Defection: I am still a committed member of APC – Kolawole

Following the alleged defections making rounds in the state, Prince Matthew Kolawole, former speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, has reaffirmed his loyalty to the All Progressive Congress (APC), Yahaya Bello, former governor and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.

Kolawole disclosed on Monday in a chat with journalists in Lokoja, where he described himself as a “bona fide and committed member of the APC” who has benefited immensely from the party, adding that he has an unwavering commitment to the party, the former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello and Governor Ahmed Ododo, saying he has no reason for betrayal.

‎He recalled that it was Bello who directed him to withdraw his case in court during his previous contest for the House of Representatives seat, noting that in the recent House of Representatives primaries, Bello again asked him to allow Architect Salman to re -contest for a second term, a directive he obeyed.

‎Kolawole attributed the rumours of his disloyalty to “mischief makers and enemies of the party,” insisting that those peddling such claims were only out to cause divisions within the APC family.

‎He equally announced plans to organise a programme in Kabba, headquarters of Kogi West, in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re -election bid to serve as a clear message that he remains “APC back and front.

‎Kolawole congratulated President Tinubu on his victory at the just -concluded presidential primaries and also commended Governor Ododo for the party’s outstanding performance at the senatorial and House of Representatives primaries in Kogi State.

‎Speaking on insecurity plaguing the country, Kolawole said the government alone cannot tackle crime and criminality and called on citizens to provide credible information to security agencies.

He urged traditional rulers to be cautious in allocating lands to strangers, especially those without verifiable identities, and sympathised with kidnap victims in Oyo state and Kogi West, as he expressed confidence that President Tinubu will be re-elected for a second term, as Governor Ododo is working around the clock to secure Kogi State for him.