2023: Bello Ambassadors Meet South East Stakeholders, Gather Massive Support For Yahaya Bello
The people of the South East geo-political zone have given a nod to the aspiration of the governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, to become the next president of Nigeria following a series of consultative and town hall meetings held between the Bello Ambassadors Network (BAN) - the main political group championing the actualization of the youthful presidency through Bello - and several groups and stakeholders in Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Imo and Ebonyi states.
As its first port of call in the region, BAN national stakeholders in the company of the Ebonyi state executives of the group visited former and current House of Representative Members, Council Chairmen, traditional rulers, and academic heads in the state at the kick-off of her tour.
Among those visited in Ebonyi include a former House of Representatives Member representing Ezza South Ikwor Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Eleme Francis; former Attorney General of the state and Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Barr. Augustine Nwankwegu; His Royal Highness, A. Eze Abata of Ezza South who is the youngest traditional ruler in the state.
Other critical stakeholders visited include Prof. B.C Ibekwe who described governor Bello as a "dynamic" and "energetic" governor who falls between the "age bracket" suitable for leading contemporary Nigeria and Professor BAF Ngwu who said the governor is brave and young, urging that he should be given the chance to fix Nigeria. The academic don added that he is available for any movement in support of the young leader.
A former local government chairman of Ezza South, Chief Joseph Egede assured the group that he would mobilize the people of Ezza which are said to be the largest clan in Ebonyi state, in support of governor Bello's presidential ambition. According to him, he has been an ardent follower of the governor and that he is sure of victory, adding that he is not known for loss.
Meanwhile, while addressing the group, the former Attorney General of the state and Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Nwankwegu noted that every genuine member of the All Progressive Congress (APC) should support the candidature of the Kogi State governor and that there is no single reason to deny him the party's ticket.
The team also met students and youth groups, 2 other local government Chairmen, and other members of the national assembly who openly declared their support for the governor and assured BAN of mobilizing votes in the APC Congress and general election.
As part of its southeast consultative tour, BAN national stakeholders stormed Anambra, the Light of the Nation state, in the early hours of Thursday with a visit to His Royal Majesty, Igwe Peter Nwokike Anugwu - Igwe ka Igwe Mbaukwu in the company of the Anambra State team of the organization.
The ambassadors proceeded to meet with the Vice President of Ohaneze Social Cultural group Worldwide, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene at Nanka his country residence where he informed the group that he doesn't think it's a better time to still vote aged people as the leaders of the nation.
The group also met with the Anambra State Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, Hon. Basil Ejidike, Professor Paul Orajaka who is a former Vice-Chancellor of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, His Royal Majesty Obi Gibson Nwosu - Eze Uzu II of Awka kingdom - amongst several other traditional rulers, opinion leaders, businessmen and women as well as student and youth groups in the state. BAN also paid individual visits to the Enugu State APC Chairman, Hon. Ugochukwu Agballah, several former House Members, academic dons, known traditional leaders, party leaders, and former local government Chairmen across the state. The group on Friday had a Breakfast Meeting with selected stakeholders and representatives of different groups in the South East at the Conference Hall of Geneva Hotel, Awka. It also held a South East Town Hall Meeting where it was discussed and agreed among the stakeholders across the 5 states in the east that it is the time for the youth to take over the leadership of Nigeria through Yahaya Bello.
Discussions were also held with Stakeholders in Abia and Imo states. The team visited high-profiled traditional and political leaders in both states as well as critical youth leaders and professional bodies in the states who all resolved to throw weight behind governor Bello agreeing to the notion that only he can run a united Nigeria.
A communique signed by over a thousand Stakeholders including captains of industries, political leaders, respected traditional rulers, youth and students leaders as well as academic dons across the Igbo land containing a resolution to support the candidature of Yahaya Bello because of his courage, detribalized nature, giant strides in security, and youthful energy was issued at the end of the South East congress.
Anthony Edogbo in addressing the different groups and stakeholders visited convincingly pointed out the detribalization nature of governor Bello who appointed a couple of Igbos into his cabinet, his age and modern style of governance, the achievements of the governor in the education sector, security, health, prompt salary payment as well as women and youth inclusiveness. He also harped on the marginalization of the north-central region and the need for the east to work together with the region as people have suffered the same fate.
Postpone APC Convention In The Best Interest Of Party, Nigeria’s Democracy – Diaspora Group
The All Progressives Congress in Diaspora Network (APC-DiNET) has called on the ruling party to cancel its proposed February 26th national convention date.
