Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo has officially dismissed claims of any rift between him and Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, the federal lawmaker representing the Ikeja Constituency in the House of Representatives. Governor Ododo addressed these rumours during a meeting with the Faleke Political Vanguard at the Government House in Lokoja, emphasising that their political alliance remains solid and untroubled.
What did Governor Ododo say about his relationship with Faleke?
Clarifying their political standing over the weekend, Ododo stated plainly that Faleke is both his leader and trusted ally, noting that he owes no one an apology for their strong partnership. The governor explained that the heavy demands of running the state government had occasionally limited his physical interactions with the youth vanguard, cautioning against misinterpreting these busy schedules as political friction. He also acknowledged the lawmaker's steadfast backing during past legal battles, describing their association as one deeply rooted in mutual trust and shared objectives.
How is the Faleke Political Vanguard structured across Kogi State?
During the courtesy visit, the Coordinator of the Faleke Political Vanguard, Alamoh Kehinde Samuel, detailed the organisation's extensive grassroots network spanning all 21 local government areas and 239 electoral wards of Kogi State. Kehinde noted that the group aims to enlist 100 members per ward, targeting a total active membership base of 23,900 individuals. He explained that the movement comprises loyalists of both the late former Governor Abubakar Audu and Hon. Faleke, united to drive grassroots civic participation and back the current state administration.
What achievements and future goals were highlighted?
The coordinator praised Governor Ododo's developmental strides, pointing to the rehabilitation of 88 primary healthcare facilities, establishment of a psychiatric unit at the Prince Abubakar Audu University Teaching Hospital, and prompt payment of workers' salaries and pensions. Furthermore, Kehinde confirmed that the vanguard is actively mobilising support for both Governor Ododo and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Concluding the engagement, Hon. Bode Adeyemi, Chairman of the Kogi State Special Advisers’ Forum, commended the youth group for its discipline and robust mobilisation capacity. Governor Ododo urged the youth to reject politicians who attempt to incite violence or exploit them for partisan conflicts, advising them instead to channel their energy towards productive societal growth and peaceful engagement.