Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo, has reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to his predecessor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, declaring that he remains deeply grateful for the role Bello played in his political journey.

Ododo made this known on Friday while speaking with journalists after a courtesy visit to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and members of the National Working Committee (NWC) at the party’s headquarters in Abuja.

When asked if anything could affect his relationship with Bello, Ododo responded, “Any river that forgets its source will soon dry up. My boss, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, is like a father to me. I was not born with a silver spoon.”

The governor, visibly emotional, said he remains committed to the values of loyalty and gratitude. “Where he (Bello) picked me from and how God used him to elevate me remain fresh in my memory. I will never forget where I came from,”

Ododo added, “I will not and cannot betray him. When you see a child angry with his father, such a child is no longer truly one. I’m not that kind of person.”

Acknowledging human imperfections, the governor appealed for understanding, saying if he ever falls short, people should mediate rather than assume disloyalty.
Governor Ododo’s remarks come amid ongoing political conversations around continuity and party unity in Kogi State.

“If he gets angry with me as a father. Please, if you observe or you get a feel that my boss is angry with me, please just go and plead with him on my behalf. But as far as I’m concerned, he’s a leader. I can never, and will never betray him.”

On securuty, Ododo said the level of natural endowments of the state, in terms of mineral resources and fertile land, have exposed the state to some security challenges but maintained that his administration has been on top of the situation.

According to him, despite the challenges posed by the location of the state which is bordered by 10 other states including the Federal Capital Territory, the state had become a “no-go zone” for criminal elements, noting that recent pushbacks from the Northeast and Northwest have seen criminals attempt to find new grounds, but with little success in Kogi.

“They come in their numbers and go back in zeros,” Ododo stated confidently. “We don’t make noise; we deal with them decisively.”

Earlier while addressing the NWC members, the governor reaffirmed his loyalty to the party leadership, and gratitude for their support during his election. 

He pledged his unwavering commitment to the ideals and vision of the APC, assuring the National Chairman and the party’s highest administrative organ of his administration’s resolve to align with the party’s manifesto.

“The confidence reposed in me by the party has inspired my commitment to serve with humility and excellence. Our inclusive governance model, which prioritizes youth and women participation, is already yielding tangible dividends.”

APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, commended the governor’s performance, describing him as a model of the party’s youthful leadership.

“You are a confluence of age, energy, and achievement,” Ganduje said. “Your administration reflects the intellectual foundation of our party, and we are proud of your strides in Kogi State.”

The Chairman also commended the peaceful succession from the former governor, Yahaya Bello to Ododo, noting that political transitions are often marred by conflict in Nigeria. He added that the party’s research wing would study Kogi’s political transition as a case model for future party strategies.

Ganduje who promised that the party would continue to support Kogi in its developmental journey, also applauded the cordial working relationship between Ododo and his deputy governor.