Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state on Monday nominated Hon. Simon Achuba as the new Deputy Governor of Kogi State. In a letter to the House of Assembly,
Governor Bello asked the lawmakers to confirm Mr. Achuba as his Deputy, due to the refusal of Mr. James Faleke the running mate to the late Prince Abubakar Audu, to accept the post.
Faleke was the running mate to late Audu in the last election which was pronounced inconclusive by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following the death of Audu. However, the All Progressive Congress (APC), after an attempt to convince Faleke to accept the Deputy governorship slot went ahead to inaugurate the administration of Bello on January 27th without a Deputy Governor, the first time such will happen in the history of post independent Nigeria.
Since Bello assumed office a fortnight ago, the state had been without a Deputy Governor, a development that led to a discussion among observers of the country’s politics.
The appointment of Mr. Achuba creates room for people of Igala ethnic nationality to pacify their folks who became furious as their kingsman, Audu, died while clearly leading in the inconclusive polls. More so, the Igala people of the state had since its creation ruled Kogi, a position it was not willing to relinquish, thus generating bad blood among rival ethnic groups in the state.
Achuba (JP) hails from Ibaji local Government Area of Kogi State and was a two-time honourable member of the State House of Assembly from 1999 to 2007 where he was Deputy Speaker during his second tenure. The Governor in his letter to the state House of Assembly said that“it will be appreciated if the request for Achuba confirmation could be speedily granted to pave way for his assumption of office”.
Following the receipt of the letter, the Assembly has fixed Tuesday 9th February for the screening and possible confirmation of Hon. Achuba as Deputy Governor.