According to a statement signed by Dr. Makama Omeri, the Coordinator, APC-DiNET, United Kingdom, the move would be in the best interest of the party and nation. Failure to consider another date for the convention could ultimately hamper the party’s chances at next year’s general elections and truncate the nation’s democracy.”
The Diaspora group also cited the Electoral Act Amendment Bill as a lingering issue that could affect the convention. Following the amendment of the mode of primaries, Omeri noted that the process between the transmission to the Presidency and assent could take more than the six weeks slated for the APC convention.
The APC-DiNET also lamented unresolved congresses in many states of the federation as well as other unresolved disputes.
Under the prevailing circumstances, Omeri said it is “absolutely mindless, insensitive and counterproductive to hastily fix APC national convention date in six weeks from today”.
The group, therefore, called for a revisit and extension of the national convention date of February 26, 2022 to allow space and time to fraternally resolve pending crises issues
2023: 600 women groups to stage ‘One Million Women March’ for Yahaya Bello At least 600 women groups, drawn from different parts of the country have concluded plans to converge on Abuja next week Tuesday, in a solidarity walk for Governor Yahaya Bello of the Kogi State presidential quest. Operating under the auspices of Women United For Yahaya Bello (WUYABEL), the women groups, including Non-Governmental Organisations, civil society organisations, religious, professional bodies, women in media, politics, market women as well as top women entrepreneurs, among others, will storm Abuja to drum support for the Governor, ahead of 2023 presidential election.
According to the organisers, the women groups, having come to the obvious conclusion that the nation requires one with pedigree, youthfulness and capacity to succeed incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari, have taken it upon themselves to collectively canvas support for Bello, who they said had demonstrated the ability to resolve the myriads of challenges confronting Nigeria. The Global Coordinator of WUYABEL, Dr Hanatu Adeeko who announced this in Abuja, explained that the gathering will be the first of its kind “especially now that the political stage is almost set”.
According to the women of a substance across key sectors of the Nigerian economy, “Bello, as governor, has redefined governance in Kogi State with sterling and verifiable performance, especially in the areas of women and youth empowerment, poverty alleviation programs, massive infrastructure development, and health care delivery among others,”
Dr Adeeko, a Physician, said, “He (Governor Bello) has empowered and supported women to grow. No state in Nigeria has given more positions to women than Kogi. And sincerely, the state is getting it right in critical areas. We want to encourage other Governors to walk the talk by standing with that one Governor that has made us proud. Governor Yahaya Bello must know that once he has women on his side, he can go to sleep. We believe in his capacity and will make it happen.
“This will be the first in a long while that women on their own will come together in their numbers to speak with one voice.
“We are coming to Abuja to demand that the status quo must be changed. This is the time for us to yield power to younger people, especially those who have given a good account of themselves in other places they’ve rendered service.
“We have observed closely the people that are showing interest in the presidency and if we continue to keep quiet, the change we desire may not manifest. This is the reason different women groups are coming to Abuja to say it loud and clear that it is Yahaya Bello or nobody,” he stated.
The organisers further expressed optimism that Bello’s presidency would usher in a breath of fresh air while asking Nigerians from all walks of life to support the project as it would be “a clear departure from the old order.”
The solidarity walk is tagged, “One Million Women March for GYB”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3oPbkTCvCg The Governor returned to his home from a function but couldn't wait to watch the super eagles AFCON match against Sudan Watch video below
Simeonee111: 2023: North-central lawmakers pass vote of confidence in Buni, endorse Bello for President
Ahead of the 2023 presidential election in Nigeria, state legislators in all the North Central states have passed a vote of confidence in the Governor Mai Mala Buni-led Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee of the All Progressives Congress. The legislators also endorsed Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello for President in 2023, being the only person that has shown interest in the position from the zone.
The lawmakers made the unanimous decision with one voice at the end of a One-Day extraordinary meeting of the APC States Legislatures from the six states of the North Central Zone, held in Abuja on Thursday. They urged Bello to continue to pursue his ambition, saying he remained the only person that the zone could rally around “for it to be counted in the power equation of the country.”
