Former Kogi State Deputy Governor, Edward Onoja, has shared insights into the last-minute shift in the state’s gubernatorial succession plan. Onoja revealed that ex-Governor Yahaya Bello had encouraged him for years to prepare as his successor, leading him to purchase a nomination form for the 2023 All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries.
However, he noted that just a day before the primary, Bello shifted his support to the current governor, Usman Ododo. Onoja described accepting the decision, stating he told the former governor, “You are the boss… what you see is what I see.”Reflecting positively on his experience, Onoja highlighted his time as deputy governor as a valuable period of exposure. He described it as a unique learning platform that allowed him to connect with fellow deputy’s, governors and key decision-makers across the nation.
Despite the unexpected change, Onoja emphasized his continued loyalty and his belief that it is only God who truly rewards diligent work. He views his current appointment as a Member Representing the North Central zone on the South-East Development Commission as a testament to this principle.He perceives this new role, bestowed under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, as a position of even greater responsibility, allowing him to contribute to national development and inter-regional cooperation.
