Newly emerged Governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello has finally picked a deputy to assist him in the governance of the state.
Governor Yahaya Bello standing up to greet supporters
Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello of has appointed Hon. Simon Achuba as the deputy governor of the state, according to Daily Post.
A post on APC’s Facebook page indicates that Bello in a letter to the House of Assembly, asked the lawmakers to confirm Achuba as his deputy. His action follows the refusal of Hon. James Faleke, the running mate to the late Prince Abubakar Audu, to accept the office.
Faleke, a House of Representatives member, was the running mate to the late Audu in an election that was inconclusive due to the death of Audu. Faleke, who was seen as Bello’s deputy rejected the position on the ground that he was rather the one to be installed as governor following the demise of Audu and not Bello.
The APC after several abortive attempts to convince Faleke to take the deputy governorship position went ahead and inaugurated the administration of Bello on January 27 without a deputy governor. Since Bello took over office about 2 weeks ago, the state had been without a deputy governor, a situation that had brought about intense debate in the State.
The letter reads: “In line with the provision of Section 186 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999) as amended, I have the pleasure to forward herewith, the name of Hon. Simon Achuba for approval of appointment as the deputy governor of Kogi State.
“Hon. 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.
“In view of the above, it will be highly appreciated if the request is treated and approved with utmost speed to pave way for his assumption of office.”
The State House of Assembly will seat today for the screening and possible confirmation of Hon. Achuba.