How Yahaya Bello Changed Leadership Trajectory In Kogi

On Wednesday, January 27 2016, alhaji Yahaya Bello was inaugurated amid pomp by the Chief Judge of the state, Nasir Ajana, who administered the oath of office and that of allegiance on him.

Bello was picked by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to replace its late candidate, Prince Abubakar Audu, who died before the governorship election was concluded, throwing the state into what appeared a constitutional logjam but fortunately for the state God prepared a young man, a leader of vision to fill that space.

During that inauguration, those who attended it included the then National Chairman of the APC, John Odigie-Oyegun as well as the then governor of Nasarawa state and the Minister of Communication Technology, Adebayo Shittu.

The Senator representing Kogi East, then, Dino Melaye, who gave the welcome address, said Wednesday’s inauguration was historic because “a minority is now the governor of Kogi state”.

Dino made a remarkable statement on that fateful day, he pledged that Alhaji Bello would not disappoint the people of the state and called on all aggrieved people to unite and cooperate with the new governor for the sake of Kogi State.

Indeed true to the word of Dino, Governor Bello didn’t disappoint the people of Kogi rather he left a remarkable footprint in the confluence state that the people of Kogi will forever remember.

At the end of his first term in office, Bello went for a reelection and his people returned him because of his remarkable achievements and in his eight years in office the Ebira born governor was adjudged the best governor that Kogi ever produced.

“The task of the leader is to get his people from where they are to where they have not been.” —Henry Kissinger. The above quote aptly describes Yahaya Bello who moved Kogi State to a level where the people never imagined that they would ever be, for which reason even those in opposition political parties have commended him for the transformation of the state.

The footprint of Governor Bello who will be winding up his second term in office in a couple days touched every sector, whether education, health, agriculture, youth development, infrastructural development, trade and industry, the energetic and visionary governor changed the trajectory of governance.

Bello didn’t follow where the path led, he rather walked where there was no path and left a trail which Kogi people will ever live to remember and be eternally grateful to him.

Recall that in his inaugural address on the 27th of January, 2016, Governor Bello said “My Administration shall exist for the sole purpose of serving the superseding interests of the people of Kogi State to the very best of its capabilities. We also undertake to never lend our capacities to servicing the avarice of anyone or group–whether from Kogi State or elsewhere.

“There is no greater evil than corruption and nothing champions that evil more than impunity… Corruption and Impunity made sure our people repeatedly arrived at a promised future and found it bereft of substance, or the promised better life.

“Let it be recorded today that future generations will not be given reason to count the incoming administration among those who reveled in corruption or impunity. We will be different by the Grace of God. We must and will be that generation of Leaders who made the entirety of Kogi’s Resources work for the entirety of Kogi’s People”

All to the credit of the hard working governor, on 20th October 2022, Kogi State was officially recognized as an oil-producing state in Nigeria and received her first 13% derivation from the Federal Account.

So, holding on to his promise, Governor Yahaya Bello kept reclaiming Kogi Assets for Kogi people one after the other.

He said, “Our God-given natural resources that have been taken away by some individuals under the leadership of those who never had the interest of the people at heart shall be recovered no matter how long it takes.

“You are all aware that a company registered by the Kogi State government and in Kogi’s name was fraudulently transferred to an individual who has been milking the state dry and impoverishing the people, causing all manner of environmental hazards and degradation with monumental destruction of our ecosystem. Yahaya Bello stands to win this case for the people of Kogi State again no matter how long it takes.

Between 2016 and 2021, over 10 different companies/industries have been established in Kogi State. This is a result of the government’s determination and commitment to providing security, a conducive business climate, a friendly available labour force and the cooperation of our people.

“The state is continually open to those genuine investors from around the world who want to invest their money in Kogi. We will continue to protect the state for the people and businessmen to carry out their businesses.

“Kogi being one of the safest states in Nigeria is not in doubt, the Australian government recently made a statement restricting her citizens from coming into 20 Nigerian states and this also scores Kogi high being bordered with 10 other states and keeping her people and property safe.

It will be agreed in unison that Bello has placed Kogi above collective expectations and will take it to her before exiting the state in January 2024, and he indeed lived up to expectation, and even surpassed the expectation of the people.

The visionary governor remained a talk and do governor, in charting a new course for Kogi, he undertook the construction of Ohinoyi’s palace at Okene and completed it.

The construction, rehabilitation and total upgrade of zonal hospital Idah to a specialist hospital was also completed.

The ultra-modern clinical complex, Prince Abubakar Audu University Teaching Hospital Anyiagba was completed.

The Ultra-Modern General Hospital Gegu, in Kogi Local Government Area (LGA) was completed.

