By Gbenga Odogun
The Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, has approved the immediate removal of Hassan Atawodi as the Transition Chairman of Ofu Local Government Area of the state.
Our correspondent learnt Atawodi’s removal followed his alleged involvement in the diversion of the state government palliatives currently being shared across the 21 local government areas of the state to citizens.
Following the economic hardship that has led to protests in different parts of the country, the state government had provided palliatives to cushion the effects of the rising cost of food items in the state.
Consequently, on February 24, 2024, Governor Ododo, while unveiling the distribution of the relief materials at the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre in Lokoja, warned political appointees against hoarding palliatives.
“These food items are for the downtrodden irrespective of political, religious or ethnic affiliation in fulfilment of our campaign promises to bring succour to the poorest of the poor members of the society,” Ododo had said.
According to a statement on Monday by the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Mrs Folashade Ayoade, Atawodi’s removal was in line with Ododo’s zero tolerance to any form of corruption in his administration.
The statement revealed that Ododo approved the appointment of Musa Lawal to replace Atawodi.
