* “To err is human, to forgive is divine,” says Bello
Ajaka: “We remain one family as we were before”
By Citizenship
The Chairman of the APC Presidential Committee on Strategy, Conflict Reconciliation and Mobilisation, and Governor of Yobe State, His Excellency Mai Mala Buni, has reconciled the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, and the SDP gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 Kogi State election, Murtala Yakubu Ajaka.
Mai Mala Buni, who accompanied Ajaka on a visit to Yahaya Bello, described Bello as a longtime friend, brother and a committed party man, while noting that Ajaka has been a reliable associate. Buni emphasized that every dispute must ultimately lead to reconciliation, stressing that as members of the APC, it is imperative to resolve differences and work together.
“As we are all aware, there is always an end to every disagreement or dispute. We have worked as brothers for years, and whatever happened during the last election must now be put behind us. Your Excellency, Ajaka is your brother, and I know both of you well. This division cannot continue. As I have discussed with you, together we shall make progress. I thank you for this reconciliation today. I also appreciate all members of the Reconciliation Committee, especially Alhaji Ibrahim Masari, including yourself, who is also a member,” he said.
In his response, Yahaya Bello thanked the Governor of Yobe State and members of the Presidential Committee on Strategy, Conflict Resolution and Mobilisation, while appreciating their efforts in facilitating Wednesday’s reconciliation with Ajaka.
“Well, I thank God first and foremost, and my brother, the Governor of Yobe State, who also serves as Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Strategy, Conflict Reconciliation and Mobilisation of our great party, Governor Mai Mala Buni. Let me sincerely appreciate you. I also extend my gratitude to the Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Alhaji Ibrahim Masari, the Waziri of Katsina, for his valuable input and for consistently reaching out to me on this issue.
Several others have also called and met with me on behalf of my brother, Yakubu, urging me to forgive him for any wrongdoing. This evening, I pointed out where he erred; politically, culturally, and otherwise and he has accepted responsibility. I hereby welcome him back into the fold. He has always been part of me and our political family; it is more like a blood relationship. However, sometimes ambition can outweigh judgment. His ambition at the time exceeded the moment, but at the appropriate time, he will realize his aspirations, and we will support him when the time comes.
Yakubu, you are most welcome. By the grace of God, I will convey this message to the people of Kogi State, beginning with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo. Everyone who sees this will recognize that this reconciliation is sincere and genuine. To err is human; to forgive is divine. I, too, am not without fault, and we all pray for God’s forgiveness at all times. Yakubu, you are welcome,” he said.
On his part, Yakubu Murtala Ajaka acknowledging that their relationship had been strained following the outcome of the 2023 governorship election.
“I thank former Governor Yahaya Bello for accepting my apology. Going forward, we remain one family, as we were before the election, and Kogi State will benefit greatly from this reconciliation. I also appreciate the Chairman of the Strategy, Conflict Resolution and Mobilisation Committee, my boss, His Excellency Mai Mala Buni, who had earlier advised me on the need for reconciliation.As he rightly said, every dispute must end in reconciliation. Today, through his intervention, we have reconciled. His Excellency has forgiven me, and I have let go of everything in my heart. Moving forward, our state will enjoy the peace it deserves. Thank you very much,” Ajaka said.
