Bello praised Buhari for providing youth a voice

President Muhammadu Buhari has been praised by Kogi state governor Yahaya Bello for his efforts in nation building and for allowing young Nigerians to engage in administration.

On Thursday, Bello escorted top members of his cabinet to pay sallah respect to Buhari at his country house in Daura, Kastina State, and provided the commendation.

Buhari was ecstatic to host the governor and his team, according to a statement emailed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Friday.

Bello later went to the palace of the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Faruq, who congratulated Bello for his leadership and achievements, according to Mr. Ahmed Bolori, the special assistant to the governor on public relations.

Faruq was also reported by Bolori as applauding Bello’s style of governance and the governor’s courage in confronting criminals in Kogi.

“Your senior government officials coming to Daura to pay Sallah tribute to the president says a lot about your love for him and for us in Daura,” he remarked. Only a true lover, not an adversary, makes a visit.

Read also: Buhari urged historians to be objective and avoid personal bias against his administration

“Governor Yahaya Bello is a son of this palace and a staunch supporter of our president. This palace is your home, and my doors are always open to you. I admire your tenacity and commitment to eradicating crooks and criminals in Kogi state.

“We all know how insecure Kogi state was before you took government and how insecure it is now. Maintain your state’s struggle against criminals.

“In combating all types of criminal activity, you have set a high bar for all state leaders to meet.

“For fatherly blessings, you’ve always been close to us. We will continue to pray for you and bless you in anticipation of God’s larger intentions for this country, which will hopefully be carried out through you.”

Read also: Set the agenda for politicians, Yahaya Bello tells journalists

“The potential of many young people like you and those I see in your administration is unrivaled. It’s all about aptitude, not chronological age. What matters and benefits others is capacity, not age.”

The governor had previously stated that he was in Daura to pay Sallah tribute to the president, but that his visit would be incomplete if he had not also visited the emir’s palace, whom he characterized as “a worthy royal father.”