The Governor-elect of Kogi state, Alhaji Yahaya Bello,
today, December 6, granted his first interview as an
elected public official to journalists in his mansion in
Lokoja, the state capital
Kogi state governor-elect, Alhaji Yahaya Bello
Popularly called ‘Fair Plus’ by his admirers, Bello was
dressed in an all white ensemble in the traditional garb
popularly called ‘agbada’ spoke to newsmen before
heading to his hometown of Okene, to celebrate his victory
with his people.
Some journalists spoke to Bello earlier today. Read below:
What is your reaction to the results declared by INEC
today which pronounced you the winner of the
governorship election?
Thank you very much. My reaction to the results are
nothing short of jubilation even though modestly, because
of the loss of our great leader, late Prince Abubakar Audu.
May his soul rest in peace.
You do know that there are controversial circumstances
surrounding your emergence as the All Progressives
Congress candidate. What is the way forward to address
some of these issues?
I have to embark on a quick reconcilitary move towards
the immediate family and the political family of the late
great leader of our party, and other leaders of our party
and even outside our party by reaching out to them.
What do you say to those who say you are the governor-
elect of a supplementary election?
I am a party man and all election votes cast is for the
party, and the party has chosen me to fly its flag. So I
cannot be said to be a governor of a supplementary
election.
Now that you have been elected. What is the way forward
for Kogi state?
We have a blueprint in line with the party manisfesto to
put the state on developmental map and making sure that
there is justice, fairness and equity in the distribution of
resources across the state.
What is the status of Honourable James Faleke as far as
your mandate is concerned?
The former candidate of the party died. INEC requested
the party to substitute, and I was chosen to fill the gap.
The space of the running mate was never vacant, so if I
am chosen to run on that platform, I don’t think I have
any choice. And so if I respond run on that platform, I
don’t think I have any choice but to respect the decision
of the party.
It is obvious that when you are sworn-in, many of your
opponents will head to the tribunal. How do you hope to
cope with this distraction?
Litigation after election is normal in our political system. I
don’t think there will be so much litigation as the issues
are within the party and the party is going to handle it
well.
What do you have to say to people who alleged that you
worked against the party when the late Prince Audu
emerged as the party’s candidate?
I never worked against the party. It is a party I laboured
for. It is a party I spent fortune on. It is a party I spent a
lot of time building.
Did you ever expect to be governor?
Well, after the death of our great leader, it is just normal
for you to return back to the party and pick the runner-up.
At the same time, I am happy with the choice of the party.
today, December 6, granted his first interview as an
elected public official to journalists in his mansion in
Lokoja, the state capital
Kogi state governor-elect, Alhaji Yahaya Bello
Popularly called ‘Fair Plus’ by his admirers, Bello was
dressed in an all white ensemble in the traditional garb
popularly called ‘agbada’ spoke to newsmen before
heading to his hometown of Okene, to celebrate his victory
with his people.
Some journalists spoke to Bello earlier today. Read below:
What is your reaction to the results declared by INEC
today which pronounced you the winner of the
governorship election?
Thank you very much. My reaction to the results are
nothing short of jubilation even though modestly, because
of the loss of our great leader, late Prince Abubakar Audu.
May his soul rest in peace.
You do know that there are controversial circumstances
surrounding your emergence as the All Progressives
Congress candidate. What is the way forward to address
some of these issues?
I have to embark on a quick reconcilitary move towards
the immediate family and the political family of the late
great leader of our party, and other leaders of our party
and even outside our party by reaching out to them.
What do you say to those who say you are the governor-
elect of a supplementary election?
I am a party man and all election votes cast is for the
party, and the party has chosen me to fly its flag. So I
cannot be said to be a governor of a supplementary
election.
Now that you have been elected. What is the way forward
for Kogi state?
We have a blueprint in line with the party manisfesto to
put the state on developmental map and making sure that
there is justice, fairness and equity in the distribution of
resources across the state.
What is the status of Honourable James Faleke as far as
your mandate is concerned?
The former candidate of the party died. INEC requested
the party to substitute, and I was chosen to fill the gap.
The space of the running mate was never vacant, so if I
am chosen to run on that platform, I don’t think I have
any choice. And so if I respond run on that platform, I
don’t think I have any choice but to respect the decision
of the party.
It is obvious that when you are sworn-in, many of your
opponents will head to the tribunal. How do you hope to
cope with this distraction?
Litigation after election is normal in our political system. I
don’t think there will be so much litigation as the issues
are within the party and the party is going to handle it
well.
What do you have to say to people who alleged that you
worked against the party when the late Prince Audu
emerged as the party’s candidate?
I never worked against the party. It is a party I laboured
for. It is a party I spent fortune on. It is a party I spent a
lot of time building.
Did you ever expect to be governor?
Well, after the death of our great leader, it is just normal
for you to return back to the party and pick the runner-up.
At the same time, I am happy with the choice of the party.