KOGI: Assembly backs Yahaya Bello for 2023 presidency

MEMBERS of the Kogi State House of Assembly on Wednesday threw their weight behind the state governor, Yahaya Bello to run for presidency in 2023.

The assembly also passed a vote of confidence passed on the governor just as they urged the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) to zone the position of Vice President to the South-Eastern part of the country; for purpose of equity.

In a motion signed by all the 24 House members and read on the floor by the Majority Leader, Bello Abdullahi said the governor is qualified for the presidential seat.

“That it is in consideration of compelling accomplishment too numerous to mention that this Kogi State House of Assembly, assembled in full plenary, do hereby make and pass a vote of confidence upon his Excellency, Yahaya Bello of Kogi State.

“That this Kogi State House of Assembly further makes a call to national service to Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State and we hereby impress it upon him to run for the Office of the President or Vice President of Nigeria in 2023 – after his current assignment in Kogi State.

“That this solemn call is first and foremost premised upon and born of our belief that Yahaya Bello is fit and a proper person, with the right mix of youth, experience, and track record to answer same firmly and decisively in 2023 and beyond.

“That we make the call, aware that only the North Central and the South East geopolitical zones have not occupied the offices of President and Vice President since the advent of the 4th Republic in 1999.

“That we must, on behalf of our people, register our pain and frustration with the attitude of some of our compatriots and that this unfortunate attitude was again exemplified within the last two weeks by major leaders of our party, the APC.

“That we demand, in the interest of equity and justice, that in 2023 General Elections, both the office of President and Vice President of Nigeria must be ceded to North Central and South East geopolitical zones by the rest to peacefully arbitrate or contest for.”

The member representing Olamaboro state Constituency, Ujah Anthony also raised a motion that it is high time the North Central takes over the presidency.

“The North Central cannot continue to be the slave partner in Nigeria project, talking about the geopolitical zone to produce the next president who leads Nigeria at the expiration of President Muhammadu Buhari’s second term in 2023.

“That the constitution provides that there should be equality, socio-political justice for all Nigerian’s, particularly section 17, sub section 1 of the 1999 constitution (CFRN) states; “the state social order is founded on ideals of freedom, equity and justice”.

In his remarks, the Speaker, Kolawole Matthew said the House members shall embark on spiritual means to actualize the presidential ambition for the governor.

He added that the House to compel the governor to contest for the presidency, which will be communicated to the governor at the next APC state meeting.

Earlier on, Kogi commissioner for information and communication, Kingsley Fanwo, stated that the governor is under pressure from the people of the state to contest in the 2023 presidential election.