Kogi Deputy Gov Urges Igalamela Leaders to Unite for Growth, Progress of the APC
…As Alaji Friday Aladay, Adele SAN, two others returns to the Party
The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area has been called upon to unite and close ranks for the growth and progress of the party.
The Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Comrade Joel Salifu made the call while addressing the stakeholders of the local government in an enlarged meeting at his office in Lokoja on Sunday.
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He said the stakeholders meeting was necessary to address various problems confronting the party in the area, some of which stem from the activities of the last governorship election in the state.
In the Deputy Governor’s words, “election came and it has gone, let go of all the animosities associated with it”, urging the leaders to forgive one another and unite for the progress of the party and the local government.
He affirmed that the APC is in its reparation stage, urging them to harmonise all interests, avoid factions, and forgive former members who erred and had indicated interest to rejoin the party.
While receiving Dr. Alaji Friday Aladay, John Adele SAN, Ogala David Polycarp, and Seidu Ibrahim into the APC from the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Comrd. Joel Salifu expressed gratitude for their boldness, urging them to be steadfast, and contribute to the attainment of the goals of the party.
Leading the new party faithfuls was the former member representing Igalamela/Odolu Local Government State Constituency at the House of Assembly, Hon Friday Sani Makama, who assured the state government of the resolve of the new members to be loyal, and contribute to the success of the APC in the area.
On his part, the State Auditor General, Alhaji Yakubu Yusuf Okala advised the leaders to continue the engagement meeting at the local government to discuss problems facing the party with a view to solving them. He congratulated the new members and encouraged them to be active by taking part in all party activities.
The Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Chairman, Barrister Cosmas Atabor appreciated the Governor and his Deputy for being liberal in all their policies, revealing that it was the first time the government would engage the party at the local government level to know and solve its challenges. He pledged to continue to work with the stakeholders for the overall progress of the APC in the area.
Speaking onbehalf of the new members, Dr. Alaji Friday Aladay stated that it is a homecoming after their expedition to the opposition, and revealed that their return is fueled by the achivememt of governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s one year in office, maintaining that he has redefined governance in Kogi State to the admiration of all and sundry.
In his vote of thanks, Former Minister of State, Labour and Productivity, Professor Stephen Ocheni, appreciated the government in its state wide engagement with the local government and pledged to return home to settle all conflicts and work towards the expansion of the party. He urged the new members to be loyal, and harvest more followers from their former party to the APC.
This meeting of critical stakeholders of Igalamela/Odolu Local Government at the instance of the Deputy Governor of Kogi State and subsequent defection of key actors of the opposition SDP to the rulling party has further shown the commitment of the present administration to strengthen the APC and its organs at the local government level, as well as the move to paralyze opposition parties ahead of future contest in the state. The engagement has no doubt put to rest all lingering issues confronting the party in the area and its leadership.
Unubi Emmanuel
Press Secretary
to the Deputy Governor of Kogi State
March 3, 2025
