Okene, the headquarters of Kogi Central Senatorial District was agog on Tuesday when residents came out in their large number to receive their son, former governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello.
The former governor made grand entry into the town in company with the incumbent Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and top government officials and chieftains of the All Progressives Congress.
The long convoy of vehicles from Lokoja headed straight to the palace of Ohinoyi of Ebira to pay a customary traditional homage to the paramount ruler.
Bello eventually arrived the palace of the paramount ruler of Ebiraland, His Royal Majesty, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland in a frenzy atmosphere as the multitude of people who have been waiting since 9 o’clock in the morning welcomed him with traditional Ebira songs.
The visit was Bello’s first to the ancient town of Okene since his release following the perfection of his bail condition.
Recalled that the Federal High court in Abuja had earlier granted the former governor bail.
Speaking at the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, the former Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello called for collective unity among the people of the state.
He assured that the current administration led by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo will deliver more dividends of democracy to all parts of the state.
Bello also asked Nigerians to continue to pray and support President Bola Tinubu.
He charged Nigerians not to relent in their prayers for the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Bello, a former presidential candidate said Nigerians must pray harder for the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in executing his laudable plans and programmes for the country.
The former governor expressed confidence in the virility of the policies of the current administration to take the country to the promised land.
He urged Nigerians to exercise patience with President Tinubu’s government, saying that the administration needs time to tackle the challenges affecting the progress and development of the country.
Also addressing the mammoth crowd, the Kogi State Governor , Ahmed 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 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 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.
“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 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 development for the state.
In his speech, the Chairman Kogi State Chapter of the All Progressive Congress APC, Hon. 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.(vitalnewsngr.com)
