The detention and release of the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello over alleged financial impropriety , has been a subject of discussion in the public space.
Besides , the heavy reception accorded him on his return goes to show that the former Governor is still popular amongst his people. This according to the people is a measure of his acceptance and political relevance in the confluence state .
When asked what the political relevance of the former governor is …. political stalwart Amos Omajale, said ” the former governor is now more relevant politically then he was previously. Omajale stated ” GYB is a courageous man, who has no failure in his dictionary.
“On the day of his return from Kuje , country men and women across the divide were waiting by the road sides from all angles in Okene as early as 8 am, to catch a glimpse of the Yahaya Bello they described as a hero and the father of modern politics in Kogi state. A very courageous leader who has no failure in his dictionary”.
In a display of solidarity , citizens of Kogi State, led by Governor Usman Ododo, jubilated following the return of GYB from Kuje Correctional Facility. The reception was a carnival with cheering crowds, mostly politicians celebrating the ‘triumphant’ homecoming of a man whose tenure left the state on a mission to greatness and solid Development.
GYB had scored first in so many sectors of the economy. The first ever flyover in the state was built by him and the first governor to to establish two functional universities in a record time of less than four years. This has not happened anywhere in Nigeria. The GYP model secondary schools across the three Senatorial districts of the state is another feat achieved by the former Governor.
In order to stop medical tourism in Kogi state and Nigeria as a whole, the former Governor built a state of the art hospital, that can compete favourable with any other one across the globe.
Governor Usman Ododo described his predecessor as a quintessential leader of men and women and a pathfinder who lifted children of the less privileged to prominence and led the state to a prosperous pedestal in the eight years of his administration.
In his goodwill message of to the former Governor on his 49th birthday, Governor Ododo commended him for his exemplary leadership and extraordinary vision that led to the transformation of the state to an enviable height on which the current administration is consolidating to sustain the legacies of a worthy leader.
Ododo stated : “On the occasion of the 49th birthday of my leader and mentor, I am filled with gratitude for the courage you exemplified, the sacrifices you made for us to be where we are today and the legacies you bequeathed on our state and our people.
“I wish you many more years in good health and prosperity as you will be surrounded by your children and the children of many people whose lives you have transformed as you celebrate the anniversary of your birthday”.
No doubt, the Ex-Governor Bello while receiving rousing welcome from kinsmen, calls for unity, support for President Tinubu
Lokoja, the Kogi State Capital, Kogi Central Senatorial District and beyond stood still as residents trooped out en masse to welcome the immediate past Governor of the state, who was home for the yuletide celebrations.
Koton-karfe/Lokoja road was literally under siege as supporters, kinsmen and well wishers stormed the roads to join the former governor’s convoy amid cheers.
It took the former governor about six hours to finally access the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, His Royal Majesty Tijani Ahmed Anaje.
Ex-Governor Bello was granted bail on December 19, 2024 and released after meeting his bail conditions in the alleged money laundering case instituted against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Kinsmen and supporters, who had been waiting for the big entry of former governor and the incumbent governor, stormed the streets, chanting solidarity songs and praying for the continuous upliftment of the state under the new administration.
Many of those who spoke at the events , praised Bello and assured him that their prayers were with them. They also thanked him for giving them a governor like Ododo as his successor.
They said, they had been waiting since 9am to welcome home their son, whom they said opened Kogi up for meaningful developments.
The former Governor, accompanied by Ododo and other past and present political office holders first made a stop at the resting place of his late mother for a special prayer for the departed.
Speaking at the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, in Okene, Yahaya Bello, called for unity among the people of the state, assuring that the current administration, led by Ododo, would deliver more dividends of democracy to all parts of the state.
Bello also sought the support and prayers of Nigerians for the President Bola Tinubu administration.
He urged citizens to exercise patience and pray specially for the President to be able to continue executing his laudable plans and programmes for the country, saying that, in the end, Nigeria and Nigerians would be better for it.
The former governor expressed strong confidence in the policies of the current administration to take the country to the promised land.
Addressing the mammoth crowd, the Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, said former Governor Yahaya Bello had laid a solid foundation for the sustainable growth and development of the state.
Ododo pointed out that the ability of the Yahaya Bello administration to reform the state’s Civil Service and institute a productive workforce was a solid foundation on which the current administration is thriving.
According to Governor Ododo, the prompt payment of salaries by his administration is the outcome of the efforts and foresight of the Yahaya Bello administration.
“I attribute the ability of my administration to pay prompt salaries at both state and local government levels to the solid foundation for resource and economic development put in place by the administration of my predecessor, Yahaya Bello.
“The success of my administration today was borne out of the commitment and good foundations laid down by my immediate predecessor and the support and encouragement he often gives to us.
“For us to succeed, we need the support of our people because I am ready to serve you and I will continue to do my best to unite the people of the state,”Ododo said.
The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Dr Tijani Ahmed Anaje in his remarks, charged the people of Ebiraland at home and in diaspora to embrace peace, speak with one voice and prioritise the interest of Ebiraland over any personal interest.
The Royal Father, who offered prayers for Ebiraland and Kogi State in general, solicited support for Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to enable him achieve more developments for the state.
In his speech, the Chairman, Kogi State Chapter of the All Progressive Congress, Hon. Abdullahi Bello, described former Governor Bello as the one who had laid a solid foundation for the state in the area of infrastructure and human capital development.
He assured that, based on the activities of the Governor Ododo-led administration, Year 2025 would usher in peace, unity and development to Kogi State.
Speaking also, Otunba Irikiti James Ogah, described Yahaya Bello, “The Political Maestro Of Our Generation.
“As a people, we owe him an everlasting thank-you for daring the unthinkable, changing the narrative for good and paying the huge price against all odds.
“Available statistics have it that Yahaya Bello’s eight years administration as the governor of Kogi State was greeted with huge human Capital developments and monumental state of the art projects that have direct impact on the people of the state.
“These achievements, according to records, made GYB one of the best governors to ever serve the state.
“Today, the travail of the former governor, has made him even more acceptable even by his hitherto enemies. This recent happenings has clearly shown that former Governor Yahaya Bello is now more relevant in the Nigeria political space more than ever before. As the situation unfolds, the fighting spirit of Yahaya Bello will become more visible.
*Paul Efanga writes from Abuja
