Governor Ododo Affirms Unwavering Loyalty to Yahaya Bello: ‘He is Like a Father to Me’

Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State has publicly declared his profound loyalty and gratitude to his predecessor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, stating unequivocally that Bello is like a father to him and he would never betray him. Governor Ododo made this strong affirmation on Friday following a courtesy visit to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and members of the National Working Committee (NWC) at the party’s headquarters in Abuja.

Responding to questions from journalists about his relationship with the former governor, Ododo passionately expressed his indebtedness to Bello. “Any river that forgets its source will soon dry up. My boss, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, is like a father to me. I was not born with a silver spoon,” Ododo remarked. “Where he picked me from and how God used him to elevate me remain fresh in my memory. I will never forget where I came from.”

The governor, visibly emotional, reiterated his commitment to the values of loyalty and gratitude, asserting, “I will not and cannot betray him. When you see a child angry with his father, such a child is no longer truly one. I’m not that kind of person.”

Acknowledging the complexities of human relationships, Governor Ododo even appealed to his supporters to intercede on his behalf should they ever perceive any tension between him and Bello. “If he gets angry with me as a father, please, if you observe or you get a feel that my boss is angry with me, just go and plead with him on my behalf. But as far as I’m concerned, he’s a leader. I can never, and will never betray him,” he stated.

Governor Ododo’s remarks come amidst ongoing political discussions regarding continuity and party unity in Kogi State, as well as the recent legal and political challenges faced by the immediate past governor. His strong public declaration of loyalty serves to reinforce the deep bond and mentorship he attributes to Yahaya Bello, whom he often credits for his political rise and the foundation of his administration’s policies.