A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State and former spokesperson of late Prince Abubakar Audu, Suleiman Abdulmalik today expressed optimism that Governor Yahaya Bello would retain his position and defeat his opponents in the election tribunal.
According to him, the people of the state should give their supports to the new administration in its efforts to bring development to the state because “Kogi is in a safe hands.”
He said both the immediate-past governor of the state, Captain Idris Wada of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Audu’s running mate in the last governorship election, Mr. James Faleke would lose “because their cases are weak and lacking in merits.”
Abdulmalik in a statement issued to commemorate Bello’s 100 days in office said “his 100 days in office is far better than 12 years of PDP.” He added that the governor has so far taken major steps that would reposition the state and place it on the path of sustainable development.
While commending the ongoing screening exercise in the civil service, he stressed that a lot of money would be saved by government to pay genuine workers and also embark on other projects by the time ghost workers on government payrolls were identified are flushed out.
“Since Bello came on board, we have seen a lot changes; our major township roads that have been doted with pot holes are being filled up and tarred. Lokoja the state capital is like a project site. In fact there is work in progress all over the state. Even those in the opposition who did agree with the emergence of Bello will agree to the fact that the state is now working”, he said.
Abdulmalik said Bello’s decision in granting autonomy to local government councils was a bold step that would bring succour to LG workers and ensure development for people at the grassroots.
He said, “Members of APC exco who are against the governor are doing that on selfish grounds. When he came on board, his concern was to put the state on the path of progress but the APC leaders want the continuation of the old ways where money will be put on the table and shared.
“Part of the reasons for crises rocking the Kogi state chapter of the APC is the selfish interest of some of the executive members who are not interested in the overall development of the state.”
Abdulmalik faulted those who are raising issues with the appointments made by Bello, saying the choice of personal aides remains the prerogative of the governor.
He said, “The appointment of personal aides is the sole responsibility of the governor. He knows the people that believe in his change agenda. When Buhari came on board, nobody knows Dr. Ibe Kachikwu as a card-carrying member of APC.
“Bello knows the people that will assist him to get the desired results and it would be unfair to say that he was not appointing APC members. Bello brought in good technocrats. In fact, I must commend the appointment of his Chief of staff, Mr Edward Onoja and the likes of Asiwaju Idris who have been working hard alongside the governor in the governance of the state.”
