Massive Defection as APC Iyara/Ijumu Welcomes King Solomon and Loyalists
The defection of King Solomon Sunday and over a hundred former PDP members to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ijumu Local Government was marked by a well-attended event. The occasion, which took place earlier today, witnessed the presence of notable APC stakeholders at both state and local government levels.
Prominent attendees included Director General of Kogi State’s Commodity Exchange, Export, and Market Development Agency, as well as Special Assistants (SA) and Senior Special Assistants (SSA) to the Governor, among other dignitaries. Local government appointees and elected officials were also in attendance. Hon. Salman Idris, member of the House of Representatives, was also represented by Hon. Job at the event.
The ceremony commenced with the recitation of the national anthem and a prayer led by former Iyara Ward Councillor and GYB Ward Coordinator.
In an opening remark, Hon. Paul Afobaje, Chairman of the APC in Ijumu Local Government, expressed satisfaction with King Solomon’s decision to join the party noting that it is a huge addition to APC at Iyara ward and Ijumu LGA. He praised the local government chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Haruna, for his exceptional leadership and support for the party, including the provision of cash palliatives for party members during festivities.
Other dignitaries, such as the DG of KOSCEPA, SA on primary health care, the Vice Chairman of the local government, Hon. Muyiwa Ayedogbon, and Hon. Femi Esemikose, lauded King Solomon’s philanthropic contributions and his commitment to community development. They acknowledged his efforts in addressing challenges such as marginalization and the mismanagement of party resources in Iyara Ward.
Senior stakeholders like Hon. Taiye Ikupele and others from across the three axes of Ijumu Local Government highlighted King Solomon’s significant impact on the ward and local government. They emphasized that his presence would bring about positive change and strengthen the party’s structure.
The Executive Chairman of Ijumu Local Government, Alhaji Ibrahim Haruna, expressed gratitude for the support shown to King Solomon and his followers. He announced plans to enhance the economic value of Iyara Ward, including partnerships with KOSCEPA to establish a produce market and a garri processing industry. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fostering development and supporting initiatives aligned with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s vision for progress.
In response, King Solomon expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and pledged to support the good governance initiatives of both the state and local governments. He highlighted his longstanding contributions to education, business empowerment, and youth development in the community, promising to do more as a member of the APC.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Hon. Ade Omofaiye, marking a significant political shift in Ijumu Local Government.
