Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi State, says his administration operates a “working cabal” that achieves tangible outcomes.
Ododo, who made the remark at a project inauguration event, said he had previously been part of a cabal under Yahaya Bello, his predecessor, but that group produced limited results.
“I was a member of cabal, but our own cabal could not perform the way these present cabals are working,” Ododo said.
“If every cabal can work like this, I think we should better have multiple cabals, as many as we can, and I am proud to tell you that I have cabal.”
The governor said one of the achievements of having a cabal is reflected in the project being commissioned.
He identified the leader of the cabal as Habibat Tijani Aliyu, accountant-general of the state, whose appointment was approved by Bello.
“The leader of my cabal, approved by His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Bello, Hajia Dr Habibat Tijani Aliyu, the accountant-general of our dear state,” Ododo said.
He listed other members of the group, including the auditor-general, the party chairman, SA protocol, and the commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs.
Ododo contrasted the performance of the current group with his previous cabal under Bello.
“How I wish my own cabal then could perform even one percent of this one,” he said.
“So those of you that are calling me, calling my wife, calling my mother, calling Yahaya Bello, that Ododo has cabal, my cabal is a working cabal.”
Ododo, an accountant, previously served as auditor-general for local governments in Kogi State before assuming office as governor in January 2024.
Yahaya Bello, Ododo’s predecessor, godfather, and benefactor, governed Kogi from 2016 to 2024.
The former governor is facing a 19-count charge of alleged money laundering involving N80.2 billion.