Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi, on Monday,  swore in two returning commissioners and three other appointees, who had resigned to contest the state APC governorship primaries held on  April 14.

Those sworn in are: the commissioner for finance, budget and economic planning, Asiwaju Idr-Ashiru; commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs,  Deedat Ozigi; the chief of staff,  Abdulkareem Jamiu; accountant general of the state, Jubrin Momoh and the auditor general of the state, Yakubu Okala.

Kingsley Fanwo, the state information commissioner told newsmen that the governor administered the oath of office, secrecy and allegiance on the returnees at an executive council meeting held at the Lugard House.

Mr Fanwo, said the governor had charged the returning appointees to continue to be loyal and serve diligently in a bid to move the administration further forward.

The commissioner also disclosed that the exco received reports on the progress of several projects currently embarked on by Mr Bello’s administration,  noting that several of these projects were hinted to be in advanced stages.

But he added that the governor reiterated his commitment and determination to ensure completion of all projects before the end of his administration.

He gave other approvals at the meeting to include the termination of the appointment of the former chairman of the market board, Danjuma Ochima who was accused of neglecting duties and promoting the return of filth in the state.

“The exco equally approved a memo seeking for the establishment of the Directorate of Medical Laboratory Services in the Ministry of Health, which would create cooperations amongst medical laboratory scientists across the states, particularly in health care institutions.

“A memo seeking for a law to repel the Prohibition of Kidnapping and other related matters, law 2015 and be reenacted, Kogi State Prohibition of Kidnapping and other related maters, law 2023 was also received, ” he said.

Mr Fanwo further said that the state attorney general was further directed by the council to forward the bill to the State House of Assembly for consideration.

According to him, the law, when passed, will help in strengthening the criminal justice system of the state and to further nip in the bud,  issues of kidnapping, thuggery and other violent crimes. 

(NAN)