Construction of Ozuri-Obangede road was completed. Eika-Itakpe Road was completed.

Confluence University of Science and Technology was completed. Ultra-Mordern General Hospital Eganyi was completed.

Anyigba-Ejule-Umomi-Ugwolawo, Ajaka-Idah road were all completed. Construction of Dunamis to Federal University Specialist Hospital Road was completed.

Construction of Ankpa township road was completed. Reconstruction of Community Secondary School Ajiyolo was completed.

Construction and Renovation of Specialist Hospital Lokoja was completed. Construction of Beach Embankment, Kpata, Lokoja, still ongoing.

Construction of Civic Centre, Lokoja was completed. Construction of GYB Model Science Secondary School, Adankolo, Lokoja was completed.

Construction of Zenith Bank – Fehintolu Road was completed. Construction of Gamaja Junction Flyover, Lokoja was completed.

Construction of Government House Road was completed. Construction of Kabbah Township roads, ongoing.

Confluence Rice, Ejiba, Yagba East LGA was completed. Reconstruction and Asphalt Overlaying of Natako-Paparanda Square Dual-CarriageWay was completed.

In the area of security the achievements of the governor were unprecedented. It got to the point when the state became a reference point and was adjudged the safest state in the entire north.

In every sector the indelible mark made by Governor Bello was felt even the blind could feel that something remarkable had happened in the North-Central state.

This explains why 

the African Democratic Congress (ADC) gubernatorial candidate Kogi State election, Hon Leke Abejide commended the governor over his sterling achievements and urged everyone to view the development of the state as a shared responsibility.

Abejide, who is currently representing Yagba Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, commended Governor Bello for what he described as his notable achievements during his administration and declared his support for the Governor-elect, Ahmed Usman Ododo, during the visit.

The ADC candidate, who was received by Governor Yahaya Bello and Governor-elect Ododo, noted that it was the right of every citizen of constitutional qualification to run for an election but that when the result is declared and a winner emerges, that should mark the end of politics.

He said all candidates in the November 11 governorship election were qualified Kogi citizens but that only one could be elected and that was the person God had chosen at that time, adding that he would support Ododo to succeed in the interest of the people of Kogi State.

“Your Excellency, let me congratulate my brother, Ahmed Usman Ododo, the governor-elect of our dear state once again. We all ran a good race and we also believe that at the end of it, only one candidate will emerge and we have Ododo as that candidate today.

“My participation in politics is about the people and once elections are over, all issues around it must be put behind to forge a progressive administration.

“The interest of our people supersedes that of individuals. I’ll support Ahmed Usman Ododo to succeed in the interest of our people,” he said.

Abejide also lauded the Governor-elect for striving to ensure peace and tranquility, stressing that prior to the election in 2023, one factor that counted for the governor-elect was his ability to talk to and bring many people on board his team.

While welcoming the governorship candidate to his Abuja residence, Bello reiterated the importance of unity in the quest for realising the state’s vast potential.

Reflecting on the abundance of natural and human resources bestowed upon Kogi by God, he warned that without unity, it could become a proverbial scenario of “when two brothers fight, strangers will inherit their property.”

The Governor commended Abejide for playing politics without bitterness, saying Ododo, who would be sworn in in exactly a week, would require the support of every citizen of the state to succeed.

Commendation has continued to pour in from all lovers of Kogi, and recently, Amb. Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, the Director-General, National Intelligence Agency (NIA) commended Governor Bello for his exceptional achievements in the state, pointing out that the governor will be leaving Kogi more prosperous and transformed.

The DG in a commendation letter he personally signed and addressed to the Governor, which was made available to journalists on Monday, he congratulated Bello for his notable strides since he assumed office as Kogi Governor in 2016, stressing that the various infrastructural projects he initiated opened up the state as one of Nigeria’s main trade routes.

While congratulating the Governor and the Kogi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for winning the just concluded governorship election in the state, the NIA boss noted that the governor was leaving the North Central state more prosperous, developed and transformed.

He listed infrastructure projects, renovation of the Okene Reference hospital and the establishment of Omi Rice Farm as some of the plethora of achievements of the Yahaya Bello administration.

Abubakar, in the letter, titled, “Acknowledging Your Remarkable Achievements as Governor,” explained how Governor Bello’s enhanced public services and facilities, added value to agricultural production and rejigged Kogi’s economy.

“As your tenure as the Governor of Kogi State draws to a close, I write to congratulate you and acknowledge the notable achievements of your administration during your two tenures as Governor since you assumed office in 2016. I would also like to congratulate you and the Kogi State chapter of the APC for winning the just concluded gubernatorial election.

