About two weeks into office, Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has finally picked Hon. Simon Achuba from Ibaji local government area of the state as his deputy in replacement for James Faleke who had bluntly refused to take up the position.
Governor Yahaya Bello forwarded the name of Achuba to the state House of Assembly yesterday and the lawmakers are expected to work on him today for confirmation.
The governor’s letter to the state House of Assembly reads: “In line with the provision of Section 186 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999) as amended, I have the pleasure to forward herewith, the name of Hon. Simon Achuba for approval of appointment as the deputy governor of Kogi State.
“Hon. Achuba (JP) hails from Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State and was a two-time honourable member of the state House of Assembly from 1999 to 2007 where he was Deputy-Speaker during his second tenure.
“In view of the above, it will be highly appreciated if the request is treated and approved with utmost speed to pave way for his assumption of office.”
James Faleke, who is a member of the House of Representatives, who was the running mate to the late Audu in an election that was inconclusive due to the death of Audu bluntly refused to be sworn-in with Yahaya Bello as his deputy on the ground that it was him that was supposed to be sworn-in as governor following the death of Prince Audu.
The leadership of All Progressives Congress (APC), after several abortive attempts to convince Faleke to take the deputy governorship position, went ahead to inaugurate Yahaya Bello as the state governor on January 27 without deputy.
Since Bello took over office about two weeks ago, the state had been without a deputy.
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