Throughout the previous week, the Homecoming of the immediate past governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alh. Yahaya Adoza Bello, CON was widely celebrated. His return was a soothing quech to the aging thirst of many Kogites, both home and those in diaspora. His trip from Abuja to his country home, Okene took the whole day because, as the news of his coming filtered in, residents of most of the communities along his route had gathered at every interval to catch a glimpse of a man loved so much by many.
Like an expectant mother longing for the arrival of her baby for a warm embrace, every community waited impatiently in turns as the sun accelerated for a set. Ebiraland became more anxious when Lokoja, the state capital had him. Of course, aside the interstate drivers, social media helped a great deal in keeping tab on the progress of his voyage down home.
Like a queen bee in a hive, he was endlessly swarmed and venerated till he arrived the Ohinoyi’s Palace, the paramount ruler of Ebira Kingdom where representatives of all the traditional rulers from across the state and other critical Stakeholders had gathered to receive their heroic son in company of his worthy successor, H.E Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo.
Thereafter, his house became a mecca of visit for all and sundry. On a daily basis, people came from far and wide, within and outside the state to pay homage. The open gate endured for days for the endless trooping in of his lovers and well wishers. Nonstop performance by singers, masquerades and traditional dance troupes were side attractions to entertain visitors from outside Ebiraland.
I never thought of bringing my pen to use until I watched a video from one Verydarkblackman, where he apologized to FGYB for trolling him in the past, stating that his apology was necessitated by the viral videos of Yahaya Bello being celebrated. This informed the header of this piece “The Yahaya Bello We Celebrated”
I don’t want to bore you with the uncommon narrative of his unmatched leadership qualities that has today brought about wholesome infrastructural development being consolidated by his workaholic and god-fearing successor. I will be dwelling more on refreshing our memories of his unprecedented and exemplary contributions to the national polity that stood him out as a patriotic Nationalist today, that every conscious Kogite and Nigerian with a discerning mind will forever be proud of.
During the naira redesign saga, when Nigerians gasped for economic breath over hardship, one man, later joined by two of his progressive colleagues took the federal government to court over the poor implementation of the policy and won the case. That victory brought about the reintroduction of our old notes, returning life to the economy of our dear nation. That man is Yahaya Bello. I know you have touched and used an old naira bill today, do you still want to ask why Nigerians celebrated him?
I know of a man who rose to broker peace between the Amalgamated Union of cattle Traders and other aggrieved parties which averted the dreaded zonal war and looming hunger during the food blockade that threatened our peaceful coexistence as a nation. Consciously or otherwise, the primary beneficiaries of that reconciliatory move see Yahaya Bello as a patriotic national Arbiter.
I know the only man in the country who was decorated as the “Hero of Women Inclusion in Politics”, having surpassed the 35% affirmative action for women inclusiveness in governance. That action today is being sustained by his successor. So, when next you see women in their numbers in governance, needless asking why Kogi women celebrated Yahaya Bello.
I know of a man whose decision to put the lives; survival ; and comfort of his citizens first, during the outbreak of the novel COVID’19 was later ajudged the best for humanity. Yes, it was just him against all highs and mighties. Yet, he insisted on not locking us down so we can survive the dark days. Kogi became a template for other states to be released from the shackles of the lockdown. Needless reminding you that the said pandemic later took a plandemic shape. Nigerians remembered this and decided to celebrate Yahaya Bello.
I know of the only Kogite to ever dare ruling this nation. Not only did he contest the 2023 APC presidential primaries, he was a heavy weight champion to reckon with. Only him opposed the idea of a consensus candidate and succeeded, a fight that produced President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the flagbearer of the party then, and the president today by extension. So when you talk about power play in the country today particularly northern Nigeria, you can’t help but mention him, Yahaya Bello.
In North Central, Kogi was declared 1st in performance during the maiden edition of the Nigerian portfolio performance award ball, organized by the Federal Ministry of Finance in collaboration with World Bank. This was under Yahaya Bello.
Kogi was the only state awarded by World Bank for refunding $4.6M and $800,000 in 2021 and 2022 respectively via NEWMAP World Bank Projects. This was ascribed to transparency, prudency and accountability of Kogi State Government under the leadership of Yahaya Bello.
I know of a Governor whose decision to proscribe ASUU in his state then, has put the indigenous universities ahead of others academically, as parents across the nation now look forward to having their children and wards, study in our domain. Do you still want to know why youths and students came out en masse to welcome Yahaya Bello.
I know of a political figure who was visited by many nationalists and celebrities to appreciate him for creating a mini Nigeria in his state, by appointing non Kogites to serve in his cabinet, giving a sense of belonging to all Nigerians irrespective of their tribe and state of origin. He is the completely detribalized icon we were happy to see. That’s no one else but Yahaya Bello
This same man was presented an award by the Inspector General of Police as the “Most Security Conscious Governor in Nigeria” for prioritizing the security of lives and properties of his citizens and Nigerians at large, considering the fact that Kogi borders about 10 states. A feat being consolidated on, by his successor. More reason Yahaya Bello is being celebrated.
This same core party loyalist was renown for helping his party, APC win elections, particularly in the neighbouring states, deploying his influence on his citizens of high numerical strength, residential in those states. Now you know why party faithfuls from far and wide thronged Yahaya Bello’s home for a visit.
To Kogites generally, he is a god-sent because through his instrumentality, God has blessed us with a wonderful and god-fearing Governor, His Excellency, Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo, who is performing excellently to the admiration of Nigerians, home and abroad.
These and many more are the attributes of our political icon. We as a people, irrespective of the picture painted of him outside office, know our leader better. And we celebrate him for laying a solid foundation for continuous development of our dear state and putting Kogi on the map through his informed opinions and decisions on critical issues that affect us a nation.
You are most welcome back Ozi Bello, Aazi Ochi, OziAndisa Obanyi, Ozi-amutu Ekehi Ehehi, Ozi-Anupode Obanyi, Ozi-Ameberogu k’oni omari eeri ta, Uhii eyivaa nyiwu Ehebe Obanyi.
Much love Our Political Messiah, Pathfinder and Emancipator.
May Allah continue to bless and protect you.
Abubakar E.S Ozioto writes from Kuroko I Ward of Adavi LGA, Kogi State.
