11th November, 2023
By Richard Elesho/Ayodele Efunla
Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has described the conduct of Saturday’s election as free and credible, noting that reports of violence during previous elections in the state under his watch are media creations.
Bello made the remarks while speaking with newsmen after casting his ballot at Agassa, Okene.
He commended the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the electorate for a good outing at the poll.
The governor took a self-assessment voyage of his performance in the number one office in the land and declared that he was leaving the state better than he met it.
“From the benefit of hindsight looking back at 2019, it brings a strong reminder of an election. Of electoral violence in Kogi State in my own time is a media creation. All those that are not on the ground here in Kogi State.
“Go into history, go into records, and compare my own regime and that of the previous ones. You will discover that the regime of Governor Yahaya Bello conduct of elections has been the freest, the most free, fair, and credible and violent free elections.
‘So the issue of violence in our election in Kogi State is a media creation and figment of imagination of all those who do not want good things to happen here in Kogi State.
“By the glory of God, you are seeing the atmosphere very tranquil, peaceful, very harmonious relationship. So there is nothing like violence here,” he said.
The governor noted that the conduct of free, fair, and credible election is in the hands of both security agencies and the citizens.