Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has again revealed that it is no longer a pretence that discussions and thinking about 2023 Political equations and permutations are already ongoing, however cautioned that Nigerians cannot afford to get the question of the Next Nigerian President wrong.
The Governor made the revelation in an address at the 29th nigerian media merit (nmma) awards, 2021 at government house, lokoja on saturday, warning that if Nigerians get it wrong in 2023 it might well be the end for Nigeria as we know it.
The Governor urged the media to use her overarching role in shaping public perception and in driving electoral outcomes to ensure that the nation gets it right in choosing the right leader in 2023.
According to Gov. Bello, the country will be merely playing dangerous politics and healing the wounds of the country deceitfully if the right thing is not done said,
” I will just implore you on behalf of our nation to allow yourselves to be guided by the National interest in setting Agenda for that pivotal year”.
Gov. Bello listed the following characteristics of Youthfulness, Courage, Security, Clear record in managing Diversity that must be possessed
as crucial for the man who will lead the country after President Muhammadu Buhari
Gov. Bello said the inescapable point of equity, by allowing only the North Central and South East Geopolitical Zones of this country that have not held the Presidency or Vice Presidency, the two highest offices in the land, since return to civilian rule in 1999 to have it remains a salient point, insisting that Nigeria has to find way of doing equity in selecting her leader in 2023.
Gov. Bello reiterated that in a democracy the media as the fourth estate of the realm, is more powerful than even the Government, insisting that Journalism as a profession is able to get whole populations to swing to one opinion or the other, and is therefore largely responsible for trends and social movements in society.
The Governor noted that in all of Nigeria’s previous presidential elections the media dictates the talking points and outcomes by directly influencing voters’ perception of candidates and their parties, however noted that this role can be played in very unprofessional ways, warn against unprofessionalism.
The Governor urged Journalists to remain resolutely true to what is ethical, actual or factual, no matter whose ox is gored, adviced for the need for the Journalism profession to institutionalise reward and punishment systems for professional misconduct in the line of duty, urged the NMMA Trust and other established watchdogs like her within the media industry celebrate resilient.
Through commitment to excellence, Gov. Bello disclosed that his administration has made tremendous progress, list some ongoing and completed projects for 2021 alone to include:
Construction of Reference Hospital, Okene,
Construction of CT and MRI Block at Reference Hospital, Okene,
Construction of perimeter fencing at 300-bed Reference Hospital, Okene.
Construction of Oxygen Plant at Reference Hospital Okene.
Procurement and installation of Medical/Clinical/Surgical/Laboratory Equipment at Reference Hospital Okene.
Renovation and Remodelling of many old Hospitals.
Construction of Modern General Hospital Gegu-Beki, Koton-Karfe LGA.
Construction of Modern General Hospital Badoko, Ajaokuta LGA.
Comprehensive renovation and remodelling of Kogi State Specialist Hospital, Lokoja.
Construction of New Ultra-Modern Clinical Complex in Prince Abubakar Audu University Teaching Hospital.
Full accreditation of 24 programs presented for accreditation at Prince Abubakar Audu University.
Construction of 15km Okene Township Roads.
Rehabilitation of 14km Kabba Township Roads.
Construction/Rehabilitation of Lokoja Township Roads/Ganaja Flyover and Interchange.
Asphalt overlay of new Market/Murtala Muhammed/Barrack/Kabba Junction (Dual carriage way 4.7km).
On-going Construction of Idah-Ugwolawo-Ejule-Anyigba Road (55.5km).
Construction of Ultra-Modern Civic Centre, Lokoja.
Maintenance of Government Quarters & Security Offices across the state (eg, at the Police Squadron Unit, Oro).
Renovation of Government Lodge across the State. Renovation of Ohinohi’s Palace, Okene.
Construction of GYB Model Science Secondary School, Okene.Construction of GYB Model Science Secondary School, Adankolo, Lokoja.
Remodelling of Girls Unity Secondary School Oboroke.
Remodelling of Community Secondary School Ajiyolo-Ojaji.
Reclamation Channelization Erosion Project in Agassa.
Remediation, Channelization and Erosion works at Adumu Road, Ogugu.
Channelization, Reclamation and Bioremediation works in Ogane-Aji.
Construction and Bioremediation work at Greater Lokoja Waterworks in Lokoja.
Construction and Bioremediation work at Ozuri, just to mention but a few.