Kenneth Udeh from Abuja


Chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress on Kogi State, Isah Ozovehe Abdulbaki shared his thoughts on the unalloyed loyalty pledged by Governor of the State, Usman Ododo to his predecessor, Yahaya Bello.


Abdulbaki, a good governance advocate said that there is nothing wrong in the Governor being submissive to his predecessor as long as it is based on the tenets of effective management of the state's well being and resources.


Highlighting the ex Governor's achievements in the state, Abdulbaki explained that Ododo's continued loyalty will avail him the opportunity to tap from Yahaya Bello's wealth of experience to Govern the state efficiently.


Fielding questions from the Sun, Baki, who is also a PR expert, shed more light on Ododo's capabilities to unite the state, improve the State's infrastructure development, and wipe out poverty. He also took a stand on the corruption charges leveled against Yahaya Bello by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).


Excerpts;

In terms of security do you think Gov Ahmed Ododo can match or surpass the achievements of Yahaya Bello?


We must acknowledge that former governor Yahaya Bello performed excellently in the area of security, in fact he was referred by many, including the Nigerian Army, Police and other security agencies as the best governor in security during his tenure in Kogi State. Yahaya Bello inherited a state bedeviled by wanton insecurity and worked tirelessly to combat the insecurity head on.


Governor Usman Ododo on the other hand is lucky to have inherited the state with minimal insecurity. Being a mentee of Yahaya Bello who has understudied the tactics used by his predecessor to combat crimes and criminality in the state, I am of the firm belief that he would, in line with his campaign promise to consolidate on the achievements of Yahaya Bello in security.



How do you think he can hold the state together as one indivisible entity despite ethnic differences?


Alhaji Ododo Ahmed Usman by character is a promoter of unity and togetherness, that is why his message all through the electioneering centered on KOGI AGENDA, which is an agenda for peace, unity and prosperity of all irrespective of ethnic or religious affiliation. He is known to be a peace loving individual who is passionate about peaceful coexistence of all regardless of differences in tribes and cultures.


I believe that Governor Ododo can build on the foundation laid by his predecessor. He can hold Kogi State together as one indivisible entity despite ethnic differences by implementing inclusive policies and promoting unity and understanding among different ethnic groups.

This can be achieved through promoting cultural understanding, ensuring equitable distribution of resources, and making statements and actions aimed at de-escalating segregation in the state.


Governing a complex, multi-ethnic state like Kogi is not an easy task, especially that every ethnic group is seeking for relevance and recognition almost at the same time. However, His Excellency, Governor Usman Ododo is experienced at people management and I am confident that he would not disappoint.


By implementing deliberate measures aimed at fostering unity and cohesion, Governor Ododo can create an environment where all ethnic groups in Kogi State feel valued, respected, and included, thereby holding the state together as one indivisible entity. The people of Kogi State must come together to give maximum support to enable the government to succeed.


How will you describe the statements made by the Governor where he pledged to be continuously loyal to his predecessor?


The statement is not out of order. It is simply a statement affirming Yahaya Bello as the leader of the party (APC) in Kogi State.


Remember that Yahaya Bello holds the record of being the first governor produced by the APC in Kogi State where he served for eight years. It is only natural that such a leader who is admired by all in the party is accorded the respect and loyalty.


Nonetheless, Yahaya Bello performed excellently as governor of Kogi State in the areas of security, infrastructure, human capital development, inclusiveness amongst others. These qualities are admired by Governor Ododo who is a mentee of Yahaya Bello.


Therefore, Ododo pledging loyalty to Yahaya Bello simply means that he wishes to achieve great feats like his predecessor and he is ready to continue to submit to his leadership in order to learn more from him and be successful in delivering dividends of democracy to the people of Kogi State.


In the area of infrastructure, what are your expectations from Ododo?


Looking at the man Ahmed Usman Ododo, you would see an individual who is exposed and is development inclined. Therefore, my expectations are that his administration would usher in tremendous infrastructure turnaround to the state.


We can all agree that the governor has learnt from the best in terms of quality, people-oriented projects. With the kind of experienced and highly committed team that he has put together so far as cabinet members, one of whom is his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Ali Bello, a true catalyst for development and a bridge builder in every sense of the word, it is expected he would, as promised consolidate on the giant infrastructure strikes of his predecessor, Yahaya Bello by delivery vast and quality projects in the state.


With the rate of poverty in the country, what can the Governor do in his capacity to reduce the suffering of the masess in his state ?


There is no gainsaying that poverty level all over Nigeria has seen a significant increase in recent times. This is further worsened by the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government, an action, although commendable but has led to increase in the prices of goods and services, thereby reducing the purchasing power of Nigerians.


Reducing poverty is a complex and multifaceted issue, but as a government, Governor Ododo should focus on improving education and job training programs in the state, which could help people to find jobs and improve their economic situation. Secondly, he should work to increase access to healthcare, especially in rural areas, which could improve the overall health and well-being of the population.


The governor should also work to develop the state's infrastructure, such as roads, water, and electricity, which could boost economic activities and improve the standard of living.


Kogi State is known for its agricultural endowments and it possesses numerous natural resources including solid minerals deposits. Huge investments should be made in these sectors with proper monitoring to avoid the beneficiaries being shortchanged. Investments in these sectors would lead to more job creation and boost food availability, thereby reducing poverty.


What are your thoughts on the financial misappropriations allegations said to have been committed by Yahaya Bello while in office ?


The allegations against Yahaya Bello by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is obviously a politically motivated witch hunt. Politicians who are threatened by the rising popularity of the young man are trying everything to defame Bello in order to cast doubts in the minds of unsuspecting Nigerias.


It is not not only laughable but portrays the EFCC as an agency infested with persons whose intentions disagree with the noble intention of Mr. President to defeat corruption in Nigeria.


The man Yahaya Bello is not new to attacks such as this. He has confronted a series of blackmail attempts to derail his upward trajectory since he became governor of Kogi State. Recall that in 2021, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in a desperate bid to embarrass the Government of Kogi State then under the leadership of His Excellency Alh. Yahaya Bello, came out with a false claim that it had uncovered over N20 billion Naira of the state’s bail out fund in a Fixed Deposit Account in Sterling Bank. Emboldened by its innocence, the Kogi State Government wrote a letter to Sterling Bank for clarifications.

The Bank came out clean that the State Government had no such account with it, rubbishing the blatant falsehood of the EFCC in a manner that was so embarrassing to the people and Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The EFCC had to withdraw that case to save face.


I am however positive that Yahaya Bello, who during his tenure as governor, Kogi State received several awards and commendations from the World Bank for fiscal transparency and accountability, would come out clean and continue to higher responsibility in this country.


https://sunnewsonline.com/kogi-theres-nothing-wrong-in-gov-ododo-being-loyal-to-ex-gov-bello-abdulbaki/?amp

Ok