Former Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, the Spokesman for the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council, Festus Keyamo, and a number of party supporters, Sunday, congratulated the Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, on his appointment as the National Youth Coordinator of the Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign Council.
The appointment, which was conveyed in a letter addressed to Bello, carried the signature of the presidential candidate of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
According to the national leader of the APC, the governor has distinguished himself as a worthy ambassador of the ruling party due to his impressive political achievements and exemplary leadership.
Tinubu also expressed strong conviction that Bello would conduct an effective, message-driven campaign that could lead them to victory in the 2023 presidential election.
The letter partly read, “By way of this letter, we are pleased to formally convey your appointment as the National Youth Coordinator of the Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign Council.
“This appointment is fitting and appropriate, given your impressive political achievements and the exemplary leadership you have demonstrated as governor of your state and as a party member.
“We are grateful that you have joined our campaign team. We know you will do your utmost best in this new responsibility so we can conduct an effective, message-driven campaign leading us to victory in the 2023 presidential election.
“Together, not only can we ensure victory for our party in the February 2023 elections, but we shall also move Nigeria along the path of national greatness by building on the achievements of our party and the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) administration in providing progressive good governance to Nigerians. We wish you God’s speed and guidance.”
There have been several accolades from a number of chieftains, supporters and aides of the governor.
Reacting to Bello’s appointment, a former Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, disclosed that Tinubu was known to add people who would bring value to his campaign.
He said, “Bello is about the youngest governor in Nigeria today. Evidently, he understands the language of the youth of Nigeria.”
When reminded that critics of the Kogi governor believed he did not have national relevance when his influence as governor was taken away, Shittu flinched.
“The same Yahaya Bello? I don’t think so. Besides, there is nothing preventing Tinubu from appointing as many youth ambassadors for his campaign organisation as he likes.
“Secondly, talking about influential young persons, are the North-Central youths not part of Nigeria? Who has done the test to show that Bello’s influence does not go beyond the North-Central? For me, I don’t see any difference here. The more, the merrier.”
The Director of Media and Publicity for Yahaya Bello Presidential Campaign Organisation, Mrs. Yemi Kolapo, also described her principal’s appointment as an honour well deserved.
She said, “This appointment is also a vote of confidence in Governor Yahaya Bello’s proven capacity in his present assignment as Kogi State Governor.
“It goes to strengthen the belief in informed quarters that Tinubu has a unique eye for star performers regardless of religion, tribe or gender. He is known for putting round pegs in round holes. This is what he has demonstrated with the appointment of Bello as National Youth Coordinator of the Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign Council.
“Nigerians should be rest assured that Tinubu will hit the ground running immediately he is sworn in as the next President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, with tested professionals well positioned to revitalise key sectors.”
The Spokesperson for the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council, Festus Keyamo, said appointing Bello as national youth ambassador was ‘politically calculative.’
“Bello commands a large following amongst the youth in the party. Most importantly, it further unites our house as he was one of the formidable aspirants that ran against Asiwaju during our primary. This further shows that Asiwaju is an excellent head hunter,” he said.
