One thing you can’t take away from Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the executive governor of Kogi state, is his strategic approach to issues that bothers on his next political interest, that may increase his hold on power. He is ready to pay anything for anything he wants. He goes all out against his opponents, never ready to look down on anything. Even Hassan Baiwa who manages to scale through the screening elimination process was muscled out using the same formula he benefited from in the last general elections.
His Excellency, Gov Bello, my own Governor, is very cunning, smart in his way and understands all the political manipulations that negate the international political best practices. Yes, I quite well agree to the fact that there are no best or free and fair democratic procedures but the other nations of the world has over the years been seen progressing in their political conduct by being able to develop capacity that will withstand opposing views tolerating the necessary political rivalry.
Ever ready for an easy ride, after Bello has successfully rigged himself to become flagbearer by subduing his own party machinery to his obey at his own beck and call, his next move is who is going to be a stumbling block to his quest for more power acquisition. A man cunning enough to have seduced power to overcome the likes of Adam Oshiomhole, a Governor for 8 years in an oil producing state like Edo, mustn’t be underrated anymore when it comes to political manipulation and seduction. Therefore, I am standing, counting who is who among the core politicians in Kogi state that can withstand Bello’s milk and honey.
Ever clever in a negative way, Bello’s next primary election is PDP primary. He will never stand behind and watch or observe, he must meddle in the PDP primary. Already having a strong connection and effective contact inside PDP as it is now, he will extend his hold to delegates.
Bello’s styles are always naked just that we have elites who are not ready to listen to any strategic advise, apart from the one coming from previous political office holders. He will do everything he can to have some of the party delegates vote for a candidate he considers weaker and easy for him to pound at any little provocation. Edward Onoja has a good relationship with some PDP leaders in Kogi East, he will take advantage to infiltrate like a viper ready for a prey.
Yahaya Bello, a Governor who don’t take chance, has INEC in Kogi state under his firm control. With his iron fist hands, he has so many of his loyalists and hirelings strategically positioned to dance to his lyrics. Being able to eliminate Generals and other highly placed personalities from the APC, it is only people with willingness and personal resolution to end his government during the forthcoming governorship election that can stand against the Bello. Waiting for the elites to lead will amount to failure and submissiveness. The antidote to this is mass movement on the Election Day where electorate shall voluntarily come out and cast their votes and defend it, it is the people on the street who want good governance; the market women, the Okada riders, students, pensioners and civil servants. It is only this joint effort that will end this government. Waiting for the core politicians and professional politicians to lead the onslaught in a democratic way may be a mere wish and building castles in the air.
The new leader of the Kogi state rose to power with promises of democracy and equality, before the 2015 primary election, where he came second in the primary, the position that prepared him for the governor after the demise of Prince Abubakar Audu. But he soon proved to be an iron-fisted hand as his despotic intentions came to light and every body can attest to it as Bello, by his own behavior, has already proven.
PDP, beware of the dazzlingly conspiracy theory of the high places. Watch out for the infiltration of the desperate bullies in your camp through some leaders who has nothing at stake except personal ego.
Negotiators are eager to cash in as Gov. Bello is ready to compromise as many as possible, through his delicacy of milk and honey, we must resolve and remain resolute.
Let people decide and we must say #BelloMustGo
– Usman Austin Okai
A PDP youth leader.
