The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has reunited with Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, a member of the House of Representatives and former running mate to late Governor, Prince Abubakar Audu. The late Governor was said to have died due to “a bleeding ulcer” before the announcement of the state governorship election results on November 22, 2015, while seeking to be re-elected as governor on the platform of the ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC).

Governor Bello at a reception for Hon Faleke, who is the current Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, reaffirmed the fundamental principle of equal rights to participation and representation for all party members in Kogi State.

Governor Bello emphasized that within the APC, there exists a level playing field where every member has equal access to the numerous opportunities offered by the party. He underscored the absence of hierarchy or privilege when it comes to participation within the party.

Hon. Faleke arrived with a contingent of party members representing all three senatorial districts. Among the delegation were Prof Stephen Ocheni, former Minister of Labour and Productivity; Barrister Dangana Ocheja, the former senator representing Kogi East; Barrister Eke Maimuna Audu, daughter of the former governor of the state; and Hon Duro Meseko, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the APC.

Their visit was seen a clear demonstration of their readiness to actively engage in working and campaigning for the success of the party’s candidate, Ododo Ahmed Usman, in the November 11 governorship election in the state.

Hon. Faleke explained that their decision to wholeheartedly support Ododo Ahmed Usman’s candidacy was reached following a meeting with other party members in Abuja. This meeting was in preparation for the official flag-off campaign ceremony of the APC in Kogi State.

He emphasized that their dedication to working for the ruling APC is motivated by the broader interests of both the state and the nation. Hon. Faleke assured that the All Progressives Congress is united and stronger than ever before.

This development reflects the APC members’ unwavering commitment to unity and their collective aspiration for victory in the forthcoming November 11 governorship election in Kogi State.

The Street Reporters Newspaper recalls that the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC had, after the death of Prince Abubakar Audu, unveiled Alhaji Yahaya Bello, who was a runner-up in the governorship primary election of the party as the late politician as the replacement for late Prince Abubakar Audu.

The decision of the APC leadership was vehemently rejected by Hon. James Abiodun Faleke who opted for legal redress.

It would be recalled that Alhaji Yahaya Bello was then sworn-in as Governor without a deputy.

Hon. Faleke, who was presumed to be his running mate during the re-run election to conclude the announcement of the results had shunned the swearing-in ceremony, thereby throwing up legal concerns about the exercise and his mandate.

Indeed, it was the first time a governor would be inaugurated in Nigeria without a deputy.

However, after Alhaji Yahaya Bello was declared as validly nominated replacement for late Prince Audu by the Supreme Court of Nigeria, he picked a deputy who was sworn-in in place of Hon James Abiodun Faleke.

The process led to frayed political nerves between the two politicians before now.

Hon. Faleke has been an ally of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and has been representing the people of Ifako-Ijaiye Federal Constituency of Lagos State in the House of Representatives.

StreetReporters.ng

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