Yahaya Bello begins 2023 consultations, meets Obasanjo behind closed doors

The governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has met with Nigeria’s former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, behind closed doors in Abuja.

The meeting was described by insiders as part of the governor’s early-stage consultation to vie for president on the platform of the ruling APC.

Mr Bello’s presidential ambition is becoming pronounced by the day, with billboards of the governor bearing presidential campaign messages being erected in some state capitals.

But the governor’s spokesman, Mohammed Onogwu, in a statement on Sunday did not mention the governor’s presidential ambition, but said his principal and the former president had fruitful discussions.

Mr Onugwu said Mr Obasanjo had tasked the governor on the need to sustain fight against criminality in the state.

“Obasanjo urged the governor to sustain his efforts in providing security for his state noting Kogi is central to the nation’s peace and development.

“Former President Obasanjo noted that the fight against insecurity should have everybody on board, stressing that governors should involve everyone to ensure insecurity is curtailed in Nigeria,” Mr Onogwu said.

While appreciating the governor for his developmental strides in the state especially in the areas of infrastructure, health, and education as well as youth and women inclusion in politics and governance, Mr Obasanjo charged him to continue to be an advocate for youth involvement in governance.

In his response, Mr Bello thanked Mr Obasanjo for his statesmanly role and fatherly disposition, saying young leaders have a lot to tap from the ex-president’s wealth of wisdom.

The governor noted that though his state is surrounded by 10 other states and the Federal Capital Territory FCT making it the nexus between the South and North, West and East of Nigeria, Kogi, one of the 19 Northern States, stands in stoic defense of its people against criminal elements thus gaining acclaim as one of the safest in the country.

Mr Bello assured the former president that he will not rest in the fight to ensure total safety for his people and will continue to do his best to ensure his electoral promises are fulfilled.
He prayed to God to continue to protect the statesman with good health and long life.