Barr. Tanko visits Ohimegye Igu-Koton for royal blessing after reappointment

…..Ohimegye Saidu Akawu commends Governor Ododo for considering Kogi LG, saying “We are proud of your accomplishment”.

…..Raise concerns about those using social media to de-market Kogi LG

By Yahaya Idris, Kogi

The Executive Chairman of Kogi State Civil Service Commission, Hon. (Barr.) Muhammed Tanko Musa Osuku, has visited the palace of the Paramount ruler of the Egbira people of Kogi State, His Royal Majesty Dr. Saidu Akawu Salihu (Agabaidu) in Koton-Karfe on Monday.

Barr. Tanko, who is a title holder of Dan-Masani Igu Koton-karfe Kingdom, disclosed that his visit to the palace was to formally present his reappointment letter by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo after completing a five-year term under the previous governor Yahaya Adoza Bello to his King and father.

He briefed King SAS about the absorption of over 2,500 vigilante personnel into the mainstream Civil Service, where they would receive salaries and pensions, a move he said aimed at boosting morale and strengthening the state’s security apparatus.

The legal luminary who spoke extensively said the absorption initiative is a historic move by the Kogi State government to integrate vigilante members officially into the public service sector as part of combating insecurity.

“This step subjects the vigilantes to public service rules and regulations, providing them formal recognition and benefits. The vigilant efforts by Governor Ododo to eliminate casualization in vigilante services in the state are unprecedented in Nigeria’s history. About 2,500 vigilantes from various local government areas across Kogi State were absorbed in this manner, which was publicly acknowledged”. Tanko said.

Barr. Tanko also expressed gratitude for the support received from king SAS and other chiefs across Kogi LG, particularly their role in his confirmation at the Kogi State House of Assembly, which he said added colour and served as collective strength to him.

He also informed the first class monarch about a new Land Cruiser Prado Jeep gifted to him by the governor to support his commission work.

The recent event featured His Royal Majesty, Ohimegye Igu Koton-karfe, congratulating Barr. Muhammed Tanko Musa Osuku on his reappointment by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.

On his part, Ohimegye Igu Koton-karfe, Agabaidu, HRM. Dr. Saidu Akawu Salihu, (King SAS) praised Barr. Tanko’s exceptional leadership, which paved the way for his reappointment, and encouraged him to maintain his good work.

Ohimegye Igu Koton-karfe highlighted the unwavering support Barr. Tanko enjoys from his community, LG, friends, aides, and political associates, describing it as a sign of strong leadership.

He urged Barr. Tanko to continue fostering these relationships.

Expressing pride, the paramount ruler stated: “We’re exceedingly proud of your leadership and accomplishment at the commission. You have always represented us well in any office and opportunity given to you.” On behalf of the Igu Koton-karfe Kingdom, I formally congratulated Barr. Tanko and noted that his appointment positively reflects the Kingdom and the entire Kogi Local Government Area.

Ohimegye SAS also announced plans to write to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to thank him for reappointing one of the Kingdom’s brightest minds.

Ohimegye SAS condemned the use of pseudo Facebook accounts aimed at tarnishing the image of the people of Kogi Local Government and government officials.

He warned that if such actions are not stopped, they would have serious negative repercussions on both the sponsors and the messengers of such harmful messages.

He appealed to the youths of the area to protect the dignity of the people and officials of Kogi LG from false and malicious online attacks.

“We must discourage the spread of fake news and maintain social harmony in our land, so that peace, progress and more development will thrive in.”

Barr. Tanko was accompanied by key figures including Alhaji Abubakar Katamba Abubakar (Director in charge of Screening, and Employment in the Civil Service Commission), Chief Isah Abubakar Ada Abu Odariko (former Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism and current LG Assistant to the Kogi State Governor), as well as aides and supporters.

Afterwards, Barr. Tanko proceeded to his country home in Osuku where a reception was held in his honor by community leaders and youths.