Yahaya Bello inauguration kicks off in Kogi without Faleke

Proceedings leading to the inauguration of the Governor-elect of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello, has commenced at the Lokoja township stadium with his deputy, James Faleke, conspicuously absent.

Mr. Bello was picked by the All Progressives Congress to replace its late candidate, Abubakar Audu, who died before the conclusion of the election.

Mr. Faleke has approached the election tribunal in the state asking it to declare him governor elect. He is absent at today’s inauguration and the new governor might assume office without a deputy.

Mr. Faleke had that he was not consulted or taken into confidence by anyone regarding the choice of Mr. Bello as Mr. Audu’s replacement.

He was also quoted in various reports as expressing suspicion that the party was planning to announce his replacement on the grounds that he absconded from Wednesday’s inauguration.

Those attending Wednesday’s inauguration include the National Chairman of the APC, John Odigie-Oyegun as well as the governor of Nasarawa state and the Minister of Communication Technology, Adebayo Shittu.

The President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki is being represented by Kabir Gaya.

The Senator representing Kogi East, Dino Melaye, who gave the welcome address said today’s inauguration is historic because “a minority is the governor of Kogi state”.

He pledged that Mr. Bello would not disappoint the people of the state and called on all aggrieved people to unite and cooperate with the new governor for the sake of Kogi state.