Yahaya Bello Returns Home: How His People See Him
By Paul Efanga, Abuja
Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State, was detained and released over alleged financial impropriety, which has been a subject of discussion in the public space.
Moreover, the enthusiastic reception he received upon his return suggests that the former Governor is still widely popular amongst his people.
This, according to the people, is a measure of his acceptance and political relevance in the confluence state.
When asked about the political relevance of the former governor, political stalwart Amos Omajale said the former governor is now more relevant politically than he was previously. Omajale stated that “F-GYB is a courageous man who has no failure in his dictionary.”
“On the day of his return from Kuje, country men and women across the divide were waiting by the road sides from all angles in Okene as early as 8 am, to catch a glimpse of the Yahaya Bello they described as a hero and the father of modern politics in Kogi state. A very courageous leader who has no failure in his dictionary”.
In a spirit of solidarity, the residents of Kogi State, led by Governor Usman Ododo, jubilated upon the return of F-GYB from Kuje Correctional Facility. The reception was a grand celebration, marked by enthusiastic crowds, mainly consisting of politicians, who converged to celebrate the victorious homecoming of a leader whose tenure was characterized by significant achievements and development in the state.
F-GYB has achieved notable milestones across various sectors of the economy. Notably, he constructed the state’s first-ever flyover and became the first governor to establish two functional universities within a record timeframe of less than four years, a feat unprecedented in Nigeria. Furthermore, the GYP model secondary schools, strategically located across the state’s three Senatorial districts, represent another significant accomplishment of the former Governor.
To stem the tide of medical tourism in Kogi state and Nigeria, the former Governor constructed a cutting-edge hospital that can compete favourably with top-notch hospitals worldwide.
Governor Usman Ododo eulogized his predecessor as a visionary leader who made significant strides in uplifting underprivileged children and propelling the state toward unprecedented economic growth during his administration.
Governor Ododo, in his goodwill message to the former Governor on his 49th birthday, commended him for his exemplary leadership and extraordinary vision that have led to the transformation of the state to an enviable height, which the current administration is consolidating to sustain.
Ododo stated, “On the occasion of my leader’s and mentor’s 49th birthday, I am grateful for the courage you showed, the sacrifices you made for our current position, and the legacies you bequeathed to our state and people.”
“I wish you many more years in good health and prosperity as you will be surrounded by your children and the children of many people whose lives you have transformed as you celebrate the anniversary of your birthday”.
Undoubtedly, former Governor Bello, while receiving a warm welcome from his kinsmen, called for unity and support for President Tinubu.
Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, Kogi Central Senatorial District and beyond came to a standstill as residents turned out en masse to welcome the immediate past Governor of the state, who was home for the yuletide celebrations.
Koton-karfe/Lokoja road was literally under siege as supporters, kinsmen and well wishers stormed the roads to join the former governor’s convoy amid cheers.
It took the former governor about six hours to finally access the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, His Royal Majesty Tijani Ahmed Anaje.
Ex-Governor Bello was granted bail on December 19, 2024 and released after meeting his bail conditions in the alleged money laundering case instituted against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Kinsmen and supporters, who had been waiting for the big entry of former governor and the incumbent governor, stormed the streets, chanting solidarity songs and praying for the continuous upliftment of the state under the new administration.
Many of those who spoke at the events , praised Bello and assured him that their prayers were with them. They also thanked him for giving them a governor like Ododo as his successor.
They said, they had been waiting since 9am to welcome home their son, whom they said opened Kogi up for meaningful developments.
The former Governor, accompanied by Ododo and other past and present political office holders first made a stop at the resting place of his late mother for a special prayer for the departed.
Speaking at the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, in Okene, Yahaya Bello, called for unity among the people of the state, assuring that the current administration, led by Ododo, would deliver more dividends of democracy to all parts of the state.
Bello also sought the support and prayers of Nigerians for the President Bola Tinubu administration.
He urged citizens to exercise patience and pray specially for the President to be able to continue executing his laudable plans and programmes for the country, saying that, in the end, Nigeria and Nigerians would be better for it.
The former governor expressed strong confidence in the policies of the current administration to take the country to the promised land.
Addressing the mammoth crowd, the Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, said former Governor Yahaya Bello had laid a solid foundation for the sustainable growth and development of the state.
Ododo pointed out that the ability of the Yahaya Bello administration to reform the state’s Civil Service and institute a productive workforce was a solid foundation on which the current administration is thriving.
According to Governor Ododo, the prompt payment of salaries by his administration is the outcome of the efforts and foresight of the Yahaya Bello administration.
“I attribute the ability of my administration to pay prompt salaries at both state and local government levels to the solid foundation for resource and economic development put in place by the administration of my predecessor, Yahaya Bello.
“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 gives 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 unite the people of the state,”Ododo said.
In his remarks, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Dr. Tijani Ahmed Anaje, encouraged the people of Ebiraland, at home and abroad, to promote peace, unity, and a collective voice, prioritizing the well-being of Ebiraland over individual interests.
Further, the Royal Father offered prayers for Ebiraland and Kogi State, soliciting support for Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to achieve further progress in the state.
In his speech, the Chairman of the Kogi State Chapter of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Hon. Abdullahi Bello, described former Governor Bello as the one who laid a solid foundation for the state in terms of infrastructure and human capital development.
He assured that, based on the activities of the Governor Ododo-led administration, 2025 would usher in peace, unity, and development to Kogi State.
Speaking also, Otunba Irikiti James Ogah described Yahaya Bello as “The Political Maestro of Our Generation”.
“As a people, we owe him an everlasting thank-you for daring the unthinkable, changing the narrative for good and paying the huge price against all odds.
“Available statistics have it that Yahaya Bello’s eight years administration as the governor of Kogi State was greeted with huge human Capital developments and monumental state of the art projects that have direct impact on the people of the state.
These achievements, as recorded, have made F-GYB one of the state’s best governors.
The travail of the former governor has made him more acceptable, even to his former enemies. Recent events have shown that former Governor Yahaya Bello is now more relevant in Nigerian politics than ever before. As events unfold, Yahaya Bello’s fighting spirit will become more apparent.
Paul Efanga wrote from Abuja
