Idris sworn in as Kogi governor

Niyi Adebimpe and Johnson Babajide, Lokoja - 06.04.2008

Governor Ibrahim Idris yesterday mounted the saddle of leadership of Kogi State with a promise to consolidate the records of his past achievements. The governor ,who took the oath of office around 12.25pm along with his deputy, Chief Philip Salawu ,said that his return would be used to concretise the laudable achievements he recorded before the annulment of his election, stressing that the period of his absence in office was a period of stock taking, which he said had availed him the opportunity to assess his past records.

He promised to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people of the state, promote justice and fairness ,as well as concretise the existing cooperation among the ethnic groups of the state. Elated Idris thanked President Umaru Yar’ Adua, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, the national party chairman, Chief Vincet Ogbulafor, as well as others who contributed to his success during the re-run election.

Earlier, the former acting governor,Chief Clarence Olafemi described the two months of been in saddle as the most challenging period of his career, stating that the build- up to the election, with its attendant violence, was one of the most challenging period.

While apologising for any wrongs done during his tenure, Olafemi said that all the actions and inactions taken were for the peace of the state, stressing that he remained unperturbed and insisted that if such opportunities came his way again he would repeat the same for the growth and peace of the state.

The ceremony was graced by the wife of the Vice President, Mrs Patience Jonathan, Governor of Niger State, Alhaji Aliu Babangida, deputy governors of Kaduna and Plateau states, as well as other dignitaries.