Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari (middle), with current govenor of Borno State Babagana Zulum (L) and former governor Kashim Shettima (R) who is also vice president-elect.
AFP

Vice President Kashim Shettima expressed confidence in the new Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Usman Ododo, during the inauguration ceremony, which also saw Salifu Joel Oyibo becoming Deputy Governor of Kogi State.

The inauguration ceremony took place at the Muhammadu Buhari Square in Lokoja, the state capital.

Speaking at the event, Shettima said the "change of baton from one progressive to another will not disrupt the dividends of good governance," as per the statement shared on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Sunday.

He also said that "Kogi State remains bound by the ideals and promises of a unified council of leaders and the largest party in Africa," the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The vice president noted that President Bola Tinubu is committed to collaborating with the vast potentials of Kogi State and "bring to fruition the aspirations of its illustrious people."

"This historic day is not an orphan; it is born from a collection of sacrifices and an inventory of commitments to serve the people. This historic day is the ultimate demonstration of faith in Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo, a man fit for the shoes he is about to step into," Shettima said.

The vice president described the outgoing Governor Yahaya Bello as "indefatigable White Lion, the people's lion" and said that Ododo as a successor is "an eloquent referendum on" Bello's stewardship.

"We are not here by accident, for none of us would ever escape our destiny. It's this fatalism in our service to humanity that inspires our humility to stay on track. We are here merely because we are chosen by the people to represent their ideals," he added.

According to the vice president, the political parties embody ideologies but it is the people who uphold the value system, emphasizing that the Kogi State is fortunate to have trusted patriots safeguarding Nigerians' interests.

Shettima pointed out that Ododo is becoming the governor of Kogi State at a difficult time as Nigeria is struggling with economic and insecurity problems.

Considering the ongoing troubles in the country, the vice president urged the party members in Kogi to work together as pillars. "Our ability to manage this weight shapes our future and influences our image, and we must remain ambassadors of the party, wherever we are and in whatever we do," he concluded.

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