The lawmakers stressed that the Caretaker and Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee needed the support and cooperation of all parties faithful to reposition the party for better performance and victory in the 2023 polls. According to the convener, the immediate past Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Ahmed Marafa, the extraordinary meeting was convened to discuss the political future of the zone with respect to what he called the power equation in the country. Marafa urged members from the six states of the zone to see the reason why all well-meaning men and women must come together and agitate for a fair share for the zone. Also speaking, the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Matthew Kolawole, who initiated the meeting over one year ago, commended the lawmakers for their quick response to the meeting, noting that it would go a long way to show their genuine efforts to look after the welfare of their people. He said since 1960, the zone had been marginalised and neglected in the democratically elected leadership map of the country despite the endowed human resources in the area. Kolawole said it was time for all and sundry, irrespective of party affiliations, to rise up and join hands to agitate for a north-central presidency come 2023. In a communique passed at the end of their one-day roundtable, the legislators appealed to all party faithful at all levels to give their support and cooperation to Buni to complete the good works that had led many people into the party since he assumed office. They also called on all the leaders in North-Central to continue to pursue the North-Central presidency without prejudice to their personal aspiration, pointing out that the number one position in the country would be more beneficial to the zone and the nation at large.
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Segun Sowunmi, has asked Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State to dump the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Sowunmi, a spokesman for the PDP Presidential Campaign Council in 2019, made the remark during an interview on Friday’s episode of Politics Today on Channels Television.
“If I was to take anybody from APC … I think I will be looking at Yahaya Bello,” he said in response to a question on who he would support to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari, other than a member of the main opposition party.
“Why? He (Bello) is young, he ticks your box. He’s been a governor. I have been watching the kinds of things he’s doing, I read the kind of people who are endorsing him, but I know that he is in the party where they will never look at him.
“So maybe I will just say to my friend Yahaya, ‘come to PDP; even if you don’t get Presidency now, we will make you a president one day in our party’. But if you stay with that party, I don’t trust them. They don’t like young people … the only thing they are interested in is their narrow fixation on what they interpret to be the Nigeria of now.”
As Nigerians anticipate the process to elect another leader into the highest office in the land, political actors and parties have begun to intensify efforts at getting their anointed candidate to succeed the President.
Although President Buhari has said he would prefer to keep the identity of his preferred candidate undisclosed, some of the APC members tipped for the office of the Presidency include Yemi Osinbajo, Bola Tinubu, Godswill Akpabio, Rotimi Amaechi, Rochas Okorocha, and Yahaya Bello, among others.
Among those in the PDP are Atiku Abubakar, Aminu Tambuwal, Bukola Saraki, Goodluck Jonathan, Pius Anyim, Bala Mohammed, and Peter Obi.
Despite his position on Governor Bello, Sowunmi believes Atiku remains the best candidate to be elected in the 2023 elections.
According to him, the former vice president fits into the attribute required of the next president, such as age and fitness, religion, ethnicity and zoning, quality of character, ideas, as well as someone who has a unifying persona that can help galvanise the nation.
“I have always said, when it comes to Atiku Abubakar, the issue is not really about where he comes from; the issue is usually about the kind of ideas he stands for over the years,” the PDP chieftain stated.
He added, “I believe that where people come from is an accident on birth and I also hold very strongly that in this country, there is one error we make often – we tend to assume that there are three souths made up of the south-south, the south-east and the south-west and then when we get to the north, we pretend that there is just one north.
“To the best of my knowledge, the North Central has not produced a president in this dispensation; the North East has not produced a president in this dispensation; the South East has not produced a president in this dispensation.”
Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state has been commended for building a cabinet of young Nigerians. In the video below, the Governor is seen recognizing the activities of his youngest aide, Anthony Edogbo who is his SSA on private sector and digital economy. He describes him as creative and multi talented. The Kogi state Governor is known to be a lover of youths and has received several global and national awards for his youth and women inclusiveness in Governance. Watch video below
Governor Yahaya Bello invites Lagos based secondary school student who drew a portrait of him, Places him on life scholarship
Remember the young boy Oluwa Mayowa @cridarts who drew the Kogi state governor, His Excellency Yahaya Bello 2 weeks ago? Governor Yahaya Bello saw his Instagram post, invited him over to appreciate his talent, and placed him on life scholarship!
See previous video of the artwork posted by the young student below
*2023: 100 Bishops, other Christian clerics to hold 3-day prayer at Unity Fountain for Gov Yahaya Bello*
No less than 100 Christian clerics, mostly Bishops, have announced their intention to hold a three-day prayer and fasting for Governor Yahaya Bello's emergence as president in 2023.
According to a statement signed by the convener, Bishop Jonathan Praise, on Tuesday, in Abuja, the clerics are drawn from each state of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.
He noted that over 1,000 church leaders are also expected alongside their pastors at the Unity Fountain Abuja, the venue of the prayers.
Bishop Jonathan said the purpose of their gathering is to provide a spiritual shield and support for Governor Bello, who according to him is "God's anointed choice to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari".
