The All Progressives Congress (APC), the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alh. Yahaya Bello, has expressed his profound admiration for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing him as the ultimate blueprint for leadership and mentorship in Nigeria.
Speaking on Sunday during a high-profile visit to the Lagos residence of the Member representing Ikeja Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, Bello stated that his ultimate political ambition is to emulate the President’s legendary capacity for building people and nurturing a new generation of leaders.
The visit, which many political observers have termed a “solidification of unity,” saw the former Governor and his entourage received with warmth by Faleke and his family, effectively burying the hatchet of past political friction between the two Kogi-born political heavyweights.
**Emulating the ‘Tinubu School of Politics’**
Addressing his host, Bello lauded Faleke’s own political trajectory, attributing his success to the mentorship of President Tinubu. He noted that the President’s greatest legacy is not just in infrastructure, but in the human capital he has developed over decades.
“I want to thank you and your family for this warm reception. My brother, I am proud of you,” Bello said. “When I grow up, I want to be like our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, because through his teachings, we have leaders like you today. I want to be like him so that I can also raise and mentor people. Whatever we need to develop our state can only be achieved more easily when we are united. We shall continue to work together for the benefit of our state.”
Bello also extended a personal gesture of gratitude to Faleke’s wife for her hospitality, noting that such engagements are essential for fostering the bond required to move the party and the nation forward.
**A Bridge Toward Unity**
Responding, Hon. James Faleke, who is the Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, expressed delight at the visit. He commended Bello for his developmental strides during his eight-year tenure as Governor and noted that the visit was a testament to Bello’s commitment to peace and party cohesion.
“I want to thank you for finding time to visit us and for setting aside your engagements to pay this visit, rejoice with us, and dine with my family,” Faleke said. “I also want to thank you for making what many people consider impossible become possible.”
Faleke, who had previously been on a different political path within the Kogi APC, remarked that the visit reflected a growing spirit of cooperation. He recalled that this was the second such gesture from Bello, following an earlier meeting in Abuja.
“Politics is not a do-or-die affair,” Faleke emphasized. “Only God knows where any of us will be tomorrow. I often remind people that even Prince Abubakar Audu, with whom I ran in 2015, is no longer with us today. Why then should those of us who are alive continue fighting one another? It is unnecessary.”
**Senatorial Ambitions and the ‘Lagos Spirit’**
The meeting also touched on the forthcoming senatorial elections. Faleke expressed strong optimism regarding Bello’s political future, asserting that the former Governor’s track record would speak for itself on the ballot.
“As we prepare for the campaign season, I want to wish you good luck. Your achievements will campaign for you. The people can clearly see the difference between you and your opponent, and I am convinced they would not trade you for any other candidate,” Faleke added.
Furthermore, Faleke used the opportunity to commend the incumbent Governor of Kogi State, Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his performance in office, stating, “Governor Ododo has been doing very well. I have commended him both privately and publicly, and I wish him continued success.”
Speaking on the venue of the meeting, Faleke described Lagos as a melting pot of opportunities that rewards those with good intentions. “Lagos is a good place, and the people are very accommodating. They appreciate those who mean well, and as long as your intentions are good, Lagos will be good to you.”
The meeting concluded with a commitment from both leaders to continue working together under the APC umbrella to ensure the success of the President’s “Renewed Hope” agenda and the continued development of Kogi State.
