Bello’s Inclusive Legacy Earns Fresh Support from Hausa, Yoruba Communities In Kogi Central »

The leadership of the Yoruba, Hausa/Fulani ethnic communities residing in Kogi Central Senatorial District of Kogi State on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to former Governor Yahaya Bello, CON, at his residence in Abuja.

The delegation, comprising leaders of the Hausa, Yoruba, said the purpose of the visit was twofold: to thank the former governor for what they described as his inclusive and effective leadership, and to assure him of their readiness to support his senatorial ambition at the next election.
The leaders described Bello as a detribalised and courageous leader whose administration fostered peace, unity and a sense of togetherness among the various ethnic groups living in Kogi State.

Speaking on behalf of the Hausa community in Kogi Central, the Sarki Hausawa of Ebiraland, HRM Sarkini Saleh Adamu Danladi, said the community would find it difficult to repay the former governor for what he described as his commitment to peaceful coexistence and development.
He said Hausa communities across Kogi Central had resolved to overwhelmingly support Bello in the senatorial election.
“Your Excellency, our visit this afternoon is to assure you that we, the Hausa communities in every part of Kogi Central, have resolved to vote for you in the next election as our Senator. This is our little way of appreciating you for the peaceful coexistence you established between the Hausas and other ethnic groups in Kogi State.”

Alhaji Saleh also commended the former governor for creating what he described as equal opportunities and equitable representation in his administration. He noted that, under Bello, members of the Hausa community were recognised and appointed as Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants.

According to him, such gestures created a strong sense of belonging and further strengthened the relationship between the Hausa community and other ethnic groups in the state.

“Your Excellency, we cannot forget in a hurry that during your administration, Hausa/Fulani sons and daughters were recognised and appointed into your government. That sense of belonging is one of the reasons we are living happily in Kogi State today, and it further cemented our relationship with other tribes. In Kogi State today, we are brothers and sisters, and we cannot fail to appreciate you for establishing such an inclusive government.”

Other members of the delegation included Alhaji Suleiman Rahama Bread, representing Okehi Local Government Area; Alhaji Nasir Umar, representing Ajaokuta; Juma Jango, representing Adavi; Ali Daura, representing Okene; and Ibrahim Haruna, representing Ogori-Magongo.
Similarly, leaders of the Yoruba communities in Kogi Central also visited the former governor and pledged their support for his senatorial ambition.

The Obas of Yoruba in Ebiraland, represented by Chief Chris Fabuayin, commended Bello for creating an atmosphere in which people from different ethnic and religious backgrounds could live and conduct their businesses without fear or intimidation.

He said Yoruba residents in Kogi State had resolved to work for Bello’s election in the forthcoming senatorial contest.
Other members of the Yoruba delegation included Alhaji Bashir Haruna, Elder Afolayan Dada, Chief Olumide Kodeand Adebusuyi Michael.

Responding, former Governor Yahaya Bello thanked the delegations for what he described as their thoughtful show of support and goodwill.

Bello explained that his decision to give people from different ethnic groups a place in his administration was driven by his belief that every Nigerian should be able to live and conduct business in any part of the country with a genuine sense of belonging.

He said this was essential to building peace and unity in a multi-ethnic country such as Nigeria.

The former governor also commended the Hausa/Fulani communities for embracing peaceful coexistence and urged them to continue living peacefully while helping to identify and expose bad elements within their communities.

Bello thanked the leaders for their declared support and urged them to work for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and other APC candidates in the forthcoming general elections.