Kogi state Governor Yahaya Bello has said he was not in the position to decide where his successor would come from after his second term in office, saying only God and the Kogi electorate can decide that.
The governor said this Tuesday while reacting to demands on power rotation made by the Kogi West Elders Forum who paid him a congratulatory visit in Government House, Lokoja.
He stated this in a statement by his chief press secretary, Mr. Mohammed Onogwu.
Governor Bello said issue of power rotation in the state should be a public discourse, noting that the people of Kogi state believed in equity, justice and fairness.
He stated that as governor, he wouldn’t say who will succeed him or where the next governor would come from amongst the three senatorial districts of the state, as only God has such powers.
On reconciliation with various stakeholders in the state, Governor Bello said he had been reaching out to all stakeholders for reconciliation.
He assured of his readiness to form an all-inclusive government that would reflect the interests of every segment of the state.
The governor also told the elders that the three arms of governments in the state were working in cordiality, saying the little disagreement with the judiciary as regards biometric data capturing of judicial workers had been laid to rest.
The governor promised to continue the fight against insecurity and provide more infrastructure for the people, while assuring that all ongoing projects in the state would be completed.
Earlier, Gen David Jemibewon (rtd), who led the forum, in his opening remarks, stated that they were on a congratulatory visit to the governor on his victory at the just concluded governorship polls in the state.
Also presenting the group’s position during the visit, Major General Julius Olakunle Osanupin (rtd) stated that the governor should ensure all stakeholders in the state were consulted in the formation of his new cabinet for input.
He urged the governor to ensure executive and political power rotation within the state. Osanupin said the concentration of power in a particular senatorial district had been the cause of violence in the state in the past.
He said the governor should ensure the conduct of local government elections as soon as his second term takes off.
They said if the council election would be delayed on the ground of inadequate funding, the governor should consult the elders and stakeholders in the appointment of the local government administrators.
Amongst those that visited the governor were Alhaji Idris Yusuf, the Aguma of Tawari, Dr Tunde Aronsoye, Chief Funmilayo Fatima, Vice Admiral Joseph Ajayi (rtd) and Col Olusegun Oloruntoba (rtd).
