Governor Yahaya Bello

The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has said it is his constitutional right to appoint his personal aides without any recourse to any group of people, provided the individuals meet up the requirement as stipulated by laws of the land.

The ‎Governor stated this at the weekend through his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Mallam Abdulkarim Abdulmalik.

Bello was reacting to the  letter written by the State Executive of All Progressives Congress, APC, to the national leadership of the party, where the party passed a vote of no confidence on him. The state APC said of the over 40 appointments made by the governor, none was recommended by the party. On the contrary, the party accused the governor of appointing PDP members into government.

The Governor said he was yet to be informed by the National Secretariat of the ‎APC about the petition, adding that he is running an all-inclusive government.

He said  the APC leadership are free to recommend any body for any appointment provided the person meets certain criteria for such positions.

He said his government is working towards unity and as such his doors are always open to accommodate every body irrespective of religion, ethnic and political differences.

The Governor accused the State Chairman of the APC, Alhaji Haddi Ametuo, of hiding under the party to play clanish games and PDP card against his government because his favoured choice, Honourable Jimoh Lawal, was removed as Speaker of the House of Assembly by the lawmakers.

Bello said his administration has demonstrated commitment towards rebuilding the state and unite the people for peaceful co-existence through people-oriented policies and programme.

This according to him attested to the warm reception accorded him at Okene where  he was recently received by a large crowd that thronged the city Square  to rejoice with him over his victory at the polls.

“I will not behave like the past leaders, who now regret not doing the right thing while in office due to selfish pressure mounted on them by some people. Anybody with impeccable credentials and feels that he has something to offer the state can come forward,” Governor Bello stated.

The Governor further explained that his government will continue to accord respect to every citizen of the state adding that the day of ethnicity and inter-tribal crisis are over.