Former Kogi Governor, Yahaya Bello, has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a leader whose mentorship has produced a new generation of political leaders, declaring that he hopes to emulate the President’s leadership style and capacity for nurturing others.
Bello made the remark on Sunday during a visit to the Lagos residence of the member representing Ikeja Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke.
The former governor, who was accompanied by members of his entourage, was received by Faleke and his family in what both leaders described as a demonstration of political unity, friendship and mutual respect.
Speaking during the visit, Bello praised Faleke’s leadership qualities and political accomplishments, describing him as one of the products of President Tinubu’s mentorship.
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“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.
Earlier, Faleke thanked the former governor for the visit and commended him for his achievements while in office, expressing confidence in Bello’s 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.
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Faleke noted that the visit reflected the growing spirit of reconciliation and cooperation within the political family, recalling that Bello had previously visited him 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.
The lawmaker also spoke about the inclusive nature of Lagos, describing the state as a place that welcomes everyone regardless of their background.
“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 optimism about Bello’s chances, insisting that his achievements as governor would serve as a strong campaign tool.
“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.
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Faleke also praised Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his performance in office, saying the governor deserved recognition for his efforts.
“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 political reconciliation, the federal lawmaker stressed that politics should not be treated as a do-or-die affair, noting that unity remains essential for progress.
“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.
