In 2019,I won without ethnic agenda. I caution against tribal sentiments -GYB

According to Punch, Kogi State Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello emphasized the indispensability of unity among the state's three tribes in producing a governor. The governor's statement came to light during a stakeholders meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held at the Government House Lokoja on Saturday.

Governor Bello hailed the election results and the emergence of Ahmed Ododo as a testament to the positive outcomes of the unity he has championed over the past seven years. Speaking with gratitude, he acknowledged the support of God and President Bola Tinubu, attributing the victory of the APC in the November 11 election to their backing. He confidently asserted that the party and its candidate "won the election clean and clear."

Reflecting on the challenging journey of the past seven years, Governor Bello acknowledged the hurdles faced before, during, and after the election, highlighting the party's resilience that resulted in a resounding victory. He stated, "The time for everybody to carry his cross has come. Everybody will bear his father’s name because there is still a future."

Governor Bello stressed the importance of a united Kogi State, cautioning against any tribe assuming they could secure the governorship solely through their votes. He asserted that the election's outcome reinforces the need for tribes to collaborate, emphasizing that no single tribe should harbor the illusion of achieving governance without the support of others.

The governor reminisced about the 2019 election, where he claimed victory without resorting to ethnic agendas. He cautioned against tribal sentiments back then and reiterated the importance of unity as the guiding principle, particularly evident in the recent governorship election.

According to him, "In 2019, I won without ethnic agenda. I cautioned against tribal sentiments and asked that we desist from it before the election."