The Progressive Governor’s Forum on Thursday stormed Lokoja, the Kogi State Capital to drum support for the second term ambition of incumbent Governor Yahaya Bello, while they also thanked the teaming party supporters in the State for their unalloyed support of the Party.
The event took place at the All Progressives Congress’ state party Secretariat and witnessed delegation which included the Chairman of the Progressives Governor’s forum and Governor of Kebbi State, Senator Atiku Bagudu, Yobe State Governor Alhaji Mai Malla Bunni and other dignitaries
Among the entourage was the immediate past Governor of Bauchi state Barrister Mohammed Abubakar who also joined on a thank you visit to the APC party stakeholders over the successful outing the party witnessed in the State during the last General and State Assembly Elections.
Senator Bagudu expressed his happiness alongside the other delegation to be visiting the State, stating that they came to assure the party leaders and stakeholders of their support of their colleague, Governor Bello.
The Progressive Governor’s forum Chairman noted that Governor Bello was a very energetic young man, whose youthful zest has positioned Kogi on the path of progress and development.
The Chairman hinted that in a recent meeting of Governors with representatives of world bank, they confirmed that based on the excellent performance of state on the Nigerian Erosion and Water Management Projects, NEWMAP, Kogi State would soon access about $27million in the other phase of the projects
He pointed out that he and the other Governors were well aware that Governor Bello has respect for the APC members and has achieved great feet in the Party affirming that all the Stakeholders had worked very hard to achieve such historic feet.
He urged the party stakeholders to continue to believe the Party and be a one strong indivisible household so as to continually emerge victorious.
Senator Bagudu commended the newly reconciled former party chairman for noting that he could not fight the party which he has built, stating that such gesture was an elevation of collective interest above selfish gains.
He stated that greatness was recognizing individual difference and using such to achieve great result in the interest of the greater number of the party people
The Kebbi State Governor further urged the reconciled members to make further effort to also reconcile some other members who were still not with the party in the progressive interest of the APC in the State.
In his response, Kogi State Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello stated that he was highly elated by the visit of the Governors and other delegates which was an indication of the support which has received from the umbrella body which he belonged to.
Governor Bello stated that whatsoever feet the APC has achieved in the recently concluded General and State Assembly Elections was a tip of the ice berg as compared to what would be witnessed.
The Governor pointed out that his administration has done very well in securing the people of the State, particularly integrating the seemingly divided ethic group to become one united front.
He stated that such ideology has been summarised in the fast spreading slogan EBIGO which was an explanation of how far his government has united the major three and other tribes in the State.
The Governor opined that the State which was strategically located at the center of the country have so far laid a good example of integration, unity and would also on the long run unite the country.
The Governor ceased the opportunity to thank the recently reconciled former party chairman of the party, Alhaji Hadi Ametu and members of his executives assuring that he was not a discriminatory leader.
He also charged the leader to bring on board other members of the party that may feel aggrieved stating that the room was wide enough to accommodate all as they moved into the next level
The Chairman of the APC in Kogi State, Alhaji Abdullahi Bello, thanked all the visiting Governors for finding their time to come to the State, Stating that the APC was gathered together to rejoice with one another over the recent achievements the party has enjoined at all levels.
He pointed out to the visiting Governors that Governor Yahaya Bello built and groomed the All Progressives Party to a winning machine.
The Chairman revealed that when he became the Chairman of the Party in the State, the Governor owing to his all inclusive personality charged the Executives to reconcile all aggrieved parties and on the long run such drive has since yielded good fruits as the party has become a one big strong family
He said that the Governor’s colleagues were in the State to express their support and solidarity to his re election bid haven seen his achievements politically and as development was concerned.
Alhaji Abdullahi Bello noted that State Party Stakeholders in a previous meeting unanimously adopted indirect primaries format for its primaries owing to the success which the format offered in the last general and state Assembly noting that a ‘winning team does not change formula’.
