How Yahaya Bello Broke Jinx of Ethnic Politics In Kogi
Kogi State has never known political harmony since it was created in 1991. The political and social rivalry between the major ethnic groups of Igala, Ebira and Okun that make up majority in the State has, in too many ways retarded economic and social progress of the State.
Since the return of Democracy in 1999, the political class in the State began to divide themselves along ethnic and religious line, especially in the discus of who should Govern the state. They have far succeeded and have kept the political and social relationship among the different ethnic tribes in constant state of political tension every 4 years.
In 1999, Late Prince Abubakar Audu (APP), an Igala man from Kogi East was involved in a political battle with Dr Steven Olurunfemi (PDP), an Okun man from the Western part of the State. After intense battle, Abubakar Audu won the election and became Governor. The Swearing-in of Prince Abubakar Audu on 29th May, 1999 gave birth to ethnic identity and religious politics in the State.
From 2003 to 2015, the race became Igala versus Igala in the contest for state power (Lugard House).
In 2015, Alh. Yahaya Adoza Bello (M, 40), from a minority tribe of Ebira against all odds was the first to break the jinx when he threw his hat into the ring to wrestle with the Lions, Tigers, the mighty and the powerful in the APC. He came 2nd in the fiercely contested primary election, coming closely behind Prince Abubakar Audu who later defeated the incumbent Governor l, Capt. Idris Ichala Wada (PDP).
Alh. Yahaya Adoza Bello through divinity (Divine nature) as the journey wasn’t human made became Governor after the death of Prince Abubakar Audu.
On assumption of duty, Bello wasted no time and began to burn the bridges of political and social hatred of the past. First by appointing Chief Edward Onoja, a Christian and an Igala as his Chief of Staff. A lot of forces fought him, but he defied those forces and embarked on his onerous task of neutralizing the ethnic prejudice in the State, bearing in mind that without peace, consensus and unity the State can not achieve development.
GYB wasted no time also im demystifying what many referred to as “retrogressive and archaic mindset of Kogi politics”.
He was not perturbed by ethnic cleavages; he believed that his decision will put paid to politics of hatred and will rescue the people from the hands of politicians who instigate ethnic hatred for political advantage by their divide and rule tactics. GYB discarded ethnic politics in preference to all inclusive politics and this has completely demystify ethnic and religious proponent into political oblivion.
Like Nelson Mandela, GYB has risen to chart a new cause devoid of ethnic and religious sentiments. He chose to build new bridges of political friendship with the entire people of the state irrespective of tribe and religion and went as far as building a chapel in the Government House.
I enjoin the people of Goodwill and NIGERIANS to use their different background as a point of strength, unity and harmony instead of capitalizing on it for divisive tendencies to join hand with the Youthful and Useful Governor for 2023 NIGERIA PROJECT.
Written by Ameh A.Y Samuel from Kogi State
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