“During your time as Governor of Kogi State, the various infrastructural projects undertaken by your administration have significantly improved the state’s connectivity and accessibility as one of Nigeria’s main trade routes from the West and South to Northern parts of the country.

“The renovation of the Okene Reference hospital is a testament to your dedication to enhancing public services and facilities. Similarly, the establishment of Omi Rice Farm, one of the largest in Nigeria, is a clear demonstration of your administration’s commitment to adding value to agricultural production.

“As you conclude your tenure and begin another chapter in your political career, I wish you success in your future endeavours, while enjoying more quality time with your beloved family,” Abubakar stated.

“Leaders aren’t born, they are made. And they are made just like anything else—through hard work.” —Vince Lombardi. The above quote describes Governor Bello vividly to the extent that in less than 72 hours to his exit in office he still signed the Kogi State Free Examination Registration Fees Bill and 14 others into law.

In fact it is on record that a total of 89 bills were assented to by the governor between January 27, 2016 and January 24, 2024

Governor Bello, while putting his signature to the legislative measures, took a moment to commend the State Assembly for their invaluable contributions to the overall development of Kogi State.

He recognized the importance of a robust legislative framework and commended the Assembly for their dedication to the betterment of the state.

The Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Aliyu Umar, extended heartfelt congratulations to Governor Bello for the successful completion of his terms in office.

The lawmaker acknowledged the lasting impact of the governor’s administration over the last eight years, and praised Bello for leaving behind indelible marks of progress.

Expressing his feeling, Aliyu noted that the bills, being the last to be signed by Governor Yahaya Bello, marked the end of an era.

He emphasized the state’s gratitude for the governor’s invaluable guidance, profound wisdom, and deep vision that have played pivotal roles in steering the state towards growth.

Aliyu, while looking to the future, expressed confidence in the leadership of Governor-elect Ahmed Usman Ododo, even as he pointed out that Ododo will not only consolidate but also continue the legacy of good governance established by Governor Yahaya Bello.

Among the notable bills signed into law by Governor Bello is the repeal of the Kogi State Internal Revenue Administration, Harmonization of Taxes, Duties, Levies Rates, Fees, and Charges due to the State and Revenue Appeal Tribunal Law 2017. This has been re-enacted as the Revenue Administration and Other Matters Connected Therewith Law, 2024.

Additionally, other bills include the establishment of the Kogi State Social Investment and the establishment of the Kogi State Senior Secondary Education Board, among others.

This legislative milestone signifies a pivotal moment in the governance of Kogi State, setting the stage for continued development and progress.

It will also be noted that the outgoing governor is peace loving and at the slightest opportunity he would emphasize the importance of peace and security as a catalyst for socio-economic development.

Speaking in Koton Karfe during the official presentation of the Staff of Office to the new Ohimege-Igu, His Royal Majesty Seidu Akawe Salihu, on Wednesday, Governor Bello underscored the significance of peaceful coexistence and safeguarding life and property as essential foundations for progress.

Addressing the gathering, Governor Bello urged the people of the kingdom to prioritize harmony and actively contribute to ensuring the safety of lives and properties. He emphasized that the collective commitment to peace is indispensable for the development and prosperity of the region.

Bello further encouraged HRM Seidu Akawe Salihu to unite his people and play a vital role in maintaining the peace and security of his kingdom.

Highlighting the continuity of engagement with traditional institutions, Governor Bello assured that the incoming administration of Ahmed Usman Ododo would also collaborate with the traditional leadership, recognizing their role as partners in securing the well-being of the state’s populace.

In a gesture of commitment to the community, Governor Bello announced the reconstruction of the palace of the Ohimege-Igu to a befitting standard, following the presentation of four official vehicles to HRM Seidu Akawe Salihu.

Expressing his commitment, HRM Seidu Akawe Salihu pledged to unite the people of Koton Karfe kingdom and assured Governor Yahaya Bello of his unwavering support for the government of Kogi State. The occasion marked not only the recognition of traditional leadership but also a reaffirmation of the symbiotic relationship between governance, peace, and socio-economic development.

The Minister for Communication and National Orientation, Alhaji Muhammed Idris, represented by the Director-General, Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mallam Jibrin Ndace, congratulated the Ohimege-Igu on his ascension, describing it as divine. Alhaji Idris Muhammed commended Governor Yahaya Bello for his courage, bravery, vision, and wisdom in governing Kogi State over the last eight years.

“Leadership is the key to 99% of all successful efforts.” —Erskine Bowles. Indeed governor Bello has done so well for his people, provided good leadership for them and they cannot but continue to pray for him and wish him well in his future endeavours.