By Sam Aina

CHAPTER ONE

27th of January has come again, and for Yahaya Bello, it rings of promises made and promises kept.

On this day, seven years ago, he took a vow in front of tens of thousands of people and promised to leave a legacy that Kogites would be proud of.

A tangible legacy.

Building a legacy in Nigerian politics is a daunting task, one that requires a great deal of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. The political landscape of Nigeria is complex and ever-changing, it is essential for anyone looking to build a legacy in this field to stay informed and up-to-date on the latest developments and trends.

One of the most important things to keep in mind when building a legacy in Nigerian politics is the need to be authentic. This means being true to your beliefs and values, and not compromising on them in order to gain popularity or power. This is particularly important in a country where corruption and political scandals are all too common. By staying true to yourself and your principles, you will be able to gain the respect and trust of the Nigerian people, which is essential for building a lasting legacy.

Another key aspect of building a legacy in Nigerian politics is the need to be a strong leader. This means having a clear vision for the future of the country and the ability to inspire and motivate others to work towards that vision. It also means being able to make difficult decisions and stand by them, even in the face of opposition or criticism. A strong leader is someone who is able to bring people together and unite them towards a common goal, and this is an essential ingredient for building a lasting legacy in Nigerian politics.

In addition to being authentic and a strong leader, it is also important to have a good team around you. This means having advisors and supporters who share your values and vision for the country, who can help you navigate the complex political landscape of Nigeria. A good team will help you to stay focused and motivated, they also provide you with the support and resources you need to achieve your goals.

Another important aspect of building a legacy in Nigerian politics is the need to be willing to take risks and innovate. This means being open to new ideas and trying new things, even if they may seem unconventional or unpopular. It also means being willing to listen to the voices of the people and to respond to their needs and concerns. By being willing to take risks and innovate, you will be able to stay ahead of the curve and make a real difference in the lives of the Nigerian people.

Finally, building a legacy in Nigerian politics also requires a long-term perspective. This means thinking about the impact you want to have on the area not just in the short-term, but also in the years and decades to come. It means being willing to make sacrifices and work hard to achieve your goals, even if the rewards may not be immediate. By having a long-term perspective, you will be able to build a lasting legacy that will have a positive impact on the people of Nigeria for generations to come.

None of this is easy, but with the right mindset, it is altogether achievable. It is difficult. It is daunting and in a state where a previous leader has not broken the jinx of building legacies, it makes it almost impossible to achieve; which makes Yahaya Bello’s achievements in Kogi an astonishing revelation.

Yahaya Bello has persevered. No other Governor in the past seven years has had his name dragged in unpalatable terms like the Lion of Agassa. Bello has shown his dedication and has proven over the years, that he has the right mindset, the authenticity, the right team, the boldness to take risks and the flair for innovation and ultimately, the already laid down, long-term blueprint for Kogi state to thrive for years after he vacates the Lugard House.

If I am asked, I would tell you that what Bello has been able to achieve best is taking government back from the mob and giving it to the masses.

CHAPTER TWO

Cabals exist in Nigerian politics.

They are everywhere.

They plot and scheme and come up with ideas that continually leave the common man wallowing in penury and despair even as their pockets grow fatter. For Kogi, the year 2003 spelt the beginning of a 13-year ruler ship that plundered our resources drastically whilst pushing us back developmentally. To pour salt on injury, a disastrous nine-year tenure was not enough for some of them, they installed their son-in-law to continue from where they stopped. Even after God turned the tide and brought Bello on board in 2019, some of them prepped their sons to run just to try and continue to bedevil the state further more.

Enemies of the nation.

Nigeria must begin to elect people who see themselves as servants of the people, not Lords. The mob however, as I have christened them, would prefer not to permit such to happen. Kogi state citizens were made to celebrate the crumbs from the table for so many years, resigning to their fate that nothing good, despite the abundance of natural resources, can ever come out from our Nazareth.

Yahaya Bello has changed all of these. Whilst President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to Kogi on the 29th of December, 2022 was a refreshing sight, it is rather preposterous to highlight that it was the first time since 2003 that a sitting President visited Kogi to commission projects in the state. Previously, we have only ever witnessed the presence of the Commanders in Chief during rallies and campaigns. They have only ever come to take, never to give.

Things have indeed changed.

Which begs the question, what were the PDP doing during their 13-year reign that could not command the presence of the number one citizen in Nigeria? I will provide you an answer. The President does not commission anyhow projects, neither does he attend programs that will bring him to disrepute. Nothing, and I beg to be checked or questioned, was accomplished during these disastrous years that could have commanded the presence of the C-in-C. Whilst this is sad, it makes me glad to state that we can reference those perilous times in past tense.

Kogi is moving forward.

President Muhammadu Buhari commissioned EIGHT legacy projects on said date and stated his pride and appreciation to Governor Yahaya Bello for a job well done. He highlighted the need for such interventions by the state Governors, as it makes the jobs of the president at the Villa much easier. He commended Kogi for showing great growth in the past few years, and pleaded with Kogi state citizens to support Bello.

I had tears in my eyes.

That singular, symbolic moment altered years of pain and despair and put Kogi back in reckoning as a state with the resources to attract investments. The Kogi of old where insecurity, infrastructural deficit, dilapidated educational and health facilities and many other vices thrived has since become strange to us. It is so because Yahaya Adoza Bello, whom God’s divine hand brought into power in 2015, was presented with two choices.

Go the way of the mob, or choose the masses.

He chose us, the masses.

For that, we remain grateful now, tomorrow and forevermore. Yahaya Bello has made us see how it is to experience good governance, and has set a high standard which subsequent governments must level up to and surpass. He has ensured that when his name is mentioned, it ranks alongside the greats, disengaging himself from the ignominious rule that ushered in his government.

It was a hard choice to make, but it was the right choice.

CHAPTER THREE

On the 27th of January, 2016, Yahaya Bello promised to “serve the people of the state by using Kogi’s resources to work for Kogi people”, employing “positive and decisive action to rescue Kogi” through “zero tolerance to corruption and impunity”.

Seven years later, he stands vindicated.

Happy Anniversary Your Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello and your loyal helpmate and Siamese twin brother, the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Chief Edward David Onoja.

We celebrate you.

#Chapter26