Impeachment: Ex-Kogi Deputy Governor Onoja Begs Predecessor Achuba For Forgiveness

The immediate-past deputy governor of Kogi State, David Onoja, has sought the forgiveness of his predecessor, Dr. Simon Achuba, over insinuations that he plotted the latter’s impeachment in order to take his position under the then Governor Yahaya Bello administration.

LEADERSHIP recalls that after the orchestrated impeachment of Achuba as Governor Bello’s deputy, Onoja, who was serving as chief of staff at the Government House at the time, was appointed as the new deputy governor. The courts later upturned the impeachment of Achuba and reinstated him even though the Bello government had served out its tenure at the time.

Onoja, however, denied the allegations during a visit to Achuba’s residence in Abuja on Friday, where he also sought for his host’s forgiveness over the past.

Onoja, who is now a Commissioner in the Public Complaints Commission (PCC), disclosed this on his verified Facebook page on Friday.

He wrote: “Today, I had the privilege of paying a courtesy visit to my elder brother and leader, His Excellency, Elder Simon Achuba, at his residence in Abuja. It was more than a meeting; it was a sacred moment of reuniting, of opening our hearts to forgiveness, of deep introspection about our shared journey in the service of Kogi State, and of reaffirming our joint commitment to the greatness of our beloved state and Igala land.

“For long, certain misconceptions have lingered, suggesting I orchestrated his impeachment to take his office. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Today, with humility, I cleared that misinformation before him and sought his forgiveness in any way I may have hurt him, knowingly or unknowingly. True leadership is not in holding grudges, but in building bridges, healing wounds, and moving forward with a spirit of love and unity.

“I am deeply grateful for Elder Achuba’s large heart, wise counsel, and warm hospitality. Our conversation renewed my conviction that our destiny as a people can only be fulfilled when we rise above bitterness and work together for the good of Kogi State and the Igala nation.”