By Oladele John Nihi
November 23, 2020
GOVERNOR YAHAYA BELLO, THE MAN WITH A LARGE AND FORGIVING HEART
I will begin this write up with a biblical story which the Bible record as a parable Jesus Christ told his disciples during His earthly ministry.
The Parable of the Prodigal Son (also known as the parable of the Two Brothers, Lost Son, Loving Father, or of the Forgiving Father) appearing in Luke 15:11–32.
My experience although not directly the same but the action of His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, Executive Governor of Kogi State towards me today can best be discribe in the same manner as that of the ‘Father of the prodigal’.
I want to sincerely tender my unreserved apology for letting His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, Executive Governor of Kogi State, members of Kogi State Executive Council and the entire Kogi State Government down in 2018. Considering the trust and confidence His Excellency had in me and the support he and his government gave me before and during my tenure as Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Kogi State Chapter, I should have listened to him and humbly step aside my ambition to be NYCN President.
I was once blind but now I can see. I have learnt my lessons, I have seen clearly the opportunities I missed as a result of my decision and without any doubt, I know I mess up big time.
Like the prodigal son, what I have done today is leaving the wilderness and return back home. And like the prodigal son’s father, what His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello did was to forgive me and welcome me back wholeheartedly.
I am grateful His Excellency find a place in his heart and forgave me. I will never take this opportunity for granted. I have just been offered a second chance and I will maximize the opportunity therein.
Looking at the situation in the country today and the seemingly tough but ended up to be the best decision for the people of Kogi State that His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello made such as his stands on ASUU that saved Kogi State higher institutions from the almost a year strike, Covid-19 handling, the Lockdown, #EndSARS protest handling, women engagement in politics like we see in the line up for the forthcoming LGA Election in Kogi State, youth appointment/engagement/empowerment and many more.
Again, the fact that Governor Yahaya Bello understands the Economic Dynamism of the Nation and the Politics of the Western World, we can NOW say Governor Yahaya Bello Presidency 2023 would move the Country Forward!
I therefore join the millions of Nigerian Youths across the country calling on His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello to come out and contest for President of Nigeria come 2023.
Finally, even though I will be writing a separate article about Pharmacist Abdulkereem Asuku, I cannot end this without thanking him immensely for making this happen, possible and a reality.
Thank you Your Excellency Sir
