Governor-elect Ododo emphasized that his mandate is for the people of the state, expressing his commitment to serving them. Incumbent Governor Yahya Bello of Kogi State assured that he would not interfere in the administration of Usman Ododo as the incoming Governor of Kogi State.
“I had GYB administration and nobody dictated to me,the people were satisfied with me. This will be Ododo Ahmed Usman’s administration, whether good or bad he will carry his own cross.”