Get Guardian on GoogleA former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Edward Onoja, has disclosed why former Governor Yahaya Bello refused to pick him as his successor, expressing shock that the latter instead chose Usman Ododo over him.
Onoja made this disclosure in an interview on Mic On podcast on Saturday, explaining that Bello reneged on his promise to allow him succeed him as governor because he was “too qualified.”
The former deputy governor added that Bello gave three reasons why he picked incumbent governor Ododo ahead of him.
“He called me physically and we spoke, he said let’s send somebody else and he gave some reasons,” Onoja said.
“Surprisingly, he said my capacity was too much. Secondly, he did say that my people of Kogi East do not really like me because I supported a non-Igala himself.
“Finally, he did say that there could be other roles that he would have at the centre and he would love me to serve with him.”
Onoja had previously served as Bello’s Chief of Staff before he was promoted to Deputy Governor. Speaking further, he said he has no regrets serving the former governor.
“No regrets for serving with Yahaya Bello but there could be some issues, but no regrets at all because he has given me opportunities to serve, learn, grow, network and he has given me a national face,” he added.
“He did make some of us go pick up our forms, four years before 2023, he (Yahaya Bello) was the one who called me and said you will succeed me, so get prepared.
“And of course, I planned, I worked and when it was time he gave all of us the opportunities, about 10 of us, and seven picked up the forms from the cabinet. And at the end of the day, his heart was with the current governor, Usman Ododo.
“So, when he broke the news to me a day before the primaries, I told him that you are the boss, you are over me and what you see is what I see, but I hope you are not making a mistake.”
