By Halim Salihu, Okene
Residents of Kogi Central Senatorial on Tuesday trooped out en mass to welcome the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello to Okene with praises and dances.
The former governor was in company of the current governor of the state, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo.
They both made a triumphant entry into the senatorial district after Bello’s release following the perfection of his bail condition.
The triumphant entry of former Governor Bello from Lokoja to Okene the headquarters of the district took him more than five hours before they could arrive the palace of the paramount ruler of Ebiraland, His Royal Majesty, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland where multitude of people has been waiting since nine o’clock in the morning to welcome the former Governor home.
Speaking amidst cheers from the crowd, the former Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello called for collective unity among the people of the state, assuring that the current administration led by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo will deliver more dividends of democracy to all parts of the state.
Bello sought the support and prayers of Nigerians for President Bola Tinubu, noting that Nigerians must not relent in their prayers for the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The former Governor said Nigerians must pray harder for the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in executing his laudable plans and programmes for the country.
He urged Nigerians to exercise patience with President Tinubu’s government, amd explained that the administration needs time to tackle the challenges affecting the progress and development of the country.
Addressing the mammoth crowd, the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, said the former Governor Yahaya Bello had laid a solid foundation for the sustainable development of the state.
The Governor pointed out that the ability of the Yahaya Bello’s administration to reform the state’s Civil Service and institute a productive workforce is a solid foundation on which the current administration is thriving.
According to Governor Ododo, the prompt payment of salaries by his administration is an outcome of the efforts and foresight of the Yahaya Bello’s 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, Alh. Yahaya Bello,” Governor Ododo stated.
“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, ” Gov. 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 prioritize the interest of Ebiraland over any personal interest.
The Traditional Ruler who offered prayers for Ebiraland and Kogi state in general, solicited support for Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to enable him achieve more development for the state.
In his speech, the Chairman Kogi State Chapter of the All Progressive Congress APC, Alhaji Abdullahi Bello described former Governor Bello as the chosen one who has laid a solid foundation for the state in the area of infrastructure and human capital development.
He assured that based on the activities of Governor Ododo led administration, Year 2025 will usher in peace, unity and development to Kogi State.
