Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has publicly urged state lawmakers to provide unwavering support to his successor, Governor Usman Ododo, in a video message that has gained widespread circulation on social media platforms.
The 29-second video clip shows Bello addressing a gathering of House of Assembly members and their supporters, emphasizing the importance of legislative cooperation with the current administration.
In the footage, the former governor specifically called on the lawmakers to work closely with Speaker Aliyu Umar Yusuf and other Assembly members to ensure seamless collaboration with the state government, regardless of any personal reservations they might have.
“Go and cooperate with the Speaker, other members of the House of Assembly of Kogi State, and be part of those that will support Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo in everything that comes to the Assembly,” Bello instructed the gathered lawmakers during what appeared to be an informal meeting.
The former governor’s remarks were met with enthusiastic applause from the assembled legislators, indicating their receptiveness to his call for unity and political cooperation.
Bello, who completed his two-term tenure and handed over power to Ododo in January 2024, appears to be actively working to maintain political stability and continuity in the state through his continued influence over key political stakeholders.
The intervention comes amid heightened attention from political observers who are closely monitoring how the new administration navigates its relationship with the state legislature and consolidates its governing authority.
The former governor’s public appeal suggests recognition of the critical importance of executive-legislative harmony for effective governance in Kogi State, particularly as Ododo’s administration works to implement its policy agenda and deliver on campaign promises.
The video’s circulation on social media platforms has sparked discussions about the dynamics of political transition and the role of former leaders in supporting their successors, with many viewing Bello’s intervention as a positive step toward maintaining political stability in the state.
By explicitly encouraging lawmakers to support “everything that comes to the Assembly” from the governor’s office, Bello appears to be leveraging his political influence to smooth potential friction between the executive and legislative branches of government.
The call for cooperation reflects broader expectations that effective governance requires strong working relationships between different arms of government, particularly in states where political transitions can sometimes create uncertainty or tension among various stakeholders.
