From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Department of State Security Service (DSS) in Kogi State on Saturday, invited governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Ododo Ahmed Usman to answer questions regarding a petition against him by some members of the opposition.
Our correspondent reliably gathered that he was drilled for several hours by the operatives of the security services.
However, it was reliably gathered that he was invited based on petition against him by some members of the opposition parties ahead of the November 11 governorship election in Kogi State.
It was further gathered that to avoid any political crisis among various political parties before the coming election, the DSS decided to invite the APC governorship candidate for brief and also discussed issues that will bring peace to the state.
Speaking with newsmen after meeting the DSS, Alhaji Ododo Ahmed Usman opened up that he was invited by DSS which he said was normal.
According to him, they have fruitful discussions and that he as a good citizen of the state and his party and himself will always maintain peace in the state as he assured that the coming election will be free and fair.
He further said that as far he was concerned there is no tension in the state ahead of the election as he urged his members to continue to maintain peace before, during and after the election.
He noted that as far as he is concerned there is no opposition in the state as he assured that by the grace of God he will win the coming election.
Also speaking with newsmen, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Honourable Kingsley Fanwo said Ododo was invited by the DSS and as a law abiding citizen who is aspiring to lead the state, he honoured the invitation.
His said “The allegations contained in the petition are frivolous and unfounded, but it was incumbent on the APC Governorship Candidate to respect a constituted authority such as the DSS. Alhaji Ododo was drilled by a team of Operatives at the DSS for hours and he gave convincing explanations to the interrogators.
“We commend the professionalism of the DSS and pledge our cooperation to whatever measures taken or that would be taken to ensure a peaceful Kogi and a peaceful poll in November 2023
“We assure supporters of the APC governorship candidate that he has since left the DSS Office to continue his consultations with Kogit people ahead of the governorship poll. Our commitment to peace and tranquility is iron cast. Every Kogi person and every supporter of Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo should endeavour to be peaceful in all their activities towards the election.
