Ijumu APC Stakeholders Support Tinubu, Ododo, Reject LG Chairman Ibrahim Haruna
APC stakeholders in Ijumu LGA have endorsed President Tinubu and Governor Ododo while passing a vote of no confidence in LG Chairman Ibrahim Haruna over allegations of division, fund diversion and extortion.
IYARA, Kogi State
All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State have reaffirmed their support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the second-term bid of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, while passing a vote of no confidence in the local government chairman, Hon. Ibrahim Haruna.
The resolutions were reached at a stakeholders’ meeting held in Iyara, headquarters of Ijumu Local Government Area, under the leadership of the APC Local Government Chairman, Hon. Oyewole Solomon.
The meeting brought together party executives and prominent stakeholders from the 15 wards of Ijumu, including government appointees at federal, state and local government levels, former political office holders and other APC members.
Stakeholders Rally Behind Tinubu
At the meeting, the stakeholders expressed strong support for President Tinubu’s continued leadership, citing what they described as the administration’s achievements and transformation agenda across key sectors of the economy.
They also commended the President for appointing several indigenes of Ijumu to strategic federal positions, describing the appointments as evidence of the confidence placed in the people of the local government by the Tinubu administration.
Among the appointments mentioned were the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Ajaokuta Steel Company, a board position at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and a Federal Commissioner of the National Population Commission, among others.
The stakeholders said the appointments had enhanced Ijumu’s visibility at the national level and urged residents to reciprocate what they described as the administration’s goodwill by supporting President Tinubu and the APC.
Ododo Gets Second-Term Backing
The stakeholders also passed a vote of confidence in Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, commending his leadership and what they described as his developmental efforts across Kogi State.
They consequently resolved to support the Governor’s bid for a second term, arguing that his administration should be given the opportunity to consolidate its programmes and achievements.
The stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to the APC and called for unity among members ahead of future elections.
Stakeholders Accuse LG Chairman of Divisive Politics
The meeting, however, took a contentious turn when stakeholders raised allegations against the Ijumu Local Government Chairman, Hon. Ibrahim Haruna.
The stakeholders accused the chairman of allegedly promoting division among APC members, diverting local government funds and using his office to allegedly extort party leaders.
They further alleged that Haruna had mobilised thugs in an attempt to disrupt the stakeholders’ meeting, describing the alleged development as unacceptable and detrimental to party unity.
The allegations were raised during deliberations at the meeting and were subsequently followed by a motion calling for a vote of no confidence in the local government chairman.
The motion was supported by the party leaders and stakeholders present.
The stakeholders said their position was motivated by the need to promote responsible leadership, accountability, unity and respect for established party structures in Ijumu Local Government.
The allegations against Hon. Ibrahim Haruna are claims made by the APC stakeholders at the meeting and have not been independently established in this report.
Party Leaders in Attendance
Those present included the APC Local Government Chairman, Hon. Oyewole Solomon, and members of his executive; ward party executives; Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Sunday Faleke; former Ijumu Local Government Chairman, Hon. Taufiq Isa; and Special Advisers to Governor Ododo, including Hon. Oladele John Nihi, Hon. Femi Obanewo, Hon. Shuaibu Ipinmisho and Hon. Ibukunle Alex Obaropo, a former Secretary to the Local Government.
Others included Hon. Funsho Olumoko, former Chairman of Ijumu Local Government; Prime Abubakar Ibukunle, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor; Hon. Richard Osaseyi, Chairman of the Kogi State Signage and Advertisement Agency; several other Senior Special Assistants to the Governor and APC faithful from the 15 wards of Ijumu.
The stakeholders ended the meeting by reaffirming their loyalty to the APC and urging members to close ranks, maintain peace and work collectively towards securing victory for President Tinubu, Governor Ododo and other APC candidates in future elections.