Leaders of thought, under the aegis of Kogi West Frontiers, have expressed confidence that one own will succeed Governor Yahaya Bello in 2024 based the incumbent’s exceptional leadership style and the promise made by the Deputy Governor, Chief Edward Onoja.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lokoja on Thursday, President of the group, Elder Owoku John Sunday commended Governor Bello for giving everyone in the state a sense of belonging through detribalized leadership.
They called on Bello to support the Kogi West aspiration to ensure the sustenance of the bridge of love and unity he has built in the state.
“The people of Kogi West senatorial district, if supported, will ensure continuity of all your projects and programs because we share your vision,” Owoku said.
The leaders also reminded the Governor of the promised made in his presence by his Deputy, Onoja, on two important occasions on which senatorial district will be supported to produce Bello’s successor in 2023.
“The first occasion was when Okun Development Association with traditional rulers visited the Governor in Government House Lokoja on the courtesy call to the Governor. The President of Okun Development Association assured Governor Yahaya Bello of the support of Okun people towards his re-election but pleaded for the Governor to ensure that he hands over to the West Senatorial District on the completion of his tenure. The Deputy Governor, Chief Edward Onoja said that ‘the outcome of the result of the election shall decide which District shall be supported to succeed Governor Yahaya Bello.’
“The statement of Chief Edward Onoja was re-echoed in the presence of his Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello at Government House when party members and stakeholders were invited for pre-election briefing in Government House. We are proud that the people of Kogi West who were unrepentant supporters of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) made U-turn to fulfil their promise of returning Yahaya Bello and voted massively for him based on the confidence reposed in him as a promise keeper and a man of integrity.
“As the year 2023 draw nearer, the race of who takes over from Governor Yahaya Bello will soon commence. It is therefore necessary that before interested people from other Senatorial districts go too far to show interest in contesting the position of governor of the state beyond point of compromise, we should set the stage for discussion by appealing to East and Central Senatorial districts as a matter of fairness, equity and justice, concede and zone the position of governor to Kogi West Senatorial district. This appeal is to all political parties.”
The leaders called on all political parties in the state to pick their respective candidates for 2023 governorship elections from Kogi West senatorial district.
They also threw their weight behind calls on Governor Bello to contest the 2023 presidential election, adding that “he is a dynamic man that can be trusted with power.”
