Away from what his critics may be seeking to achieve, through their persistent pollution of public space with unrealistic blackmails, Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has been busy with his revolutionary moves in the confluence state. He has used public office in initiating meaningful changes and visionary developments in Kogi State.
No doubt, he has been on the receiving end of cheap blackmails by political jobbers, Governor Bello’s leadership style has yielded striking positive effects on the well-being of workers and the less privileged in the state.
Since his emergence as the Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello has showcased different projects and economic improvement he has made while in office has been commendable. The young enigmatic political administrator has aggressively improved every sector of the State, despite the meagre resources available in the State.
Ushered in by divine providence, the Governor’s administration has been guided by equity and fairness, which has led to unprecedented achievements. However, ignorance, coupled with political hatred has kept his name on the lips of many political jobbers who would see no big deal in the gentle man’s strides in Kogi.
A courageous and visionary leader, under his leadership, Kogi State has transited from its previous position of weakness to being a notable player in the country’s national economy.
The question that begs for answers is, who is afraid of Yahyah Bello? Could it be some politicians with corrupt tendencies whose hopes may have been dashed, by the prudent administration of Yahyah Bello? Or could it be desperate politicians who are desperate for Yahaya Bello to vacate the office? Or maybe those who would stop at nothing to bring him; painting him as the worst Governor a Nigerian state has ever produced? These are the questions currently spinning in the minds of millions of Nigerians.
Instead of sketching lies that seek to dissuade the public about Bello’s person, it would be better to join his increasing army, as the Governor has proven to be a moving train who cannot be stopped.
Reasons for their abhorrence are not far-fetched! Bello upon emergence, as the Governor of Kogi State dismantled the unsatisfactory status quo in the State and pursued hard reforms that restructured government spending. He prioritizes investments, focusing on growing the state and empowering the people. He took the State’s resources away from the prying eyes of a tiny group of cabals who had for long held back the state from living up to its potential by draining resources through the back door.
Governor Yahaya Bello, who is nursing a Presidential ambition, inherited a Kogi State held bound by debts and unproductivity, a twin-challenge he attributed to years of poor leadership and short-termism offered by previous administrations. Through his rare sense of wisdom, Governor Bello stopped the hungry, retrogressive actors who believed that Kogi State existed to service their selfish wants and desires.
His deeds speak for him, as just recently, Governor Yahaya Bello won the 2020 Sun Governor of the Year Award, an affirmation of his tremendous efforts towards rebuilding and securing Kogi State. Kogi State is no longer the hotbed of kidnapping and other crimes. In addition, Kogi State has won the confidence of economic experts and investors.
Bello has led the State in the right corridors for businesses to thrive and unlock private capital. The commendable feat was recorded last year by Governor Yahaya Bello who, despite the devastating effect of the pandemic, was able to reduce the state’s domestic burden without failing in any of its mandatory government obligations.
Undoubtedly, Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello has successfully transformed the state he has been governing for about five years. He has displayed the sort of courage that marked him out as an uncommon leader, especially in this climate, where we operate.
Kogi State’s potentials have been underutilized before he came on board, despite being strategically situated in a vantage geographical location. However, with his style, every potential has been leveraged on to create jobs, attract investments, and negotiate smart deals that spell good fortune for the state in the years to come.
Little wonder many are not surprised when the calls for Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to declare his interest to run in the 2023 presidential elections began to gain momentum.
Detractors may keep trying, but the truth is that the relatively young Governor, who is 45 years old, might command a significant appeal among the youth.
Analysts have also added that an added advantage for Bello is that “he comes from Kogi State, which is effectively in the middle belt and is not particularly involved in the raging contest over zoning between the core northern politicians and the southern power brokers”.
They also opine that Bello is a bridge builder and uniting factor of sorts at a time when tensions over the Buhari-led government’s perceived tacit leanings towards a perceived northern agenda with the herdsmen crisis, political appointments, economic downturn and general hardships being experienced by citizens. These are in addition to ominous separatist agitations in the South, marking down the administration.
Apart from these, he has improved the lives of civil servants in the state he presides over, and this has not in any way interfered with his primary responsibilities as an administrator over a State, nor is it disturbing his presidential ambition.
Olamide Adeniji is a member of the editorial team of TheScript Newspaper
