Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has said it is his constitutional right to appoint his personal aides without any recourse to any group of people, provided the individuals meet the requirement as stipulated by law of the land.
The governor stated this at the weekend through his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Mallam Abdulkarim Abdulmalik.
Bello was reacting to a letter purportedly written by the state executive of All Progressive Congress (APC) to the national leadership of the party.
The 40-year-old said he was yet to be informed by the national secretariat of the party about the petition, adding that he is running an all-inclusive government and the APC leadership are free to recommend anybody for any appointment provided the person meets certain criteria for such positions.
He said his government is working towards unity and as such his doors are always open to accommodate everybody irrespective of religion, ethnic and political differences.
Bello accused the Kogi State Chairman of the APC, Alhaji Haddi Ametuo, of hiding under the party to play clannish games and PDP card against his government because his favoured choice, Jimoh Lawal, was removed as Speaker of the House of Assembly by the lawmakers.
The governor said his administration has demonstrated commitment towards rebuilding the state and unite the people for peaceful co-existence through people-oriented policies and programme.
This according to him attested to the warm reception accorded him at Okene when he was recently received by a large crowd that thronged the city square to rejoice with him over his victory at the polls.
“I will not behave like the past leaders, who now regret not doing the right thing while in office due to selfish pressure mounted on them by some people. Anybody with impeccable credentials and feels that he has something to offer the state can come forward,” Bello stated.
He further explained that his government will continue to accord respect to every citizen of the state adding that the day of ethnicity and inter-tribal crisis are over.
