Sen Ohere Denies Rift, Restates Loyalty To Ex-Gov Yahaya Bello

Former lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Senator Sadiku Abubakar Ohere has denied rumour of friction between him and former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.

Ohere, addressing the rumour in an interview with LEADERSHIP on Monday, emphasised his unwavering loyalty to Bello, describing the former governor as both his political mentor and leader.

“I have repeatedly said in several fora, and during my electioneering campaigns that my involvement in politics is directly linked to Yahaya Bello.

“He is my boss and my political leader. My journey in politics began because of him, and it remains so,” Ohere said.

He dismissed speculation of discord, which emerged during the final days of Bello’s governorship which he described as mere political maneuvering.

“The so-called political crisis and allegations of betrayal are just political games. They have no basis in reality,” Ohere asserted.

He added that if Alh Bello decides to join any other political party, he will go with him. “Likewise, if he decides on any other course of action, I will support him unequivocally. He is my mentor, and my commitment to him remains absolute.”

Senator Ohere emphasised that their relationship remains exceptionally cordial, highlighting that he is the only member of Bello’s cabinet to earn the nickname “Ozoboro,” from him, which he said means “worthy man.”

This affectionate title, Ohere noted, is a term of compliment that Bello used during their phone conversations, especially after exchanging pleasantries.

Senator Ohere further elaborated on the strength of their bond by revealing that he calls the former governor daily to pay his respects, underscoring the mutual respect and ongoing communication between the two.

Addressing recent allegations of a plot to undermine the victory of the current Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, Ohere labeled these claims as “totally misleading and misinterpreted.”

He defended his stance by recalling his productive working relationship with Ododo during his tenure as Commissioner for Local Government Affairs.

Ohere said he is among the most pleased by Ododo’s ascension to the governorship seat given his trust in the incumbent governor’s capacity.

Commenting on internal party issues, Ohere admitted that there were past disagreements, but he characterised them as mismanaged.

He emphasised that, as a leader, he had to address the issues thoroughly, without any favouritism.

“Let us follow logic, I was already in the Senate at that time as a sitting senator, and before you can vie for the position of governor, you must have obtained form to contest as a governor, I didn’t obtain form to contest for governor, so where is the allegation coming from”, he quizzed.

“My involvement in the whole scenario, number one, in the GYB administration, apart from the fact that I played prominent roles across the state, as far Kogi Central was concerned, I was the leader of political appointees.

“Then, if I am the leader, certain roles are expected of me, then if I am playing those roles positively, you might have stepped on some toes as well, but not Ododo”, he explained.

Reflecting on his tenure at the Senate, Ohere described it as “fantastic and impactful.”

According to him, during his tenure, he addressed every critical issue affecting his constituents, ensuring their welfare was prioritised. “There was no crucial issue regarding the welfare of my people that I did not attend to,” he affirmed.

When questioned about his potential candidacy for the 2027 elections, Ohere stated that his decision would be influenced by the will of God and the preferences of the Ebira people.

“The future belongs to God, and it is not for me to predict how it will look. The Ebira people have seen what I accomplished in my brief time in the Senate, and whatever emerges from their wishes, I will align with,” he said.

Senator Ohere’s tenure was cut short when the appeal court, ruling in favour of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), annulled his election.