In 2015, a group of people across the state supported Alhaji Yahaya Bello (AYB), who later became GYB, and now FGYB. These people were convinced by the New Direction agenda and rallied behind Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the leader of the movement. When he lost the primary election to the late Prince Abubakar Audu (of blessed memory), some AYB supporters remained loyal due to the inspiration of their leader, who assured them that he would still become the governor of the state despite the loss. As fate would have it, AYB became the governor in 2016.
As a leader who values the support of his followers, especially those who stood by him after the primary election loss, he appointed many of them into key positions in his administration. However, there were a lot of criticism, particularly in Kogi Central, where GYB hails from. The complaints were centered around claims that those appointed were inexperienced and that the administration aimed to exclude the old political class, this led to political tension between GYB, the old politicians, and opposition parties.
GYB managed to overcome this opposition, thanks to God’s will that he would serve two terms.
After GYB’s re-election in 2019, many people expected him to replace his appointees with new faces. GYB responded by asking, “Where were you in 2015?” referring to the loyalty of his original supporters who stood by him even after his primary election defeat. This statement underscored his appreciation for loyalty, and he rewarded it accordingly despite the dissatisfaction of many.
Some argued that it was wrong to keep the same people in power for eight years, sidelining others who had also contributed to the party, others warned that this approach could backfire if those loyalists eventually turned against him. Time past, some of those GYB’s mentees now become mentors with their own followers, strategically positioning them to challenge him if they wish. This is why some opposed his decision to retain the same people in power for such a long period. GYB faced these challenges due to his commitment to rewarding loyalty, even when most people were against it. He took many risks and faced criticism, but he stood firm in his belief that loyalty should be rewarded.
As a result, GYB has built a significant political legacy in Kogi State, nurturing many political figures across all levels—something no politician before him had done. In Kogi Central, where I am familiar with, you cannot find a ward or clan without seeing one of his protégés.
However, now that he is FGYB, how many of his protégés are showing appreciation? Some are now calling him a bad person or even a betrayer.
This won’t end here, as the law of karma will eventually catch up with everyone. This didn’t happen to FGYB because he didn’t heed the advice to replace his appointees with new faces in his second term. It’s an inevitable situation in politics no matter how careful you are.
This is a lesson for all of us, even those criticizing him today won’t escape it; they might experience it in a minimal way, but they will still encounter it.
As the Ebira say, “If you’re giving birth in the sky, the earth will see it. If you’re looking at someone’s bottom, someone else will see yours. If you’re pointing a finger at someone, the other fingers are pointing back at you, asking, ‘What if it were you?’ Would you be happy if someone you took bullets for turned around and called you ill-names?”
The lesson here is never to expect reciprocation for the good you do for others. Don’t expect appreciation from anyone no matter what you’ve done for them. We humans often fail to appreciate, but God does. So, do good deeds for people because of God not for recognition.
In politics, someone who addresses you today as their mentor, father, boss, or helper can turn against you in the blink of an eye. But don’t panic, God will vindicate you, and karma will catch up with them. It’s just a matter of time.
– Engr Ira Habib wrote from Kogi state.