Like the Biblical account of David, he explained that Governor Bello is a man after God's heart and must be protected by all means to fulfil his purpose.
Recalling how Bello rose to become governor, the Bishop said it was not mere coincidence but destiny, adding that he would again shock critics at the next polls.
"In the Scriptures, there is no king who was the apple of God’s eye like David. The heart of God had a special affection for the man who was later described by the Lord as, a man after my heart, who will do all my will. (Acts 13:33)," Bishop Jonathan said.
"David was not perfect. He failed and sinned in many ways. So why did God love and bless him so much? Because God chose him. Yahaya Bello is our David. He embodies all his traits.
"Like David, Bello is young, focused, dedicated, charismatic, passionate, compassionate, kind. Name it. He is a man that loves God".
Bishop Jonathan said aside from the spiritual aspects which have been revealed to him and other clerics, Bello had outperformed all the so-called aspirants.
He said the governor's innate leadership qualities, innovations and doggedness are what is needed at this critical time in Nigeria.
" Even if we do away with the spiritual aspect and focus on the physical, Governor Bello is unmatched. He is a young man who has demonstrated that indeed quality leadership is possible in Nigeria.
"Bello is a young man with a true Nigerian spirit who has used his leadership acumen, skills and resources to promote peaceful co-existence.
"He is also a man of peace and will not only unite the various ethnic groups as he has done in Kogi State today, but will ensure that the issue of religion gradually fades out of our political life through his wisdom and understanding of ssues".
Bishop Jonathan, therefore, called on Governor Bello to formally declare his intention to run for President.
He, however, assured the governor of the support of the church in Nigeria as soon as he makes public his intention.
Nigerians Celebrate Kogi's Youngest Chief of Staff and Philanthropist, Asuku On Birthday
Since it was midnight on the second day of 2022, epistles on the good deeds of the Chief Of Staff to the Kogi State governor, Jamiu Asuku, flooded the social media space.
It wouldn't be seen with many surprises, the philanthropist is a year older and he is the youngest chief of staff in the whole of the 36 States in Nigeria.
The story of Asuku is a lengthy one. It wouldn't be completely told in days. However, there are interesting points in writing about the young man.
It's a known story to the people of Kogi State that the entrance of Asuku into the government of Yahaya Bello marked a turning point for service delivery to the people of the state.
Aside from his initiatives and programs to better the lives of the people, the performance of the government improved greatly. He also created seamless access to the government and its functionaries.
Asuku who's lifestyle has inspired more young Nigerians to get involved in politics and government, has likewise paved the way for the youths to be in charge in Kogi State and Nigeria at large.
He influenced the appointment of over 20 young people in the government of Yahaya Bello including the youngest appointee across the states.
Like I did say, the story of Asuku can't be told in a day. The young man through his scholarship scheme empowered young scholars across Kogi East, Central, and West with a grand finale of awards held at the Glass House, government house, Lokoja. This is entirely different from a young medical student and other undergraduates being fed and funded by the youngest chief of staff.
Coming after the new year celebration is another day of celebration for young Nigerians in commemoration of the birth of Asuku whom they have named Asukulifted.
New Year: "Yahaya Bello Remains Only Avenue For Youths Takeover" - Bello Ambassadors
Citing Kogi State and its governor, Yahaya Bello as a template, youth group, Bello Ambassadors Network (BAN) has enjoined Nigerians to be expectant of seeing young people taking charge of the leadership of the country in the new year.
Addressing the media in the wee hours of the first day of 2022 in Lokoja, BAN national leadership in its new year message extended its profound wishes of a great year to Nigerians while noting that the new year is a symbol of new things for the country including an end to the recycling of aged leaders and the taking over by the young people. This, it said is in line with the recommendation of the BRITISH High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, who in a chat with the journalists on May 19, 2021, on her choice of candidates for 2023 said: “My ideal candidates would be two younger presidential candidates, both with female vice-presidential candidates,” apparently referring to the two leading political parties in the country.
BAN national coordinator, Anthony Edogbo who happens to be the youngest appointee in States execute cabinets in Nigeria, disclosed that it becomes imperative to pick Kogi State and its leadership as exemplary for a new Nigeria seeing how young people have transformed the state under the leadership of Governor Bello.
Edogbo noted that it's either the youth takeover now or never. He added that modern challenges require modern heads and the youth who forms the majority of the Nigerian populace is capable of restoring the country to the giant of Africa it used to be.
