The  Deputy Governor of Kogi, Joel Salifu, on Sunday received over 600 defectors from opposition parties into the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ofu Local Government Area of the state.

Mr Salifu received the defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) during a grand reception organised in his honour by the Ofu Traditional Council and the sons and daughters of Ofu, both at home and in the diaspora.

The deputy governor said the reception is a deeply honouring moment, saying, “It is a very special day for me.

“Standing here before my people, I feel deeply honoured, happy, and grateful for this reception organised by the Ofu people, both at home and in the diaspora.”

Mr Salifu, who welcomed the defectors, also appealed to the Ofu people to give massive support to the APC, from the presidency to the governorship, as a token of appreciation for the honour of producing the deputy governor.

He also advised against being deceived by politicians who only appear during elections.

He thanked the traditional ruler, political office-holders, women, youths, and all who made the event possible, noting that the honour meant much, coming from his own people.

The deputy governor expressed loyalty to his principal, Governor Ahmed Ododo, and gratitude to former governor Yahaya Bello for the opportunity to serve.

He assured Ofu people of continued humility, loyalty, and commitment to service, stressing that “leadership is about service to the people, and that is what the Ododo administration stands for.”

Highlighting ongoing projects by the Ododo administration, he said roads in Ofu had been earmarked and measured for attention.

He added that transformers had been provided for some communities in the area,  and that primary schools were being remodelled under a state-wide project inaugurated by the governor.

He emphasised that some communities are now accessing clean water through interventions by the Ododo administration.

He urged youths to shun kidnapping, cultism, and crime, warning that the Ododo administration remained serious about fighting criminality.

Earlier, the Eje Ofu and Chairman of the Ofu Traditional Council, Dr Akwu Obaje, said the gathering was to celebrate their own son and acknowledge his loyalty, humility, and representation of Ofu people in government.

He commended the deputy governor for remaining calm, respectful, and accessible despite the demands of public office.

The traditional ruler thanked Mr Ododo for the confidence reposed in him and for respecting traditional institutions across the state.

He pledged the council’s continued support for the administration in maintaining peace, unity, and development.

He also urged youths to embrace education, hard work, and peaceful coexistence.

Mr Obaje appealed for more government intervention in roads, healthcare, security, youth empowerment, and rural development for the predominantly farming and trading community.

The state’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, urged residents to uphold peace, unity, and mutual tolerance irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or politics.

He admonished the people to shun divisive actions and sentiments, stressing the importance of peaceful coexistence and collective progress.

Mr Fanwo congratulated the deputy governor, describing him as a humble and dedicated public servant, whose loyalty and competence had strengthened the Ododo administration.

The Chairman of Ofu local government area, Muhammad Lawal, reaffirmed support of the council for the Ododo administration and commended the government’s developmental strides across the state.

Ambassador Simon Hassan, who spoke for the defectors, attributed their move to the APC to Mr Ododo’s impactful governance in Kogi and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda achievements.

Mr Hassan noted that the reforms were already yielding visible results in Nigeria’s economy.

The event featured prayers for the deputy governor’s continued rise and service to Kogi, cultural displays, and choir ministrations, among others.

Dignitaries at the event included the Kogi Commissioners for Youth and Sports, Monday Anyebe; Agriculture, Timothy Ojomah; APC zonal chairman, Kogi East; and ward chairmen, among others. 

(NAN)