As Fairplus, Governor Yahaya Bello rolled fully into the political scene in 2015, rising from relative obscurity to become a dominant force in Kogi State politics. His emergence marked a significant shift in the state’s power dynamics, which had previously been controlled by the late Prince Abubakar Audu, also known as Adoja and his Igala kinsmen.
Adoja, an Igala leader, wielded immense influence over Kogi State’s politics, installing loyalists in power and maintaining a tight grip on the state’s resources. His dominance was so profound that many considered him untouchable and undefeatable with some even revering him as a political lord.
However, Yahaya Bello’s ascendance changed the landscape of Kogi State politics. Despite facing formidable opposition, he secured the governorship through his own efforts, leveraging his Fairplus business acumen and national connections. This development shocked many, particularly within the Igala community, who had grown accustomed to their dominance.
Yahaya Bello’s governorship has brought significant changes to Kogi State, particularly in the Kogi Central district. He has introduced innovative concepts in governance, focusing on infrastructure development, peace, and security. Recall that Kogi Central happens to be the hub of robbery and banditry during Igalas reign, Yahaya Bello’s efforts changed the narrative of Kogi Central, bringing unprecedented growth and prosperity to the region.
The Igala community, especially the agenda agents however, remains bitter about the shift in power dynamics. To them, Yahaya Bello’s exploration of power is one of its kind in the 21st century, hence they resorted to hatred and have continued to devise strategies to undermine Yahaya Bello’s administration and personality, and as their mission failed to bring an ìgalà agenda agent to power, they resulted to supporting ungrateful elements within Ebiraland to pull him down. Despite these challenges, Yahaya Bello remains focused on his mission to develop Kogi State and particularly Ebiraland.
For decades, the people of Kogi Central were relegated to political slavery status, with senatorial positions turned Governship mandate we could kill ourselves for. However, Yahaya Bello’s emergence has changed this narrative, bringing the governorship to their doorstep. He has empowered the youth, providing them with opportunities for growth and development.
Since Kogi State’s creation in 1991, save for Adamu Attah’s regime under old kwara, the Kogi Central district had lacked significant infrastructure development. However, under Yahaya Bello’s administration, the region has witnessed unprecedented growth, with new roads, infrastructure, health and emerging conomic opportunities.
Despite these achievements, individuals whom he has helped secretly and pardon for her many excesses continue to malign Yahaya Bello’s character, labeling him a “killer” since 2019 till date. This political manipulative tactic, however, is seen by many who can think wide as a desperate attempt to discredit his administration and personality, to subdue him by all means.
A man with a power is like a god on earth, possessing the machinery and techniques to terminate others at a far distance effortlessly even within his target’s own circle, while dinning in his inner chamber “if he choses to”, but Yahaya Bello is a stark contrast who uses power as a giant outside but becomes a puppet inside because he believes an actor should only be known as one outside and not in his hometown. He faces numerous betrayals from his own kinsmen during his leadership, but yet he consistently chose forgiveness and draw people closer to himself the more, a pure and typical act of an Ebira man who prioritizes his people and unity above all odds. He fought tirelessly openly, spiritually and behind the scenes for Ebiraland to promote the interests of Ebiraland.
As the people of Ebiraland, we must appreciate the sacrifices made by Yahaya Bello to bringing power, and the benefits therein to our region. We must understand some agenda children are envious of this and wille go length to align with another Ebira person who is against Yahaya Bello and the current administration to pull him down. We must value the progress we have made under his leadership and strive to protect the gains we have achieved. We must cherish our blessings before they slip away as they say “opportunity comes but once”.
– Prince Suleiman Adinoyi writes from Okene, Kogi State.