In the past year, youth participation in national politics was championed by Bello who on several occasions, interfered on critical national issues like the north versus southern farmers' food blockade and proffered profound solutions.
The governor who as of late has become the icon of security and youth leadership in the country has helped shape the participation of young people and women in politics as affirmed by several bodies.
The Bello Ambassadors who hit Two Million Members already and are bringing more people onboard urged Nigerians to throw weight behind governor Yahaya Bello for the 2023 presidency.
It said why young Nigerians should join Bello in the presidential bid is for the fact that he is a vibrant young person and has shown the capability to fix the country through his several interventions. And that he is the only avenue through which young people can take over the national cabinet as it is in Kogi State.
It also added that the governor has garnered enormous leadership experience in the past years and has got the befitting charisma to lead the country with zero tolerance for tribalism.
BAN said it plans to take over the 2023 politicking through active youth recruitment and participation preparatory to elections. The group has chapters across virtually all the states in Nigeria and has been into grassroots mobilization through its local representatives in all the local governments in the country.
Biggie2000: Same person you paid to draw you, is who you're asking to send you a DM. Yahaya just wants to act like a modern and young guy, so we'll elect him as president. IMPOSSIBLE!!!
2023: Only Governor Yahaya Bello Can Secure Nigeria - Bello Ambassadors
As Nigeria continues to battle with the unending insecurity in many parts of the country, a youth group, Bello Ambassadors Network (BAN) has once again proffered what it called a "verified" solution to the challenge.
Pained by the multiple loss of lives to attacks by bandits, kidnappers and other insurgency groups, BAN national coordinator comrade Anthony Edogbo, briefed the press on the way out in Lokoja on Monday, revealing that there is a dependable solution.
Edogbo said Nigerians have the solution to insecurity in their hands, adding that the onus is on them to apply the solution. He said everybody is aware of the position of Kogi state today when it comes to the security of lives and properties across the north-central.
According to him, Kogi was systematically worked on to achieve its "peaceful status," and that it's just a matter of replication for Nigeria to be set free. BAN disclosed that the governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello is still the only one who is capable of rescuing Nigerians as he has verifiably done in Kogi State.
Reports say governor Bello was able to tackle insecurity in the state by involving the young people, the local hunters, the chiefs, and several stakeholders in the process. Before the emergence of Bello as the governor of the confluence state, it's said that it was known to be a hideout for criminals and was notorious for bank robbery and other social vices.
Bello had recently vowed that no criminal would invade Kogi and go scot-free. This has been materializing as the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Onogwu Mohammed has, in the past months, made it known to the press of several criminals captured and disfigured in Kogi.
Yahaya Bello's supporters are going up and down campaigning But some other people will sit in one place and be asking for presidency. I like the fact that na young boys de push Yahaya Bello campaign
The Kogi State Government has finally dragged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to court over allegations that it fixed N19.3 billion bail-out funds received from the Federal Government.
This came as Justice J. Majebi of a Kogi State High Court also granted an interim injunction restraining the EFCC from issuing further official or unofficial publications over the issue involving a new generation bank (namewithheld) with Account No. 0073572696 or any other account purportedly belonging to Kogi State Government.
The Kogi State Government, Accountant-General of the State, Momoh Jibrin; and Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Asiwaju Mukadam Asiru, were claimants in the suit, while the EFCC, a new generation bank and Central Bank of Nigeria were listed as defendants.
The state government is demanding:”the sum of N35 billion only as damages against the 1st defendant for the defamatory publication, titled, ‘Hidden N19.3 billion Kogi salary bailout funds returned to CBN’ made on November 19, 2021 on her Facebook page containing amongst others, false and unfounded allegations of N19.3 billion being returned from Kogi State bailout account, which portrays fraud and misappropriation of public fund against the claimant.”
The High Court granted the following:
“An interim injunction restraining the 1st Defendant/Respondents, its allies, agents, representatives, associates or whoever is acting for them or through them from doing anything either by way of publication or print or electronic media or issuing any official or unofficial publication in any print or electronic media, including online publication on its website or social media, both locally and internationally, with respect to the issues involving Account No. 0073572696 or any other account purportedly belonging to the 1st Claimant/Applicant domiciled with a new generation bank or any other bank registered and operating in Nigeria pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice for interlocutory injunction.
“An interim injunction restraining the 1st Defendant/Respondent, its allies, agents, representatives, associates or whoever is acting for them or through them from doing anything either by inviting officials of the 1st Claimant or requesting for any document with respect to the issue involving Account No 0073572696 or any other account purportedly belonging to the 1st Claimant/Applicant domiciled with a new generation bank or any other bank registered and operating in Nigeria or otherwise relating to or pertaining to the affairs of the 1st Claimant whatsoever or its employees, appointees or associates pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction.”
