By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi on Monday dissolved the 7th Kogi State House of Assembly with a promise not to allow any of the out-going members out of his sight as their services were still needed for the onerous task of nation building.
Bello in his speech at Valedictory Session of the 7th Assembly in the state on Monday in Lokoja said he was empowered by Section 105(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, As Amended to dissolve the House.
“Whereas it is provided in section 105(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, As Amended, that the House Of Assembly shall stand dissolved at the expiration of a period of four years commencing from the day of the first sitting of the House.
“Now therefore, I Yahaya Bello, the Executive Governor of Kogi State of Nigeria, in the exercise of powers bestowed upon me by section 105 sub-section 3 and of all powers enabling me in that.
“I hereby proclaim that the 7th Assembly of Kogi State House of Assembly is hereby dissolved with immediate effect. Given under my hand and the Public Seal of Kogi State of Nigeria Lokoja this Monday 5th day of June, 2023”, he declared.
The Governor had earlier declared the out-going legislators as dependable allies saying, “We are a winning team and I will not let any one of you go out of my sight.
“This is just the beginning. Whether any one appreciates in office or outside the office. I love people and I will not allow a single person to go away. In need you as much as you need me.
“Our people need us to continue to enlighten them, educate them, tell the truth and to lead them to the promised land. The future is bright. We will create that environment that opens the doors”, Bello added.
The Governor commended them for the success of the 7th Assembly and urged them to forgive offences, learn from past mistakes and prepare for the task ahead in governance.
“I have the ability and capability of lifting anyone up and pushing others up too. Let us learn from each other and let us cultivate the attitude of coherence and let us be able to lift others.
“Do unto others whatever good thing you think I have done to you irrespective of his tribe, religion, background and status in the society. Raise others because that is going to be your strength”, he advised.
He implored the outgoing members to work with the next All Progressives Congress led administration of Alhaji Usman Ododo saying that he sure if victory for the party in the November gubernatorial poll in the state.
“I am looking forward to a situation where I will be holding my own valedictory session like this and all of you will be there”, he said.
To newsmen, he said, “The Media is the Fourth Estate of the Realm. We appreciate you. You are Partners in Progress to the state. We will continue to appreciate you.
“You have partnered with us, you did not escalate issues that are not supposed to be escalated. Those who are not practising the profession professionally, please try to educate and enlighten them.
“It is only when we have a peaceful Society that is unsecured and safe that you can practise Journalism”, he said.
