A cultural group, Congress of Ebira Youths, on Saturday congratulated former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello and his successor, Usman Ododo, on the affirmation of the latter’s election by the Supreme Court on Friday.

In a statement in Lokoja by the group’s President, Adams Abu-Suberu, and Secretary, Clement Adabara, the group described Mr Bello as the “winner of the golden boot” and congratulated him and his successor.

They praised Mr Bello’s achievements, including abolishing the class system in Kogi State and giving voices to all ethnic groups.

The group expressed gratitude to God for allowing two sons of the Ebira people to become governors of Kogi State and thanked Mr Bello for fighting for ethnic pride.

They conferred on him the title of Otase, the Ebira foremost warrior award, for giving Kogi State a people-friendly and empathetic governor like Ododo.

The group dismissed corruption allegations against Mr Bello as “phoney” and said the victory of Mr Ododo at the last governorship elections and the Supreme Court’s confirmation were testaments to M Bello’s achievements and acceptance by the people of Kogi.

(NAN)