From Moses George
History was made in Kogi State on 27 January, 2016, when Alhaji Yahaya Bello was inaugurated as the fourth civilian governor of the 25 years old state. It was the first time that a man from the Central Senatorial District of the state, took charge as governor. It would be recalled that the first three democratically elected governors were all of the Igala extraction of the eastern senatorial district. They were the late Prince Abubakar Audu, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris and Captain Idris Wada whom Bello succeeded.
The emergence of Bello was apparently divine. He was selected by the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to replace Prince Abubakar Audu who had suddenly passed on before the conclusion of the governorship election in the state. Most people have concluded that the emergence of Bello as governor of Kogi State was facilitated by God to give a new lease of life to the people of the state who have suffered all kinds of deprivations under successive governments.
Speaking exclusively to Time Nigeria in his office, the newly appointed Administrator of Idah Local Government Council, Hon. Ahmed Suleiman, reiterated that “from all indication, Alhaji Yahaya Bello’s emergence as governor of Kogi State was an act of God. Power belongs to God, and He gives it to whosoever He chooses. Since God has decided that Alhaji Yahaya Bello should become the governor of the state, there is nothing any mortal can do about it. As a matter of fact, as creatures of God, we all should align with the Sovereign’s choice and not to oppose it.”
Bello came on board armed with the New Direction Agenda; a comprehensive blue print that is intended to be used as a road map to usher Kogi State into unprecedented socio-economic emancipation. This blue print in the words of the governor is “a Marshall Plan, an actionable proposal for how we intend to activate those potentials (inherent in the state). Beyond that it is a template for every enterprising individual willing to learn and act to identify a dream, pursue it and find fulfilment. It is our roadmap to lifting at least one million Kogites out of the National Poverty Index over the tenure of this administration”.
Suleiman called on all patriotic Kogites, irrespective of their political, religious and ethnic inclinations, to come together to give Bello their unalloyed support, commitment and cooperation, as he embarks on the very arduous task of propelling Kogi State to greater pedestal and prominence.
He quoted Bello as saying that, “My administration shall exist for the purpose of serving the superceding interest of the people of Kogi State to the very best of our capabilities. We also undertake to never use our capacity to serve the interest of anyone or group whether from Kogi State or elsewhere.”
Suleiman said that such promises should elicit confidence from the people because the governor has a reputation for being a man of his words.
According to the newly appointed administrator of Idah local government council, “Instead of unfairly criticizing the efforts, policies and programmes of Alhaji Yahaya Bello’s administration without any basis, the right thing to do is for all the citizens of the state to come together and team up with this government to work for the progress of the state.
“ Our people should preoccupy themselves with offering prayers, making useful contributions on how to improve the economic status of the state, because our governor is committed and tirelessly working round the clock to initiate policies and programs that will put smiles on the faces of our dear people.”
The administrator called on all aggrieved persons to let bygones be bygones and take advantage of the all inclusive and open door policy of the Bello administration to make useful inputs and render meaningful advice to the governor, who is always eager and willing to listen.
“This is not the time for any individual or group to play partisan politics or display bitterness and acrimony towards the state government. This is not the time to stir up dissension and promote confusion. This is the time to work collectively to move this potentially great state forward,” he said.
Suleiman pointed out that the present unfavourable economic situation of Kogi State is not peculiar to it alone. It is a general trend that has affected almost all the states in Nigeria. He called on the people of Kogi State to be more patient with the governor, as he is doing everything humanly possible to get the state out of its economic predicament. He went further to say that, “this administration is putting in place, policies and programmes that are aimed at boosting the state’s internally generated revenue, so as to place the state on a firm financial base, which will ultimately translate into infrastructural development and boost social security.”
The administrator pointed out that, “contrary to the falsehood being peddled by some people, Bello’s administration inherited a state that had a high debt profile and was unable to settle most of its financial obligations to its workforce and pensioners. This government is already putting structures in place to address the pitiful plight of Kogi workers, pensioners and the general public. The government is also boldly facing the critical sector of the society such as education, roads, agriculture, solid minerals, security, youths empowerment, industrialization, etc. Soon, our people will begin to enjoy the dividends of democracy.”
It will be recalled that the Bello administration came on board with the promise to take calculated and concrete steps and measures that will harness the huge natural and human resources that abound in Kogi State.
A lot of people applauded the youthful governor when he said that “There is no greater evil than corruption, and nothing champions that more than impunity. Corruption and impunity make sure our people repeatedly arrive at a broken future and finally bereaved of success or the promised better life. Let it be recorded today that future generation will not be given any reason to count this incoming administration among those who revelled in corruption and impunity. We will be different by the grace of God.
“We must be that generation of leaders who will ensure that the entirety of Kogi resources work for the entirety of Kogi people. Accordingly, I hereby declare and affirm that the Yahaya Bello administration will have zero tolerance for corruption and impunity.”
Suleiman called on all Kogites to stay positive and expect a complete turnaround in the fortunes of the state. He promised to replicate Bello’s style of leadership and policy-thrust in Idah Local Government Area.
