Olu Samuel, Lokoja

The Congress of Ebira Youths,CEB has described the immediate past Governor of Kogi state as the winner of the golden boot in the November 11 governoship Election following the Supreme court verdict of last Friday.

The Supreme court had on Friday declared,Bellos successor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo as duely elected governor thus putting to rest the challenge of opposition Social Democratic party, SDP candidate Alhaji Muri Ajaka.

The Congress in a congratulatory message released on Saturday evening stated that “former Governor Bello’s footprint on the sand of time will remain indelible for centuries to come. He is indeed a great emancipator of our time, especially considering his numerous landmark achievements in the state”.

The statement signed by the duo of Mallam Adams Abu Suberu, President and Mr. Clement Adabara, Secretary respectively reads in part;”GYB’s
administration abolished the class system in Kogi State where only the sons and daughters of the powerful people in the Society had certain positions reserved for them while children of nobody becoming somebody gained currency under his administration”.

He worked hard to give voices to all ethnic groups in Kogi State thereby making the State a state for all as against the oppression and repression of people perceived to be minorities before his administration.

The foundation of Ododo’s Governorship which culminated in his defeat of ethnic SDP Muri Ajaka was laid by former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello. And Irenuohi saw it and braided it into a prophetic song before it came to pass.

We will attempt to translate the song into English for global readership:
“His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, I say thank you, I say thank you for a job well done; well accomplished. They disparaged Ebira People. I say they have despised us, saying it was an abomination in Kogi State, our dear Kogi for Ebira people from Kogi Senatorial District to become the Governor of their State.

“But to prove that Power belongs to Almighty God, an Ebira man is the Executive Governor of Kogi State after His Excellency Ex Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello who was the first Governor from Kogi Central Senatorial District since the creation of the State in 1991. I say thank you once again to Yahaya Adoza Bello for helping Ebira People to reverse this insult by our Igala neighbors, friends and brothers before our very eyes.

“I say thank you for fighting this war of ethnic pride for us. Who would have thought that two successive Governors of Ebira extraction of Kogi State is possible.

“I say thank you once again to God and Yahaya Adoza Bello for this political feat.
The Yahaya Adoza Bello that led this war of Ebira restoration of true history and pride, I say you deserve the title of Otase, the Ebira foremost warrior award/ title.

“You are indeed the champion warrior of Ebiraland for giving Kogi State the people- friendly and empathetic Ahmed Usman Ododo as Governor. We are grateful to you your Excellency. Ohiku Ebira (Our ancestors) have called us to give you the Otase title of Ebiraland. Ours is a pride restored.”

We want all doubting Thomases to know that former Governor Bello is a golden son of Ebiraland irrespective of the phoney corruption allegations against him by enemies of Ebiraland.

The victory of Governor Usman Ododo at the last governorship elections in Kogi State and the Supreme Court’s confirmation of the victory are indelible testimonies of his achievements and acceptance by Kogi people

In the final analysis, fGYB is the Man Of The Match,
Best Player Of The Tournament and the winner Of the Golden Boot. We rejoice with you” .