Bello inaugurated as new Kogi governor amidst lawsuits

Alhaji Yahaya Bello, of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been sworn in as the governor of Kogi.

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello taking oath of office during his inauguration, before the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Nasiru Ajana, in Lokoja on Wednesday.

The Chief Judge of the state, Justice Nasir Ajanah, administered the oath of office on Bello on Wednesday in Lokoja under a peaceful atmosphere at about 12 noon.

In his inaugural speech, Bello said his administration will not tolerate corruption and impunity in any form.

While promising to model his administration after that of President Muhammadu Buhari, he said his main agenda would be the provision of qualitative education, healthcare service, infrastructural facilities and solid minerals development fairly and justly across the three senatorial districts.

The new governor also promised to pay one out of the four-month salary arrears being owed the workers soonest, while modality will be put in place for the payment of the balance.

Besides, Bello pledged to run an inclusive government and ensure judicious use of state resources to better the lives of the people and reduce poverty and squalor.

The governor charged the civil servants to adopt positive behavioural change so as to make them more productive.

He thanked Buhari and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for their efforts at ensuring the success of the party in all elections in the country.

The APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, described the new governor as a gift to the state, urging the people to give him total support to reposition the state.

He said that Bello would provide quality administration and leadership, adding that the state will be one of the most outstanding and successful in the country in the next four years.

Bello’s inauguration before a mammoth crowd was witnessed by APC chieftains, two ministers and governors Tanko Al-Makura and Samuel Ortom of Nasarawa and Benue states, respectively.

Also present at the ceremony were Sen. Kabiru Gaya who represented the President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, Rep. Haman Pategi represented the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara.

Similarly, the wife of Nasarawa state governor, Mrs Mairo Tanko Al-Makura represented the wife of the President, Hajiya Aisha Buhari at the event.

Also present are the Minister of Communication, Alhaji Adebayo Shittu; the Minister of state for Labour, Mr James Ocholi; the APC National Women Leader, Dr Rahmatu Tijjani; and Clerk of the National Assembly, Alhaji Ataba Omolori.

Traditional rulers, including the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Alhaji Ado Ibrahim; Attah Igala, Michael Idako Ameh-Oboni; Ohimege of Koton Karfe, Alhaji Abdulrazak Isa-Koto, and Ejeh of Ankpa, Alhaji Ahmadu Yakubu, also graced the event.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) also reports that Bello’s inauguration marked a significant beginning in the political history of the state as he was sworn in without a deputy.

It is also the first time a civilian governor will emerge from another part of the state.

Kogi East senatorial district has produced all governors of the state since its creation.