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 law of the land.
The ýGovernor stated this at the weekend through his Special Adviser on
Media and Strategy, Mallam Abdulkarim Abdulmalik.
Bello was reacting to alleged letter purportedly written by the State
Executive of All Progressive Congress, APC, to the national leadership of
the party.
The Governor said he was yet to be informed by the National Secretariat of
the ýAPC about the petition, adding that he is running an all-inclusive
government and 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 clannish 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
when 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