The Motion on Notice shall be heard on December 17, 2021, according to the Court.
The plaintiff asked the Court to declare that the publication by the EFCC containing, amongst others, false and unfounded allegations of N19.3 billion being returned was defamatory of the character of the Kogi State government.
The Kogi government asked for “an order of this Court compelling the 1st Defendant to, within 48 hours of the order of this Court, publish in three national dailies, a retraction of her frivolous allegations and also tender unreserved apology to the Claimant for the defamatory publication written against the Claimant.”
While asking the Court to declare the publication as “misconceived, wrongful, illegal, null and void”, the plaintiff also asked the Court to declare that the conduct of the 2nd defendant (a new generation bank) was wrong, illegal, null and void in opening a fixed deposit account number 0073572696 and naming it Kogi bailout account without an application, request, authority or consent of the government.
The Kogi State government had earlier threatened to take the EFCC to Court if the commission failed to retract and apologise over statements it continually made in the media with the aim of disparaging the state.
Particularly, the government said it could not understand how the EFCC kept attributing an account number to the state even after Sterling Bank had written to explain that there was never a time it gave the bank the mandate to open the said account.
It said it was also alarmed by what it described as “the falsehood in the activities of the EFCC claiming that N20 billion bailout funds, belonging to Kogi State, was hidden in a fixed deposit account with the said bank, which surprisingly now has a balance of less than the fixed N20 billion even after allegedly being kept for some years.”
Vanguard News Nigeria The post N19.3bn bail-out: Kogi sues EFCC, demands N35bn damages appeared first on Vanguard News.
Northern youths, women endorse Gov. Bello for 2023 Presidency, say he's capable
A group of young Nigerians under the aegis of Yahaya Bello Network (YBN) on Tuesday appealed to Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, to run in the 2023 Presidential race to enable the country achieve desired peace and robust economic development.
The group, composed of young people from the North-west and North-central zones of the country, besieged the state capital Lokoja in a town hall meeting.
The National Chairman of YBN and the convener of the town hall meeting, Abdulamart Mai Kwasherwa, from Kano State said the Network was out to ensure actualisation of “Not Too Young To Rule” Act and as well to appeal to Governor Yahaya Bello to contest the 2023 President race as the youngest contestant.
Mai Kwasherwa noted that the governor had proved his mettle as a capable leader in Kogi and also has the capacity to lead the country to the promised land.
"Many elders have led this country but we are yet to reach our destination in terms of development and this time around we want a young and dynamic leader in the person of Governor Yahaya Bello to contest the presidential election so that inject new knowledge and ideology into the governance of the country" he stated.
The convener of the meeting who said that God had blessed the people of Kogi State for giving them a leader in Governor Bello noted that the leadership style of the governor is very rare in the country.
“God has blessed this state with a pragmatic, detribalised leader and the youngest governor in Nigeria. I have never seen a leader that cares so much about the welfare of youths and women.
"He has the largest number of youths in his government far more than any other state Governor in this country and this is the type of a leader we want as president who will weave the six geopolitical zones together for the purpose of unity and prosperity” he said.
Kwasherwa also commended Governor Bello’s stance on the Covid-19 and efforts in securing the state.
“There was massive insecurity in the state before he took the mantle of leadership and today due to his tireless effort and commitment to security issues, Kogi is one of the safest states in the country."
The Chief of Staff, Abdulkarim Jamiu Asuku, who represented the governor at the occasion lauded the effort of members of YBN for organising the town hall meeting in Lokoja , Kogi State.
He noted that going by fairness, equity and justice , the North-central zone since 1999 has never tasted the position of Vice President and President, stressing that 2023 ought to be for the zone without any eyebrow from other geopolitical zones.
The Chief of Staff however told the multitude of the youth that at appropriate time the people's governor will make his intention known and he assured them that Governor Bello he knows will not disappoint the youth.
"His Excellency Governor Yahaya Bello feel your concern toward the leadership of this country, the governor will soon make his position known to Nigerians" he assured.
Also speaking, Alhaji Abdullahi Bello, Kogi State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) said history was being made in Nigerian political terrain with the youths now taking their destiny in the hands to support one of their own to move the country to the next level of development.
The APC Chairman said that Yahaya Bello presidency would ensure adequate reward for hard work, excellence and dedication adding that the country’s leadership over the years had lacked a good rewarding system.
