Former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Edward Onoja, has clarified his position as Chief Strategist to former Governor Yahaya Bello. In an appearance on the Mic On podcast with Seun Okinbaloye, Onoja emphasized that he was not part of a cabal that influenced Bello’s administration.
Onoja stated that he was instrumental in many of the strategic decisions made during Bello’s tenure, asserting, “I was the planner, I was the Chief Strategist among many planners.” He highlighted that while he recommended many political appointees, he refrained from interfering in Kogi West and Central due to the Governor’s origins in Kogi Central and the presence of other stakeholders in Kogi West.
Reflecting on his political journey, Onoja noted, “I ran for a position in Kogi State four years before 2015” and was already established in politics prior to Bello’s rise to power. He recounted the events leading to Bello’s appointment, stating, “Just on the eve of Prince Abubakar’s victory, nature happened and power was transferred to Yahaya Bello, and he called me to serve with him.”
Onoja concluded by revealing that approximately 75 percent of the appointees from his senatorial district were his recommendations, which were approved by Bello.
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