The successful recognition of Kogi State as an oil producing State as made possible by Gov. Yahaya Bello’s efforts has been hailed by Alhaji Umar Yahaya, an APC Chieftain in the State.
Alhaji Umar Yahaya in a letter of appreciation, thanked Gov. Bello for making the State join the leagues of oil producing State, was copied to The Nigerianpost.
The APC Chieftain appreciated Gov. Yahaya Bello and President Mohammadu Buhari for ensuring that justice was achieved, described the recognition as the best thing to have ever happened to the State.
Alh. Umar Yahaya described Gov. Yahaya Bello as a dogged fighter, praised him for taking up the fight which he pointed out has finally yielded the desired result in the recognition of the state as oil producing.
Alhaji Umar Yahaya expressed satisfaction that since the assumption of office in 2016, Gov. Bello worked silently and understudied the disputed area, commended the Governor’s deft political approach and pursuit to the matter which could not be resolved by his predecessors to a logical conclusion.
Alhaji Umar Yahaya, an APC Chieftain from Omala LGA went down memory lane noting that the exploration of crude oil in Ibaji Local Government Area which comes under Anambra Basin in geological terms started in 1952 in the villages of Odeke, Echeno, Ihile, Anocha/Uchuchu, Omabo, Ikah, Iregwu and Ujeh all in Ibaji community of the present-day Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State, was full of praises to Gov. Bello for his courage to fight a good fight and in ensuring that justice prevailed.
Alhaji Umar Yahaya noted that between 1952 and 1986 three companies namely; Shell BP (now SPDC), ELF (now Total Fina Elf) and AGIP Energy have drilled 25 exploration wells, 2 appraisal wells and 8-core drill wells in the entire Basin out of which majority of the wells fall into Kogi State, thanked Gov. Bello for making the dreams of Kogi people come true with the recognition of the State by the Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Commission.
The APC Chieftain expressed satisfaction that with the recognition of Kogi and Anambra, the age-long oil wells dispute that resulted in unwarranted killings and destruction of properties between two communities of Odeke in Ibaji local government area of Kogi and Aguleri in Anambra state has come to an end while commending Gov. Bello and Mr President for the peaceful resolution of the dispute.
Alhaji Umar Yahaya assured Gov. Yahaya Bello of the support and cooperation of the people for standing up for justice, called on Nigerians to in the interest of unity, security and all round socio economic development of the country support his aspiration for the country to make the desired progress.