President Muhammadu Buhari, on Wednesday, told traditional rulers from Kogi State to “go home and let the people decide who should be governor” in the forthcoming election scheduled for November 16.
Buhari stated this during a meeting with a delegation of monarchs who accompanied Governor Yahaya Bello to the State House to seek the President’s support for his reelection.
The Attah Igala, Dr Michael Idakwo Oboni, presented their request by introducing Bello to the president.
The Attah Igala spoke through the Obaro of Kabba, Chief Solomon Dele Owoniyi.
The Obaro is chairman of Okun Council of Obas.
The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland and traditional father of Bello was conspicuously absent at the meeting.
The monarchs at the meeting explained that they presented Bello to Buhari, following his purported endorsement by the people of the state.
The Obaro, who spoke on their behalf, revealed that they were in the villa not only to congratulate the president on his recent electoral victory, but to also present Bello to him.
“We came to reintroduce our governor to the president and demand for normal support since they belong to the same party; the issue of endorsement is not here, the people at home have already endorsed His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for second term.
“So, we don’t need to re-endorse him in Abuja here, all we needed to do was to present him to the President and Commander In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“So, we are very happy that Mr President received us very well and the traditional rulers have reconfirmed their support for both the federal and state governments,’’ he said.
He expressed delight that the state government would soon commence the payment of all outstanding workers’ salaries and allowances as well as pensions.
He said: “We are happy to announce too because our governor announced it here, that the last tranche of bailout of fund of about N30.8 billion has been approved.
“So, the issue of salary arrears, allowances and pensions will be put to rest by His grace before the elections.
“So, we are confident that with this federal government, we are going to have a good deal with it and by the grace of God, since we are supporting Mr President, it is natural and normal for him to pay us back in the right coins.’’
While thanking the delegation for the visit, the President told them to “go back home and let the citizens of Kogi decide as power truly resides with the people.”
On ministerial appointments by the Buhari administration, the traditional ruler said the people of Kogi were not comfortable with the slot of Minister of State in the cabinet.
According to him, the status of the state must be upgraded to full Minister, possibly that of Finance.
“We are happy to announce to our people at home that Mr President has promised to treat us very well. Like the chairman of our traditional council said, we are not comfortable with Minister of State.
“So, our status in the federal cabinet must be upgraded to a full fledged minister and by the grace of God – Minister of Finance,’’ he said.
