The recently inaugurated Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, is facing controversy as it is alleged that he has approved the establishment of the “Office of Immediate Past Governor.” The claim was made by Austin Okai, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) House of Representatives candidate for Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency in the 2023 elections, through his official social media handle on Monday.
According to Okai, this new office is said to be located in the Government House in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State, and will be occupied by the immediate past Governor, Yahaya Bello.
The development comes shortly after Usman Ododo was sworn in on Saturday, January 27, succeeding Yahaya Bello, who completed his second term in office. In his inaugural speech, Governor Ododo expressed his commitment to placing Kogi State on the world tourism map, with a vision to transform it into an appealing investment destination for both local and international investors.
Governor Ododo outlined an aggressive, deliberate, and strategic approach to create an attractive business environment, believing that Kogi State possesses the necessary resources to become the industrial hub of the global south. He highlighted the state’s abundant mineral resources, natural wonders, and the convergence of the Niger and Benue rivers, emphasizing their potential for transportation, agriculture, and tourism.
The governor also underscored the state’s capacity for year-round food production, leveraging numerous rivers and dams. The alleged creation of the “Office of Immediate Past Governor” has sparked discussions and raised questions, adding a layer of controversy to the early days of Governor Ododo’s administration.
