Yahaya Bello Urges Kogites to Preserve Ibrahim Idris’s Legacy of Peace and Unity
...Says Kogi Must Not Allow Social Media to Divide Its People
Former Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, CON, has called on the people of Kogi State to preserve the peace, unity and brotherhood that bind them together, urging them not to allow political differences, personal interests or reckless use of social media to create divisions among the people.
Bello made the call at the Fidau prayer for the late former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, where he urged Kogites to reject anything capable of threatening the peace, cohesion and unity of the state.
He said the diversity of ethnic groups and communities in Kogi State was not accidental, but an important feature of the state that should be harnessed for collective progress.
According to him, the diversity of the people could only become a strength where there is unity, mutual respect, cohesion and a shared commitment to the development of the state.
Bello said the late Governor Ibrahim Idris was among the leaders who contributed to the development and unity of Kogi State, adding that the legacy of peace and development established by successive leaders must be preserved and strengthened by the present administration.
He said the legacy of the late Prince Abubakar Audu, late Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, former Governor Captain Idris Wada and himself was part of the foundation upon which the current administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo was building.
“Our leader, late Governor Ibrahim Idris, served the state and Nigeria very well. He left a legacy of peace and unity. One of the most important legacies emphasised by the Atta Igala, His Royal Majesty Matthew Alaji Opaluwa Ogwuche-Akpa, in his message here today is unity.
“That unity was evident yesterday. Despite all the circumstances and the voices of disunity and division, particularly on social media and even in one-on-one conversations, everything came to an end on Friday.
“This happened in the very presence of Ibrahim Idris’ children, in the presence of myself, my predecessor, Captain Idris Wada, and the current Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo.
“We were all in the ambulance with the remains of late Ibrahim Idris. A few of us entered the ambulance and said that until we resolved every issue that could hinder or delay the burial ceremony of the late former governor, we would not come down.
“That was the decision of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo. Alhamdulillah, at the end, the wish and desire of late Ibrahim Idris to be buried in Abuja was fulfilled,” he said.
Bello particularly cautioned against the misuse of social media to inflame emotions, spread misleading information and deepen divisions among Kogites.
He urged those who had continued to “fan the embers of disunity” and use social media to publicly expose disagreements and “wash our dirty linen in public” to desist from such behaviour, stressing that disagreements should be resolved responsibly and with due regard for the dignity of the state and its people.
“We are all people of high integrity and we know where we are coming from,” he said, while urging elders and other respected members of society to caution those who deliberately spread misleading information, fake news and messages capable of causing division through social media.
He warned that such conduct diminishes the dignity, integrity and respect for which the people of Kogi are known, stressing that the enormous power of social media should be used to promote understanding, peace and development rather than hatred, suspicion and division.
Bello called for greater support and cooperation for the state government, stressing that unity remained a foundation for peace, prosperity and sustainable development in Kogi State.
He commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for sustaining what he described as the legacies laid by the founding and former leaders of the state, including the late Prince Abubakar Audu, late Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, former Governor Captain Idris Wada and himself.
Bello also extended his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, political associates, followers and supporters of the late Ibrahim Idris, urging them to preserve the love, loyalty and unity that surrounded the former governor during his lifetime.
He appealed to them to honour the memory of the late governor by sustaining the values he stood for, noting that the greatest tribute to a departed leader was to preserve the good legacy he left behind.
He stressed that political differences and personal interests should never be allowed to destroy the bonds that unite the people of Kogi State.
“Let us disagree without becoming divided. Let Ibrahim Idris’ legacy inspire unity, love and cooperation, and let us preserve a united Kogi for generations yet unborn.”
Former Governor Captain Idris Wada, in his message, thanked everyone who participated in the burial arrangements and Fidau prayers for the peaceful repose of the soul of Ibrahim Idris.
Wada also called for peaceful coexistence, unity and tolerance among the people of Kogi State, urging them to continue to live together in peace despite their political, ethnic and other differences.
Former Governor of Kano State and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Alhaji Umar Ganduje, commiserated with the immediate family, associates, people of Kogi State and Nigerians over the loss of Ibrahim Idris.
He prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the family and all those mourning the late former governor the fortitude to bear the loss and to grant the deceased eternal rest.