"What affects Gov. Bello affects me" Chief Edward Onoja to Kogi East Political stakeholders »

The Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Chief Edward Onoja has described the death of the sister to the Governor, Hajiya Rabiyat Bello as a blow to him personally which has demoralised him.

He said he feels what the Governor is feeling as his Siamese twin brother, noting that it has affected his celebration of 2019 Christmas because of the pivotal role played by the deceased in the life of Governor Bello while growing up.

Chief Onoja was speaking on Wednesday to political stakeholders and youths of Kogi East during his Christmas visit to the area.

The Deputy Governor who used the opportunity to thank the youths for their support to the APC in the last governorship election promised to ensure they were compensated for their doggedness and commitment to the cause of the APC.

He said the administration of Governor was committed to staying true to its campaign promises of doing more for the state in the areas of infrastructure and other concerns, stressing that Governor Bello and himself were ready to turn around the fortunes of the state for the better.

On his part, the member representing Idah Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Hon David Zachariah expressed gratitude to the deputy governor for the visit and added his voice to mourn the death of Hajiya Rabiyat Bello.

He said the entire Kogi East mourns with the Governor, adding that leaders in the area were ready to stand in solidarity with the family of the Governor in their hours of need.

The same sentiment was echoed by the member representing Ankpa/Olamaboro Federal Constituency, Hon Ibrahim Halims who stated that it was the collective will of the people of the area to continue to support the government and would do all possible to correct the mistakes of the last election, not withstanding the challenges they face.

He further paid the condolences of his constituents to the Governor over the demise of his sister and reiterated their commitment to supporting the government in all its policies and programmes.

The Zonal Leader of the APC in the area, Hon Ahmed Attah added his voice on the issue, stressing that the death had dampened the morale of leaders and prayed God to grant the deceased peaceful rest.

He was however quick to bring the deputy governor and leaders of the area to speed on some of the political developments in select LGAs in Igalaland which he said they would device means of addressing them amicably.

Reacting to the visit, the Ejeh Olamaboro, HRM Chief Simeon Ujah described the duo of Governor Bello and his Deputy, Chief Edward Onoja as a divine combination whose mandate and leadership style could only be understood by divine wisdom.

While commiserating the Governor on the loss of his sister, the Ejeh prayed Almighty God to give the deceased peaceful rest and fortitude for the family to be able to bear the loss.

The Deputy Governor visited Anyigba, Ankpa and Okpo the headquarters of Olamaboro Local Government Area.

In Ogugu, home of the Deputy Governor, the atmosphere was unusually quiet, an indication that they were also in mourning the death of Hajiya Rabiyat Bello.