The political dynamics within Kogi State’s former administration have come into the spotlight as former Deputy Governor Edward Onoja has revealed that he was promised the governorship by his former boss, Yahaya Bello, who then failed to deliver on the pledge.

Speaking in an interview with Channels Television, Onoja stated that Bello had assured him as far back as 2019 that he would be his successor. Onoja, who served as Deputy Governor from 2019 to 2024, said he was both “shocked and disappointed” when Bello instead chose Usman Ododo as the candidate for the 2023 governorship election.

“Four years before 2023, Yahaya Bello called me and said, ‘You will succeed me. Get prepared.’… It was shocking and disappointing when he told me he had chosen Ododo, because when a friend gives you his word, you expect him to be bound by it,” Onoja said.

Despite the setback, Onoja expressed gratitude for the opportunity to have worked with the former governor. He acknowledged that the experience helped him grow, network, and gain national recognition.

It is worth noting that Onoja had a long-standing relationship with Bello, having served as his Chief of Staff from 2016 until he became Deputy Governor in 2019. The two were often described as being in an inseparable bond. When Bello finally made his choice of successor known to his cabinet, Onoja was among several other aspirants who stepped down for Ododo.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You May Also Like

AFRIMA to Train 1.2 Million Young Africans, Launch Global Music Tour in 2026

As part of its commitment to one of its seven core pillars,…

President Tinubu Announces Leadership for Two Federal Universities

In a move aimed at bolstering the country’s educational sector, President Bola…

India Confirmed as Host for 2030 Centenary Commonwealth Games

The Commonwealth Sport Executive Board has recommended Ahmedabad, the major city in…

President Tinubu Announces Scholarship for OECS Students in Nigerian Universities

President Bola Tinubu has unveiled a new scholarship programme that will enable…