Lokoja, the Kogi State capital and the Central Senatorial District was agog and literally stood still on Tuesday as residents of the district throng out in their numbers to welcome the former governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello in company of the current governor of the State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo as they entered the capital and district after his bail from the federal high court in Abuja.
The triumphant entry of former Governor Bello from Lokoja to Okene the headquarters of the district took him more than five hours before they could enter the palace of Ohinoyi of Ebiraland where multitude of people both men and women were patiently waiting to welcome the former Governor home since 9am
Speaking at the palace of the Paramount ruler of Ebiraland in Okene on Tuesday, the former Governor called for collective unity among the people of the state, assuring that the current administration led by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo will deliver more dividends of democracy to all parts of the state.
Former Governor Bello who also sought the support and prayers of Nigerians for President Bola Tinubu to succeed in executing his laudable plans and programmes for the country, noted that the policies of the current administration will definitely take the country to the glorious land.
He urged Nigerians to exercise patient with President Tinubu’s government to enable him tackle the challenges affecting the progress and development of the country.
Addressing a mammoth crowd, the Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo said the former Governor Yahaya Bello had laid solid foundation especially in the state civil service to enable his administration pay prompt salaries both at the state and local government level.
“The success of my administration today was borne out of the commitment and good foundations laid down by my immediate predecessor and the support and encouragement he often gave to us.
“For us to succeed we need the support of our people because I am ready to serve you and I will continue to do my best to unify the people of the state” Gov. Ododo said.
The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Dr Tijani Ahmed Anaje in his remarks charged Ebira people both at home and in diaspora to embrace peace, speak with one voice and prioritize Ebira interest over and above any personal interest.
The Royal Father who offered prayers for Ebiraland and Kogi state in general, solicited support for Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to enable him achieve more development for the state.
In his speech, the Chairman Kogi State Chapter of the All Progressive Congress APC, Hon. Abdullahi Bello described former Governor Bello as the chosen one who has laid a solid foundation for the state in the area of infrastructure and human capital development.
He assured that based on the activities of Governor Ododo led administration, 2025 will usher in peace, unity and development to Kogi State.
