Bello speaks on aides’ appointments, says PDP members are Kogi indigenes; accuses APC chair of anti-party activities

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has told those against his appointments of members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as aides to stop wasting their time because he has the right to appoint anybody into any position “ provided the individuals meet the requirement as stipulated by law of the land”.
The governor also accused the state chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Haddi Ametuo, of anti-party activities.
Bello spoke at the weekend through his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Mallam Abdulkarim Abdulmalik.
He was reacting to a letter purportedly written by the State Executive of APC to the national leadership of the party in Abuja, complaining of Bello’s appointments.
The governor said he was yet to be informed by the National Secretariat of the ‎APC about the petition, adding that he is running an all-inclusive government and APC leaders are free to recommend anybody for any appointment, provided the person meets certain criteria for such positions.
He said his government is working towards unity and as such, his doors are always open to accommodate everybody, irrespective of religion, ethnic and political differences.
Bello accused Ametuo of hiding under the party “to play clanish games and PDP card” against his government because his favoured choice, Honourable Jimoh Lawal, was removed as Speaker of the House of Assembly by the lawmakers.
Bello said his administration has demonstrated commitment towards rebuilding the state and unite the people for peaceful co-existence through people-oriented policies and programme.
This, according to him, attested to the warm reception accorded him at Okene when he was recently received by a large crowd that thronged the city square to rejoice with him over his victory at the polls.
“I will not behave like the past leaders who now regret not doing the right thing while in office due to selfish pressure mounted on them by some people. Anybody with impeccable credentials and feels that he has something to offer the state can come forward,” Bello stated.
The governor further explained that his administration will continue to accord respect to every citizen of the North-Central state, adding that “the days of ethnicity and inter-tribal crises are over”.