Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has referred to President Bola Tinubu as the “angel” sent by God to address Nigeria’s challenges. This statement was made during an endorsement rally for President Tinubu and Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, which aired on TVC this past Saturday.
Bello emphasized the urgency for action, stating, “We will not wait for God to send an angel with wings to fly into Nigeria to fix it. Did I tell you who the angel is? The angel is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. If you are waiting for that animation on the television, see an angel flying with a wing to come to Nigeria to come and fix it, you wait forever.”
Addressing his supporters, Bello highlighted the long-standing Nigerian desire for a “new Nigeria,” mentioning key initiatives like the removal of oil subsidies, the introduction of student loans, the floating of the exchange rate, and measures aimed at enhancing both government and individual wealth. He urged citizens to take action rather than wait for miraculous solutions, asserting that the “angel” responsible for the country’s restoration is none other than President Tinubu.
“Everybody continues to crave a new Nigeria, new Nigeria, new Nigeria. Before 2015, we said we wanted a new Nigeria where there would be no oil subsidy. We want a new Nigeria where there will be student loans. We said we want a new Nigeria where the exchange rate will be floated. We said we want a new Nigeria where there will be more money in the pockets of both the government and individuals. We said we want a new Nigeria where foreign investment will continue to flow in,” he stated.
The former governor acknowledged the challenges of enacting immediate change, pointing out that years of systemic issues make progress a gradual process. He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Tinubu’s administration to ensure ongoing infrastructure development and reforms.
“Those of us and those of you who recognise that we are already in the new Nigeria, infrastructures are being fixed. Yes, no government can fix everything all at once because of the long years of decay in the system. It will take a while for anybody to be able to fix it. And Mr. President is fixing it, and he will fix it. We will support him to fix it,” Bello assured.
He underscored the significance of legacy in leadership, arguing that a leader’s impact should be lasting. “Going into the future, not only the 2027 election, not just his second term, we want a situation where Mr. President will leave his legacy behind, and people like us, people like you, and other well-meaning Nigerians will continue to uphold his legacy because leadership without legacy is zero. It’s as good as you never come to power,” he remarked.
Bello concluded by expressing satisfaction with his own contributions, stating, “Today, I am happy. I feel fulfilled. This is my legacy. These are my legacies. Some of my legacies are watching me.”
Bello’s endorsement comes at a time when political momentum is building ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Tinubu anticipated to pursue a second term. Since taking office in 2023, Tinubu has been recognized by his supporters for implementing significant economic and governance reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies, the introduction of student loans, the floating of the exchange rate, and policies aimed at attracting foreign investment and enhancing national revenue.
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