Hon. Ahmed Mohammed, Deputy Speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly commended the convener of YBN for the evolution of the group cutting across states in Nigeria.
“Our priority as Kogites is to see Governor Yahaya Bello becoming the next President of Nigeria because of the quality leadership in him which he has demonstrated in Kogi State.
“With him at the helm of affairs of this country, the Nigerian dream will come true. Our body language, thinking and dream is Yahaya Bello and our dreams shall come true and become a reality.” he prayed
How Yahaya Bello Increased Kogi Students Bursaries/Scholarships By 300%
The time appears to have come when each Nigerian student would have close to half of their necessities catered for by the government, regardless of their ethnicity, religion, or location. This has already been accomplished in Kogi State, forthcoming a replication at the national level.
There are many explanations for the longing of a lot of Nigerians to have Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the governor of Kogi State, as the president of the next administration. One is the grand student government assistance the government has planned for all Nigerian students through basic replication of what he has done in Kogi state.
Review that Bello arose as the governor of Kogi State in 2015. Quite soon, Ninety-Eight Million Naira was supported for the state's student bursary practice covering the 2017/2018 scholastic period. An uncommon addition for the state's understudies.
The governor expanded the student's special assistance scheme (bursaries/scholarships) by 300% catering for practically the greater part of the necessities of all native students of Kogi across all institutions in the country.
Today, students of Kogi enjoy the most seamless and suitable bursary scheme across the country. The students accept their pay straightforwardly into their bank accounts at each payment period with periodical augmentations.
The student Bursary in Kogi state has kept on being on the augmentation since the 300% declared expansion as it has been redesigned.
This was not the narrative of the past. The situations of students were never felt until a youth who had only left school in a couple of years and knew about the new realities of schooling turned into the governor.
It wouldn't be inappropriate to compliment, ahead, youthful Nigerians who ought to be in higher institutions the nation over in the trusted time of President Yahaya Bello. The delicious government assistance is preferable experienced rather than imagined. Allow everybody presently to get ready to go to class. Schooling to become enjoyable again in Nigeria.
Oluboh the OP and Alphafeezay Una father..foooolish Yeye Bello paid agents...God punish both of u n dose supportin Bello n Buhari..una no go die good death
The Kogi state Governor was ably represented by his chief of staff, Pharm. Abdulkareem Jamiu Asuku at the National Youth Council event in Abuja. The event featured chairman of youth council from all 36 states of the federation. The chief of staff called on Nigerian youths to be fully involved in the 2023 elections. He charged them that the time to be involved in the 2023 year is now The Kogi state Governor also bagged an award for youth participation and inclusiveness in governance.
Yahaya Bello To Youths: Your Number May Still Not Count in 2023 if you remain Political Spectators
Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has said that despite representing the largest demography of the nation’s population, if the youths refused to participate actively in politics, their numbers will still not count in 2023 general elections.
He maintained that the only way for leadership transition from the old to the younger generation was for the youths to get involved in politics and electioneering processes.
The governor said the Nigerian youths no longer have any excuse not to take over the nation’s leadership considering the exploits of some young Nigerians in every sectors of the nation’s economy.
Bello said this while speaking at the National Youth Summit/Book Launch with the Title: "It’s Youth O’clock In Nigeria", held at the Rotunda Hall, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja on Thursday.
Bello, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Pharm. Jamiu Abdulkarim Asuku, said Nigeria is waiting for young people to steer the country towards the dreams of its founding fathers noting that those who gave their lives for the formation of this nation did so at their youthful age.
The governor cited example of leaders like General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd) who became the Head of State at the age of 32 and fought the civil war for the unity of Nigeria.
He also made reference to General Murtala Muhammed whose 200 days’ rule was impactful in the creation of additional states and also appointing the young Diete Spiff as military governor at the age 27.
“Youth no longer have any excuse not to take the lead. We are not just youthful, we are useful and purposeful. This is the time for the you to mobilize yourselves and begin an advocacy for youths involvement in governance.
"Most of you sitting down here are above 30 years of age. At 32, General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd) was already Head of State. He fought the civil war just for Nigeria survival as an indivisible and united entity. General Murtala was also pretty young when he became the Head of State and he also made meaningful contributions to the development of our dear state.
"The youth must begin to see themselves as critical stakeholders whose time has come to take over the leadership of this country. Achieving this will remain a tall order if the new song of ‘Youth O’clock’ ends on your lips without concerted effort and commitment to participate in politics and electioneering processes in this country”, he said.
