By Atuluku Samuel
Thousands of members of opposition parties in Dekina Local Government Area have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC in an event described as most historic in the political history of the area.
The event took place on Sunday at ODU OFOMU, headquarters of Ward two, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The epoch making event was with excitement as the entire community was agog with jubilation at the historic political gathering that attracted massive crowd from across the ward and beyond.
Speaking at the gathering, the Kogi State Auditor General, Alhaji Yakubu Okala, who officially received the defectors into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), urged them to exhibit patriotism, stressing that there was no room for laxity .
Honourable Okala emphasized the importance of patriotism, saying that politics was all about interest, describing the development as a new dawn in Odu politics and Dekina local government at large.
He affirmed of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s continued commitment in delivering good governance, ensuring equity, transparency, and people-centered development across board.
”The mass movement into the APC today is a reflection of trust, unity, and the collective aspiration for continued growth and development. Therefore, this exciting defection marks a major political realignment and renewed hope and faith in the developmental strides of the present administration”, Hon Okala stated.
According to the State Auditor General, the decamping exercise was a clear testament to the people’s confidence in the purposeful leadership and vision of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Executive Governor of Kogi State who is working with passion and without discrimination.
Alhaji Okala urged the new party members, especially the youths and women, to take active part in the democratic process by obtaining their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs), emphasizing that voting power remains the strongest tool for sustaining democracy and ensuring that good governance is realized.
He further assured the people of Odu Ward II that the Ododo-led administration will continue to prioritize infrastructural development, education, healthcare, agricultural support, job creation, and youth empowerment initiatives in order to improve the living standards of every citizen.
”Let me congratulate ODU people for coming on board, the APC as a party is large enough to accommodate all, and so, I thank Almighty Allah for this time, this government will continue to do its best to make life comfortable for the people and the administration will not let anyone down.
In his remarks, the member representing Dekina/Biraidu in Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Usman Ochidi said the decamping by ODU people was a testament of the good works of the Chief servant of the state.
Hon. Ochidi commended the people of ODU Ward two for the bold initiative and assured that their decision would not be in vain.
”It is true that the government of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is working and the people are testifying of such good works. It is not business as usual and His Excellency is demonstrating it, let us keep faith alive, keep praying for the Government and the Governor in particular, I am optimistic that the Governor will leave worthy legacies that will stand the test of time”, the lawmaker remarked.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Grassroots Mobilization, Honourable Princess Joy Oguche highlighted the good works of the Governor who is determined to put smiles on the faces of the people of the state.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Honourable Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Hajia Rabiatu Baby Okwute, the Zonal Chairman of APC, Hon. Ogwu Alhassan, the Chairman of Dekina Local Government, Hon. John Urah Ikani, some key party stakeholders and well wishers.
The spokesperson of the decampees on behalf of the people assured that they will work to ensure the growth of the APC and commended Hon. Yakubu Okala for providing purposeful leadership, describing him as a trail blazer, an epitome of knowledge and a pace setter and pledged their loyalty to his leadership.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of brooms to the new members as well as cultural dances by masquerades and other cultural groups.
