Stop attacking Gov. Ododo, GYB Voice Network group tells Austin Okai
By Abubakar Suleman
A group, GYB Voice Network, on Friday called on Austin Okai, to stop all forms of media attacks on Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration.
The present Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo is been criticised by Austin Okai on how the governor piloted the affairs of the state.
In a press conference organised by GYB Voice Network, The Cordinator of the forum, Alhaji Ali Atabor with his cordinators from the nine local government areas in kogi eastern flank, said the group dissociate themselves from the unwarranted statement of Austin Okai, adding that he was not representing the interest of Igala people.
The group dismissed Okai’s accusations against Governor Ododo, which claimed the diversion of 13 billion naira, as false and baseless.
He described such attitudes of Austin Okai as alien to the unity, development and political maturity in kogi East, saying Okai cannot speak for kogi East and has never been successful in his political ambition.
“We therefore advise the Austin Okai to have a change of mind and support the present administration of Gov. Ahmed Usman Ododo as his numerous achievements has speaks for him”,
The group highlighted several projects executed at various local government areas in kogi East, especially Health centres, mentioning Dekina, Igalamela-Odolu, Ibaji Ofu and others.
It added, “There’s no political solidarity or support from the people of kogi East over what Austin Okai is allegedly doing against the Governor and kogi state Government
The group further described Austin Okai as a “tribal champion” and “serial loser” who is attempting to revive his failing political career using the name of Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo.
The group claims that Austin Okai who had never won an election in kogi East sees Ododo’s name as a tool to gain attention ahead of the 2027 general elections.
They accused Okai of being a confused politician, whose political aspirations remain unfulfilled, especially after his loss in the last federal House of Representatives election to the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in his constituency.
The group dismissed Okai’s accusations against Governor Ododo, which claimed the diversion of 13 billion naira, as false and baseless.
According to Comrade Atabor, “Okai is a discredited politician desperately clinging to unfounded allegations to prevent further political decline, he however praised Governor Ododo as a leader of integrity, highlighting the achievements made under his administration.
He pointed to several completed projects, including the commissioning of a 9-kilometer road and a 5.5-kilometer road by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Other projects included a 350-bed hostel at Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) Osara, two faculty buildings, and multiple primary health centers.
He noted that Governor Ododo had brought significant improvements to Kogi, with initiatives that had positively impacted the people’s lives, such as prompt payment of civil servants’ salaries, pensions, and school fees for public secondary school students, including WAEC and JAMB fees.
He commended the governor’s efforts in improving security, citing his collaboration with local vigilantes and conventional security forces to enhance the state’s security framework.
The group however asked elders and other political leaders in kogi East who are part of the state progress to call Austin Okai to order in the interest of continuous peace and harmony, peace and understanding in the state.
