By Boluwaji Obahopo

LOKOJA—Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi has warned those using religion and ethnicity to divide the people of the state to desist from doing so.

Bello gave the warning yesterday in Lokoja while speaking at the inauguration of the state chapter of the Coalition for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Support Groups.

Yahaya-Bello

He said the state had witnessed dirty politics of tribalism and ethnicity, adding that there was a need for a complete break.

“Our plan is to usher in a better and greater Kogi where people will see themselves as one irrespective of tribe and religion and ensure that the state rank among the best in Nigeria. We should not be distracted; the train is moving, let those who want to distract us leave us alone. `Henceforth, we will only listen to those who have credibility and character and not those who want to cannibalise Kogi,” he said.

The governor advised members of the coalition to remain steadfast in their support for the party and President Muhammadu Buhari’s government.

While inaugurating the state chapter of the coalition, National President of the Coalition, Mohammed Kabiru, lauded the achievements of President Muhammadu Buhari in the last one year, saying the President personal integrity had provided credible leadership for the country and brought renewed hope to Nigerians in the comity of nations.

Kabiru who was represented by the national secretary of the group, Mazi Peter Okoroafor, said President Buhari’s style and personal integrity had continued to engender hope and confidence in the country’s prospects, both locally and internationally.

According to him, “Despite the precipitous condition in which the APC took over the reins of power at the national level, it has no doubt turned the tide through its pragmatic socio-economic choices.”