Who Is Afraid of Yahaya Bello? The Hand of Esau, Voice of Jacob Intrigues »

The politics, intrigues and activities culminating into the swearing in of Alh Yahaya Adoza Bello as the 4th Executive Governor of Kogi State remains one of the most remarkable transition stories in the Nigerian political space. It was an extraordinary situation at a time that required an extraordinary solution. And like a messiah, he has dispensed eight years of remarkable achievements which many commentators have described as the finest administration in the history of Kogi State.

His sterling attribute as the youngest Governor at 39 was hitting the ground running with his New Direction Agenda. In spite of the countless legal challenges and unnecessary political distractions throughout much of his first term, he remained undeterred, effectively steering his New Direction administration towards delivering on its mandate.

As Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello oversaw a remarkable wave of infrastructural development that significantly enhanced the State’s socio-economic landscape. Some milestones under his leadership include massive rural and urban road constructions; state of the-art referral hospitals; educational transformation at all levels (particularly the creation of two additional State owned Universities and numerous model secondary schools); free Educational Policy at Primary and Secondary School levels; water-tight security of lives and properties, within and around the State; rural electrification, particularly the project Light-up Kogi East and job creation at various levels.

Bello’s administration stood out as the first and only government in Nigeria to not only meet but surpass the 35% gender affirmative action. Prominent positions such as the Secretary to the State Government, Head of Service, Vice Chairmen and Council Legislative Leaders of the 21 LGA, Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University, his Aide-de-Camp, and several heads of major decision-making roles (MDRs) were held by women.

Unparalleled was the Governor in promoting youth empowerment and inclusion in political leadership. He consistently championed youth participation and received multiple accolades for his involvement in National youth activities and outstanding advocacy for youth issues. No wonder just days before leaving office, he was honored with the Grand Commander of the Nigerian Youth award by the Nigerian Youth Council of Nigeria.

The Governor’s New Direction administration’s fiscal policies were in line with global standards, earning the Government several fiscal transparency awards from the World Bank. This is further testimony of the openness, accountability and optimal resource use that characterized his administration.

While holding sway, former Governor Yahaya Bello epitomized a detribalized, compassionate and humane leader. He would greatly be remembered for uniting Kogites across various ethnic and religious divides. Various programs and appointments of his administration reflected an all-encompassing inclusivity of different interests.

Given the Governor’s gigantic achievements in various critical sectors of the State, some of which have been highlighted, one wonders the bases of his recent persecution by Financial Crime Agency. Rather than receive accolades for his achievements, the Governor has become a subject for political intrigues, vendetta and unnecessary hullabaloo. Is there more to this dust than meets the ordinary eye? Is this the case of the Hand of Esau, the Voice of Jacob? Who is afraid of Alh Yahaya Adoza Bello?

The answers to these questions will further pose additional questions:

Could the strong political influence of the Governor as demonstrated by the resounding victory of his Party at all levels in Kogi State be the source of concern?

Could it be the rising political profile of Alh Yahaya Adoza Bello that is transcending the State, Geopolitical zone to the National level?

Are they afraid of his widespread popularity amongst youths across the Nation, given his pivotal role as DG Youths Mobilization in the APC Campaign Council during the 2023 General Elections, which was instrumental to the emergence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu?

Are they worried that even beyond his tenure, he continues to serve as a rallying point for political elites in Kogi State, the North Central region, and beyond?

Are they intimidated by his immense courage in challenging the status quo as evident in his governance structure in Kogi State and his stance on notable National issues?

Since when did expressing differing opinions and views on National matters become grounds for such relentless hounding?

Or could it be the case that he dared to nurse an ambition and meticulously worked for greater National responsibility at such young age? Why should age, rather than capability, be the yardstick for determining who can aspire for greater National responsibilities?

Is this a way of fighting back by the tribal agendists in Kogi State, whose target is to annex the Eastern part of the State and whom the Governor had fought all along during his tenure in the course of uniting Kogites?

Again, Who is afraid of Alh Yahaya Adoza Bello?

Instead of hiding behind the pretense of alleged corruption to tarnish the former Governor’s solid reputation, I advise those behind the scene to step forward and address these pertinent questions.

Alh Yahaya Adoza Bello is an idea whose time has come. No matter the attempts at blackmail, media trials and smear campaigns, he will rise tall and above his detractors. THE WHITE LION REMAINS THE WHITE LION.

Ele-ojo Julius writes from Abuja