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Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State are accusing the Chairman of the Area, Hon. Haruna Ibrahim of Divisive Politics, Alleged Diversion of Funds, and Extortion of Party Leaders.
They also rallied 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 on the Chairman of the Local Government, Hon. Ibrahim Haruna.
The stakeholders, drawn from the 15 wards of Ijumu, made their position known at a meeting held in Iyara, the headquarters of the local government, under the leadership of the APC Local Government Chairman, Hon. Oyewole Solomon.
The meeting was attended by critical leaders and stakeholders of the party, including ward executives, government appointees at the federal, state and local government levels, former political office holders and other prominent APC faithful.
At the meeting, the stakeholders expressed strong support for President Tinubu’s re-election, citing what they described as the administration’s transformation agenda and achievements across various sectors of the country.
They also commended the President for appointing several sons and daughters of Ijumu into strategic federal positions, describing the appointments as a demonstration of the confidence placed in Ijumu people by the Tinubu administration.
Among the appointments highlighted were the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Ajaokuta Steel Company, a board member of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and a Federal Commissioner of the National Population Commission, among others.
The stakeholders said the appointments had further elevated the profile of Ijumu at the national level and called on the people to reciprocate the gesture by massively supporting President Tinubu and the APC.
They equally passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, commending what they described as his transformative leadership and developmental strides across Kogi State.
The stakeholders consequently resolved to support Governor Ododo for a second term in office, saying his administration deserves the opportunity to consolidate its achievements.
However, the meeting later became contentious following allegations against the Ijumu Local Government Chairman, Hon. Ibrahim Haruna.
The stakeholders accused Haruna of allegedly promoting disunity among APC members in Ijumu, diverting local government funds and using his office to allegedly extort leaders of the party.
They further alleged that the chairman had mobilised thugs in an attempt to disrupt the stakeholders’ meeting, describing the alleged action as unacceptable and inimical to the unity and progress of the APC in Ijumu.
Following deliberations on the allegations, a motion for a vote of no confidence in the local government chairman was moved and duly supported by the party leaders and stakeholders present.
The stakeholders said the decision was taken in the interest of the party and the people of Ijumu, stressing the need for responsible leadership, accountability, unity and respect for party structures at the local government level.
Those present at the meeting 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 Chairman of Ijumu Local Government Area, Hon. Taufiq Isa; and Special Advisers to the Governor, 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 numerous APC faithful from the 15 wards of Ijumu.
The stakeholders reaffirmed their loyalty to the APC and called for greater unity among party members, while urging leaders and members to remain focused on delivering victory for President Tinubu, Governor Ododo and other APC candidates in future elections.
