Edward Onoja, a former chief of staff to Governor Yahaya Bello has been sworn in on Monday the new Deputy Governor of Kogi State.
This follows his clearance by the House of Assembly after screening at the assembly complex in Lokoja.
The swearing-in was performed on him by the Chief Judge (CJ) of Kogi State, Justice Nasir Ajanah, assisted by the Grand Khadi of the state, Abdulkareem Aruwa and Governor Bello
The screening proceedings was presided over by the Speaker, Matthew Kolawole, who said shortly after the swearing in that Onoja’s loyalty to Bello has brought him to a higher level.
Matthew Kolawole equally charged the new deputy governor to continue toeing the path of loyalty and hard work which earned him the elevation.
Read also: APC alerts security over PDP plans to unleash violence ahead of Bayelsa, Kogi guber polls
Speaking shortly after the swearing in of Edward Onoja, Governor Bello described him as a loyal and trusted friend who had always demonstrated excellent ability even as his chief of staff, adding that he believed that the elevation will no doubt spur him do more in the task of moving the state to the next level.
“This is not a time for celebration, neither are we mourning, but Edward and I regarded this as a call for the uplifting the state,” he said.
Recall that the State Assembly, last Friday, impeached Simon Achuba as the deputy to Governor Bello, shortly after receiving the report of the panel set up to investigate allegations of gross misconduct against the former deputy.
But Achuba on Sunday declared his impeachment as unconstitutional, saying that he will challenge it in court.
Onoja, who recently resigned as the Chief of Staff to the governor, is the running mate to Bello, in the November 16 state governorship election, said God has used the opportunity to elevate him.
