Governor of Kogi state, Alhaji Yahaya Bello on Sunday reversed the dissolution of the State Executive Council and the 21 local government Caretaker Committees minutes after issuing the directive. It was gathered that shortly after he gave this order, he made a U-turn about 10 minutes later, asking the affected officials to continue their work.
A source in the Kogi Government House told Vigil360 that the Governor and members of the Council held the state’s Executive Committee Council meeting on Sunday where he ordered all commissioners and all the 21 local governments’ administrators to hand over keys to their official cars and property in their possession to Dr. Folasade Ayoade, the Secretary to the State Government.
It was also gathered that the Governor rescinded his decision after his Chief of Staff, Edward Onoja prevailed on him to do so. Onoja had reportedly argued that Council members and Caretaker Committee Chairmen would be crucial to his electoral fortune in 2019, stressing that they could join the opposition and rock the Governor's political boat if sacked unceremoniously.
He also maintained that since the general elections would be conducted in few months, new appointees may not have the desired political base to support the Governor's reelection.
Meanwhile, the source said the Governor was furious that some of the members disclosed the purchase of the banned military items to the media and Senator Dino Melaye, stressing that the issue has embarrassed his government.
