Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi has appealed to the federal government to channel funds from fuel subsidy removal towards improving health, education, agriculture and other critical infrastructure to help cushion its effect on citizens.

According to a statement on Friday by his chief press secretary, Onogwu Mohammed, the governor appealed during a meeting with the state Traditional Council of Chiefs at the Government House in Lokoja.

Mr Bello explained that the appeal became imperative and essential toward enhancing the well-being of citizens in the face of the hardship being faced.

He said he was fully aware of the effects of the removed petroleum product subsidies on the government and its people.

He expressed happiness that Operation Light Up Kogi East, a rural electrification project in Kogi East Senatorial District, has recorded substantial progress and impact.

“The operation Light up Kogi East is very important to my administration in its continuing efforts to ensure that every community in the region receives reliable electricity supply to improve citizens’ standard of life,” he said.

The governor told the traditional rulers that recruiting qualified academics for the new Kogi State University (KSU) had been advertised for Kogi indigenes with the necessary qualifications to apply and support the project.

He expressed his gratitude to the royal fathers, whom he described as “crucial supporters” of his administration, especially in community policing and overall development.

Mr Bello encouraged the traditional rulers to advocate for peaceful coexistence, tolerance and unity among their subjects.

On the upcoming gubernatorial election, Mr Bello urged the traditional rulers to advise their subjects to conduct peaceful campaigns devoid of any crisis, violence or acts that might threaten the state’s peace and security.

He, however, expressed confidence in his political party, the All Progressives Congress, and its ability to secure a rancour-free atmosphere for the state’s people to cast their votes on November 11.

Responding, the president of the Kogi Traditional Council of Chiefs, the Attah Igala, Mathew Ogwuche-akpa II, represented by the Ohimege-Igu of Koto Karfe, Abdulrasaq Isah-Koto, conveyed their solidarity to the governor.

(NAN)