By Stephen Adeleye, Lokoja.
A sociopolitical Group, Kogi Central Youth Support for Edward Onoja, has thrown their weight behind the Deputy Governor declaring him as ”the Best Man to take over the affairs of Kogi State after Gov. Yahaya Bello (GYB)”.
Comrade Shuaibu Muhammed, the Coordinator of the group, made the declaration at a Press conference on Wednesday in Lokoja.
The group also called on delegates and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in forthcoming Kogi Governorship primaries to eschew religious, ethnic and other parochial sentiments, and vote massively for Chief David Edward Onoja (CEDO).
Mohammed said the call became necessary because Onoja deserved to be the ruling party’s governorship candidate for the Nov. 11, 2023 Kogi guber election.
The coordinator noted that in about seven months from now, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would conduct the 2023 gubernatorial election in the state.
According to him, it is an election where the worthy successor to Alhaji Yahaya Bello, our charismatic, visionary and purposeful Governor, will emerge.
Mohammed recalled that in the last eight years, Governor Bello had redefined good governance while turning around the fortunes of The Confluence State.
He said Bello had succeeded in making Kogi a destination for both local and foreign direct investment, among other groundbreaking achievements.
He stressed that the governor needed a competent successor to consolidate his indelible legacies.
“At the moment, many accomplished sons and daughters of Kogi have indicated interest to become Kogi’s next Chief Executive. But at this critical juncture, Kogi needs only a tested and trusted leader.
“One like Chief Edward Onoja, the serving Deputy Governor of the State. Onoja, indeed is one among the league of Nigerian Deputy Governors who have remained loyal to his principal, Governor Yahaya Bello.
“He has unprecedentedly contributed to the several achievements recorded by the GYB-led administration in many facets of Kogi’s economy.
“Chief Onoja has demonstrated political acumen, strategic thinking, and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people. He has also been a vocal advocate for youth development and has initiated several programmes, aimed at empowering young people in the state.
“Aside, GYB, Onoja is the next most popular topic of discussion in Kogi’s politics due to his numerous sterling qualities and contributions towards the State’s development.
“Onoja is a man of great intellect, charisma, and exceptional leadership skills.
“Edward Onoja’s unwavering loyalty to Governor Yahaya Bello is one of his remarkable qualities. He has been a faithful and dedicated ally to the Governor since he was appointed Chief of Staff in 2016.
“As the Governor’s right-hand man, he has been actively involved in the administration’s achievements and instrumental in driving the government’s programs and policies in various sectors, including health, education, infrastructure, agriculture, and security.
“Edward Onoja’s exceptional leadership qualities, unwavering commitment to service, and dedication to transparency and accountability make him the best candidate to lead Kogi State. He possesses a strong sense of purpose, a clear vision, and the ability to inspire and motivate others.
“Furthermore, his entrepreneurial skills and experience in the private sector make him uniquely qualified to manage the state’s resources and drive economic growth.”
“His political instincts have served him well, and he has been able to build a broad coalition of supporters and allies who share his vision for the state. In addition to his leadership qualities, Edward Onoja is also known for his humanitarian work, particularly in helping widows in need.
“Despite facing his own hardships, he used his construction skills to build houses for widows across the state, believing that everyone deserved a safe and secure place to call home. His selflessness and dedication to others earned him a reputation as a true humanitarian,” he said.
According to the group, Onoja’s unwavering loyalty to Governor Bello is one of his remarkable qualities.
He added that he has been a faithful and dedicated ally to the Governor since he was appointed Chief of Staff in 2016 during which he became the Governor’s right-hand man.
He noted that Onoja had been actively involved in the administration’s achievements and instrumental in driving the government’s programmes and policies in various sectors, including health, education, infrastructure, agriculture.
Mohammed added:”Chief Onoja, is the right man Kogi needs at this historic moment. He is the best man for the Kogi job, as the cap fits him. No other aspirants has his kind of leadership qualities and track record of public service.
”Onoja, surely, is the man every Kogite can’t wait to have as their next Governor, to sustain the landmark infrastructural and human capital development strides of GYB”.
