By Abdulhameed Ivavah.
Stakeholders from Ajaokuta Local Government Area have expressed appreciation to former Governor Yahaya Bello accepting the call to contest for the Kogi Central senatorial seat under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
This was made known during a courtesy visit to the former governor in Okene on Wednesday.
The delegation was led by the Ajaokuta Federal House of Representatives Member, Hon. Sanni Egidi Abdulraheem.
The lawmaker expressed deep appreciation to the former governor for what he described as years of impactful leadership that promoted Kogi State and brought tangible benefits to Ajaokuta.
Hon. Abdulraheem recalled that during Yahaya Bello’s administration, deliberate efforts were made to prevent the concession and sale of the moribund Ajaokuta Steel Company. He also highlighted the construction of the ultra-modern hospital in Eganyi, describing it as a landmark intervention in the health sector.
According to rep member, Ajaokuta roads were once heavily plagued by insecurity before the Bello administration took decisive steps to restore safety and confidence in the area. He further commended the former governor for strengthening traditional institutions across the state, alongside other notable achievements recorded in different parts of Kogi State.
He noted that these accomplishments laid a solid foundation for governance and leadership continuity, adding that former Governor Bello also presented a worthy successor in Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
He stated that Governor Ododo has continued to consolidate on these achievements, stressing that the people of Ajaokuta and Kogi State are not disappointed with the current administration.
The federal lawmaker explained that the former governor’s record of service was the reason stakeholders across Kogi Central called on him to contest for the Senate, a call he described as well-deserved.
Hon. Abdulraheem added that the senatorial aspiration was only a “minor compensation” for the former governor’s sacrifices, noting that the people of Kogi Central still find it difficult to adequately reward him for his contributions.
In his response, former Governor Yahaya Bello, now an APC senatorial aspirant, expressed gratitude to the people of Ajaokuta for their support and confidence. He urged them to remain steadfast in supporting the APC-led system, assuring them that more dividends of democracy would come to the area.
The former governor preached peace and unity and also rallied support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, expressing confidence that Ajaokuta would remain firmly united. According to him, the level of consensus and support among stakeholders makes intensive campaigning unnecessary, as the people have already rallied around the collective vision.
The visit attracted a large gathering of political leaders and stakeholders, including commissioners, serving and former elected officials, serving and former Senior Special Advisers, top civil servants, permanent secretaries, party chairmen, and other key stakeholders from across the state.
