The new Governor of Kogi State, Mr Yayaha Bello, has warned that his administration would have zero tolerance for corruption and impunity.

In a speech after his swearing in ceremony on Wednesday, Governor Bello pointed out that there was no greater evil than corruption and that “nothing champions that evil more than impunity.”

“We will be different”

“Corruption and impunity make sure our people repeatedly arrive at a promised future and find it bereaved of substance or the promised better life.

“Let it be recorded today, that future generations will not be given reasons to count the incoming administration among those who revel in corruption or impunity. We will be different by the grace of God.

“We must and will be that generation of leaders who made the entirety of Kogi resources work for the entirety of Kogi people accordingly.

“I hereby declare and affirm that the Yahaya Bello administration will have zero tolerance for corruption and impunity,” the new Governor stressed.

He also promised to lead Kogi State by honest and humble example.

‘Change Ideology’

Citing a quote of President Muhammadu Buhari, during his inaugural speech in May last year, Mr Bello said: “I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody.”

According to him, the quote defines the purpose and methodology of his administration and sets an agenda of inclusiveness which he said would characterise his tenure.

“In this singular sentence, Mr President summarised the restorative force of the change ideology with which our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has swept Nigeria.

“I now declare it our guiding principle for fair action and equitable governance in Kogi State.

“My administration shall exist for the sole purpose of serving the superseding interest of the people of Kogi State to the very best of its capability.

“We also undertake to never lend our capacities to serving the interest of anyone or group whether from Kogi State or elsewhere,” the new Kogi State Governor stated.

Mr Bello was elected on the platform of the APC, in the election held in December last year.

He was a substitute for late Mr Abubakar Audu, who died a day after the first governorship election was held. That election was declared inconclusive.

In the supplementary election held on December 5, after Late Audu was substituted, Mr Bello defeated the incumbent Governor, Captain Idris Wada, of the Peoples Democratic Party who was seeking a second term in office.

Declaring the results of the historic election, the Returning Officer of the electoral body, Professor Emmanuel Kucha, said the APC’s candidate polled 247,752 to defeat Captain Wada who got 204,877 votes. (Channels TV)

•Photo shows Governor Yayaha Bello of Kogi State.