According to him, his political life had been a chronicle of doing what people said could not be done, when he threw his hat into the ring as a young Nigerian to run for governorship of Kogi in 2015.
“A lot of people saw me as a joker and a lot of people thought it was impossible; some called me an outsider because I had no godfather,” he added.
He said his legacies and achievements in office should not be difficult for anyone to search.
According to him, the clamour for youth takeover of leadership would be encouraged and boosted by the sterling performance of those already in the corridors of power.
He urged young Nigerians already leading to promote themselves, advertise their work, record of performance and achievements.
“In like manner, as we think of 2023 - the question of the next leadership of Nigeria, may I challenge you to deploy your considerable resources of office and influence toward crafting the Nigeria of our dream, the youth O’clock song must be heard in every nooks and crannies of this country, it is an advocacy that the youth must take to every country corner of this great nation called, Nigeria," he said.
He said political leadership was by the virtue of organisation and alliance and commended the Youth Council of Nigeria for realizing that the ‘Youth O’clock' was actually time for the youths in this country to prepare for leadership.
Bello said it was not enough to be a member of a political party, urging the youth to make themselves visible by having structures all over the country noting, it's only then that their number will count and determine who wins the elections.
Gov Bello gifts wives of late escort rider, Inspector Aminu, houses in Abuja
…..urges support for families of deceased security officers….
As preparations for the 2022 armed forces remembrance commences nationwide with emblem launch and fundraising, Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has appealed for honest support for the aged, sick and families of the fallen heroes.
Governor Bello made the call today in Lokoja, the state capital during the launch of the 2022 emblem for armed forces remembrance coming up on the 15th January, 2022.
During the event, Governor Bello presented the keys to the two houses in Abuja to the wives of his late police escort out rider, Inspector Aminu Salihu
While paying tribute to the late police inspector, the Governor praised Inspector Aminu's professional conduct and expertise.
“Inspector Aminu’s death came when the nation needed him most, he was a gentleman, diligent and highly professional. He brought finesse and dexterity to policing. This is a personal huge loss to me and the country at large.”He said.
The presentation of the keys and house documents evoked deep emotions from the wives, cousins of the deceased and others present at the event.
The Governor assured of his commitment to the welfare of the legion of ex servicemen in the state, stressing that he was aware of the hazardous nature of their responsibilities, saying their sacrifice is rooted in their belief in the unity and sovereignty of the country.
Kogi, he restated, is the safest in the country, and this feat, he submitted, is a product of the patriotism, commitment and sacrifice of security agencies in the state.
The Governor remarked that it is saddening to see security personnels, after giving their all in the service of the country, retire into life of poverty, advocating for improved welfare for members of the security forces.
In her response, the senior wife of the deceased, Martha Ode Aminu thanked the governor for identifying and standing by them since the demise of their husband in March, 2021. She said words were not enough to express their appreciation to the governor stating that the governor adopted the family since the passing of their husband
“Thank you, your Excellency. Our late husband had told us several times that you are the source of his light. That you have been his hope and that we should continue to pray for you. Your Excellency, you have been demonstrating such attributes since we lost him till this moment. Thank you for lightening up our lives, for providing shelter for us, for taking care of all the members of Aminu. His soul will continue to Rest In Peace. I pray that whatever you are looking for in this life, God will grant you. No obstacle can stand your way to deprive you of your heart desires. We are very grateful to your excellency and God Almighty will reward you immensely” she said.
Earlier, State Security Adviser, Navy Commander Jerry Omodara (rtd) said the prevailing peace and security in the state is a direct product of the sacrifices and diligent service of the security agencies.
The present administration, he revealed, is doing a lot to improve the standard of living of the retired officers and families of the deceased, noting that beside the empowerment of three widows each in the 21 LGAs in the state and payment of medical bills of its sick members, through the support of the state government, the legion now have a functional Secretariat in Lokoja, the state capital.
Chairman of the Legion in the state, Warrant Officer David Salawu, a civil war veteran lauded Governor Bello for caring for members of the legion, pleading for generous donations to enable it meet the welfare needs of its members.
In his remarks, the Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship, Lugard, Commodore Clement Atebi said the action of the governor will definitely boost the morale of the servicemen noting that such action was very rare. He commended the governor for the support to all security agencies in Kogi State and assured that the state will remain the most secured in the country.
Politics / Re: 2023: South East Bello Ambassadors Issue Communique From Town Hall Meeting by Oluboh: 4:19pm On Jan 30, 2022