Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership and mentorship qualities, declaring that he hopes to emulate the President’s ability to nurture and raise future leaders.
Bello made the remark during a visit to the Lagos residence of the member representing Ikeja Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, in what was described as a display of unity, friendship, and political reconciliation.
Accompanied by members of his entourage, the former governor commended Faleke’s leadership style and political achievements, attributing them to the influence and mentorship of President Tinubu.
“I want to thank you and your family for this warm reception. My brother, I am proud of you. When I grow up, I want to be like our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, because through his teachings, we have leaders like you today.
“I want to be like him so that I can also raise and mentor people. Whatever we need to develop our state can only be achieved more easily when we are united. We shall continue to work together for the benefit of our state.
“I also thank your wife for taking time to specially prepare meals for me and my entourage. We shall continue to have this kind of engagement,” Bello said.
Responding, Faleke expressed appreciation for the visit and applauded Bello’s accomplishments during his tenure as governor, describing him as a leader with a bright political future.
“I want to thank you for finding time to visit us and, of course, for setting aside your engagements to pay this visit, rejoice with us, and dine with my family. I also want to thank you for making what many people consider impossible become possible,” he said.
The lawmaker noted that Bello’s visit reflected the growing atmosphere of reconciliation and cooperation within their political family, recalling a previous visit by the former governor in Abuja.
“This is your second visit to me. The first was in Abuja when you called and said you wanted to visit me. Yesterday night, you called again and said, ‘I want to come to your house tomorrow,’ and I said, ‘Really?’ Here you are this afternoon,” he added.
Faleke also highlighted Lagos State’s reputation for inclusiveness, noting that the state welcomes people from all backgrounds.
“Lagos is a good place, and the people are very accommodating. They appreciate those who mean well, and as long as your intentions are good, Lagos will be good to you. They do not discriminate on any basis,” he said.
Looking ahead to the forthcoming senatorial election, Faleke expressed confidence in Bello’s chances, insisting that the former governor’s record in office would speak for itself.
“As we prepare for the campaign season, I want to wish you good luck. Of course, you can sit at home and still win your election. Your achievements will campaign for you, alongside the gentlemen and women who serve as your foot soldiers.
“The people can clearly see the difference between you and your opponent, and I am convinced they would not trade you for any other candidate. I am confident you will bring even more development to the state in addition to what you achieved as governor. I wish you the very best,” he said.
Faleke further commended Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for what he described as impressive performance in office.
“I also want to commend Governor Ododo. He has been doing very well. I have commended him both privately and publicly, and I wish him continued success,” he said.
On the issue of political reconciliation, the federal lawmaker stressed the importance of unity, emphasizing that politics should never be treated as a life-and-death struggle.
“In politics, anything can happen. The impossible can become possible, including what people describe as ‘enemies becoming friends.’ Politics is not a do-or-die affair.
“Only God knows where any of us will be tomorrow. I often remind people that even Prince Abubakar Audu, with whom I ran in 2015, is no longer with us today. Why then should those of us who are alive continue fighting one another? It is unnecessary, and I commend you for finding time to visit me today,” he said.
The visit underscored growing calls for political unity and collaboration among key stakeholders, with both leaders emphasizing reconciliation, mentorship, and collective development as essential ingredients for progress.
