By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has restated his unwavering loyalty to his predecessor and political mentor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, declaring that no amount of political pressure or insinuations will make him betray the former governor.
Ododo gave the assurance on Thursday during the 3rd-Day Fidau Prayers for his late father, Alhaji Ahmed Momohsani Ododo, in Okene.
The governor revealed that his late father had admonished him never to turn against Bello, a directive he pledged to uphold for life.
“Come rain, come shine, I will never betray my boss. I would rather quit the stage than give him up. Whoever is planning evil between me and my mentor should know it will not work,” Ododo declared.
Describing Bello as the “divinely ordained father of New Kogi State,” Ododo praised him for empowering youths and touching lives across the country. He vowed to continue delivering Bello’s vision for Kogi, assuring, “I will lead from the front and will continue to serve you.”
On his father’s passing, the governor said he was not mourning but celebrating a life of faith, discipline, and service.
In his remarks, former Governor Bello expressed pride in Ododo’s performance so far, noting that every good father prays for his son to outshine him.
“Everything we wished to do in office but could not, he is already doing and even surpassing expectations. My prayer is that he will perform better, outshine, and outclass me,” Bello said.
He further predicted that Ododo’s second term would come “with ease and overwhelming support,” adding, “My eight years plus your eight years will make sixteen years of progress for Kogi.”