A forum of former political officeholders in Kogi has appealed to Gov. Ahmed Ododo to settle the outstanding N2.7 billion arrears of salaries and allowances.

The forum’s chairman, Musa Abdullahi, and secretary, Muhammad Omale, made the appeal during a press conference on Wednesday in Lokoja.

Members include former local government chairmen, vice chairmen, councillors, and other political office holders across the state.

The forum was formed in 2013 to defend their rights after the councils were dissolved by the State High Court.

Mr Abdullahi explained that their ordeal began in 2014 when the Kogi State High Court annulled the election of 21 council chairmen and other office holders.

He noted that the Court of Appeal later set aside the judgement, declaring it null and void.

Although their tenure expired in 2016, former Governor Yahaya Bello pledged to pay arrears of salaries and allowances amounting to N4.7 billion.

He commended Mr Bello for releasing N2 billion in three tranches, noting that Mr Ododo facilitated payment of the third tranche.

The group urged the governor to settle the remaining N2.7 billion, citing hardship caused by illness, hunger, and inability to meet family obligations.

They expressed confidence in Mr Ododo’s ability to redeem the pledge, describing him as a man known to keep his word.

The forum also praised Mr Ododo’s achievements in security support, prompt salary payment, WAEC/NECO fee funding, road construction, healthcare improvements, and empowerment of women and youth.

They commiserated with the governor over the death of his father, Momoh Ododo, praying Allah grants him Aljanatu Firdaus.

The forum further congratulated the governor and the people of Kogi on their 34th anniversary, wishing him wisdom to steer the state to even greater heights.

(NAN)