The Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, on Wednesday said the choice of his deputy, Simon Achuba, meets all legal, political and social criteria.
Bello said Achuba’s choice was in line with his tradition of ensuring the advancement of the rule of law and ethnic balancing without prejudice to merit.
A statement by Bello’s media aide, Abdulmalik Abdulkarim, said Achuba is a seasoned administrator with diverse experience in local government administration and legislative governance.
He is said to be a one time Vice Chairman of Ibaji Local Government Area.
Achuba is also said to be from the political camp of the late candidate of the All Progressives Congress for the governorship election that produced Bello, Prince Abubakar Audu.
The statement said this was not only an expression of respect for the late elder statesman, but a timely ethnic balancing move, which has been the pillar of the Bello Administration.
The statement added: “The Governor has displayed capacity to cement the state into a united force that is capable of deemphasising ethnic or religious bigotry, to become an economic giant in the country.”
Governor Bello also apologised to newsmen who were locked out of the inauguration of Achuba as Deputu Governor on Tuesday.
The statement said: “On the reports of not giving access to journalists access to cover the swearing in of the Deputy Governor, the whole issue is unfortunate. No such reports were brought to our notice and we believe security operatives attached to the Government House are professional enough to understand the role of media in the drive of Governor Bello to reposition the state for greatness.
“We however want to underscore our readiness to work with the media and ensure we create for them, a good working environment to thrive and help the society.”
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