The Akwa-Cross Community in Kogi State, led by the President of South-South States Residents in Kogi State and Special Adviser to the Governor on South-South Mobilization, Hon. Abu Micheal, has declared total and unwavering support for the administrations of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, vowing to deliver overwhelming votes for the All Progressives Congress in the 2027 general election.
The declaration was made on Sunday during a well-attended meeting of Akwa-Ibom and Cross River States residents in Kogi State held at Lokongoma Phase 1, Lokoja, where members turned out in large numbers to identify with the APC-led government at the federal and state levels.
Speaking at the meeting, Hon. Abu Micheal said the outpouring of commendation for Governor Ododo’s inclusive governance style was well-deserved and not misplaced, describing the massive turnout as heartwarming and a clear signal that the South-South community in Kogi has taken ownership of the present administration.
Hon. Micheal assured that ahead of the 2027 elections, deliberate efforts would be made to ensure that residents from the South-South continue to enjoy veritable opportunities abounding in the present administration, which he described as people-oriented and with a human face.
He said Governor Ododo has his eyes fixed on both massive infrastructural renewal and ensuring that no resident, regardless of origin, is left behind in enjoying the dividends of democracy, a feat that has made the South-South resolve to stand with the APC at all levels.
He noted that for the first time in the history of Kogi State, non-indigene communities from the South South States residents in Kogi have been given a sense of belonging through the appointment of a Special Adviser for South-South Mobilization and their recognition as critical stakeholders in governance.
He added that sustained investment in security through drone technology, forward operating bases and collaboration with hunters and vigilante operatives has guaranteed safety for South-South traders, artisans and professionals to do business unhindered across the state, while policies protecting traders from multiple taxation, especially in cashew and agro-businesses dominated by South-South residents, the revival of the Confluence Rice Mill supporting over 7,000 farmers, and access to empowerment programmes have opened the economic space for them.
He also pointed to the rehabilitation of over 700 schools and more than 150 primary healthcare centres, construction of at least 10 kilometres of road in each of the 21 local government areas, new markets and free trade zones, and Governor Ododo’s style of running a government without ethnic or religious bias which has fostered peaceful co-existence among Ebira, Igala, Okun and non-indigene groups.
Hon. Micheal, who praised the quality, industry and loyalty of the Akwa-Cross community as peaceful, hardworking and enterprising people whose contributions to the economy of Kogi State cannot be over-emphasized, assured that their safety, welfare and right to do business unhindered remains top priority under the Ododo administration.
He declared that come rain, come sunshine, the re-election of President Tinubu and Governor Ododo remains sacrosanct for the Southerners in the state and that the South-South has no other alternative to the continuity of the APC.
The meeting resolved to commence aggressive grassroots mobilization for the APC-led administration across the 21 local government areas, insisting that continuity at both federal and state levels remains the surest path to consolidating inclusion and prosperity.
The highlight of the gathering was the donation of empowerment items to vulnerable women of Akwa-Ibom and Cross River States by the Special Adviser on behalf of Governor Ododo, a gesture that was well appreciated and drew applause from members of the community.
In his remarks, the President of Akwa-Cross Community in Kogi State, Engr. Ikotidem Effiong Ikotidem, described the visit by the Special Adviser as the first of its kind since the establishment of the community in the state, saying it signified a new era of recognition and belonging.
He expressed the readiness of the community spread across all local government areas of the state to stand by the Special Adviser in delivering overwhelming votes for the APC in the 2027 general election.
The meeting ended with a vote of confidence on President Tinubu and Governor Ododo, with members of the Akwa-Cross community chanting continuity 2027 in solidarity.
