By Stephen Adeleye.
The incumbent and Governor-elect of Kogi, Alh. Yahaya Bello has received a rousing welcome amidst jubilations as he visited his country home, in Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State.
In a victory celebration, the governor was received by residents with overwhelming joy who could not hide their excitement over his victory at the Saturday’s poll.
The residents of Okene trooped out in their large numbers to receive the governor who they voted for massively in the gubernatorial election, where the governor scored the highest votes.
Governor Bello made a quick stop at the residence of his mother, Hajiya Hawawu Bello whom he had earlier dedicated the victory to pay homage to the matriarch.
He thanked his aged mother for her support and prayers, while she on her part expressed her excitement over his son’s victory at the poll.
The governor also paid a thank you visit to the Ohinoyi of Ebira land, HRM Dr Ado Ibrahim, in his palace to pay a traditional homage to the royal father for his prayers and support.
Bello thanked the royal father and the good people of Kogi State for their support and the massive vote recorded from Okene Local Government and the region.
In his response, the Ohinoyi thanked God Almighty for the peaceful conduct of the election and also congratulated the governor over his victory, noting that it was the will and wishes of God Almighty who is the custodian of power.
The monarch prayed for the governor to be more successful in his second term, but advised him to remain focused and governed the state with fairness and justice.
The visit of the governor to Okene his country come, was the first after he was declared winner on Monday of the November 16 governorship election.
The Returning Officer for the election and Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, (ABU), Prof. Ibrahim Umar, made the declaration at INEC office Lokoja, the State capital.
Bello of APC scored a total of 406, 222 votes, while his closest contender, Mr Musa Wada of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) polled 189, 704 votes.
Bello had in his address affirmed that his election had broken the jinx of ethnic, class and age differences while assuring that his administration’s commitment to delivering democratic dividends to the good people of Kogi.
