'Gov Bello is our choice whatever it takes,' Oba Yoruba Community in Kogi says »

The Oba of Yoruba Community in Kogi State, Alhaji Bello Audu-Oke has assured that members of his domain remain solidly behind the candidature of Governor Yahaya Bello in this weekend’s gubernatorial and Senate polls.

He said the Governor has given account of himself as the number one citizen of the state by carrying all groups along in his style of governance, hence their decision to back him solidly by voting him massively to ensure a landslide victory for the APC.

The Oba gave the charge on Wednesday when he granted audience to the APC leadership from Ondo State in company of the state’s government functionaries when they paid him a campaign visit at his palace in Lokoja.

Alhaji Bello said despite the presence of the Yoruba in Lokoja more than a century ago and their forebears being born in the Kogi State capital and environs, they have never enjoyed government patronage like they are currently doing under Governor Bello.

He particularly mentioned the decision of the Governor to grade their traditional Chieftaincy stool, a decision he said has endeared Governor Bello more to the hearts of the Yoruba people, hence their commitment to returning him for fresh mandate on Saturday.

The Oba used various positive adjectives to qualify the persona of Governor Bello, and assured his guests that he had already mobilised his subjects in all parts of the state to ensure block votes for the APC.

Speaking, the APC Chairman for Ondo State, Engr Ade Adetimehin stressed that they were in Kogi State as a mark of reciprocity for the sterling roles played by Governor Bello three years when the incumbent Governor of the state, Rotimi Akeredolu contested his election which the party won.

He said the Yoruba were people who appreciate any positive gesture done them, and urged the leadership and the entire members of the community to vote for and continue to canvass votes for the APC.

The party chairman noted that Governor Akeredolu, like Governor Bello, is a detribalised leader who has given a sense of belonging to all ethnic and religious bodies in Ondo State by appointing aides from their members to represent their interests in the state Executive Council.

The group, which was canvassing for votes for the APC visited many parts of Lokoja the state capital, especially Ward A which is populated by various ethnic groups in the country and took the message of need for the return of Governor Bello to them.

The delegation also included the Majority Leader of Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon Suleiman Maito; the Special Adviser Political to the state Governor, Rt Hon Victor Olabintan; APC Organizing secretary, Hon Charles Fagbohunka; the Women Leader, Mrs Renike whitherspoon; the treasurer, Deacon Moshood lshoola; aides on Hausa, Ebira and numerous others.