Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has described his Deputy, Chief Edward Onoja as a talented strategist who helped him pilot the affairs of the state with minimal distraction.
Bello, in his inaugural speech during his swearing-in ceremony for a second term in office in Government House, Lokoja, on Monday, stated that Onoja is a Godly politician.
The Governor’s compliments is coming on the heels of report of crisis of confidence between the two leaders.
The rumour mill has been awash with insinuations of rift between Bello and Onoja, despite rebuttals. The Governor and his Deputy forged a tight relationship long before their entrance into politics.
According to Onoja, during the inauguration of the Government House Chapel in December 2019, explained that he met Bello while working in a bank in Markudi, Benue State. He explained that Bello walked into the banking hall to open an account and he happened to be the officer that attended to him. In the course of opening the account, both got to know they are both from Kogi state. Since then, Onoja said, the duo maintained a strong relationship.
Governor Bello, while delivering his inaugural speech, reinforced the bond between him and Onoja, emphasising the latter’s unflinching loyalty.
“Chief Edward Onoja, my siamese twin and the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, for the hard work and loyal followership which enabled me to pilot this ship with a minimum of distractions.
“Edward Onoja is a Godly politician, an astute visionary and a talented strategist who has proved his worth to me, to Kogi State and to our party again and again – first as my Chief of Staff and now as my Deputy,” he said.
