Yahaya Bello: Flawed, Misunderstood, Yet Impactful By Hafsat Ibrahim
In an era where media narratives often prioritize sensationalism over substance, it is crucial to uphold the timeless principle of fairness. The moral compass enshrined in the Golden Rule—“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”—calls for empathy and balanced judgement. Yet, in the rush to castigate, this ideal is frequently abandoned. The public discourse surrounding former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello is a prime example of this troubling trend.
On June 25, 2025, News Central published an opinion by Bolanle Bolawole titled “FG, NUJ on Yahaya Bello: Insensitivity, Impunity or What?” which criticized the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) for bestowing a Lifetime Achievement Award on Bello. The article described the recognition as insensitive and unjustifiable, accusing the former governor of cowardice, impunity, and corruption.
While Mr. Bolawole is within his rights to express his views—and public officials must certainly be held accountable—it is equally vital to present a more nuanced perspective that reflects the full spectrum of a public figure’s legacy. To judge solely by allegations without contextualizing achievements is to reduce a complex individual to a caricature.
This piece does not seek to exonerate Bello from ongoing legal or political controversies. However, as a journalist who covered his administration extensively and interacted directly with the man behind the headlines, I find it imperative to spotlight the side of Yahaya Bello that many reports overlook.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s “The Danger of a Single Story” remains relevant here. The former governor’s legacy deserves to be viewed through multiple lenses—not just those of his critics.
Bello’s administration was, in many respects, one of the most media-friendly in the country. His support for journalism extended beyond rhetoric into policy and tangible actions. He established an enabling environment for media professionals in Kogi State and actively supported journalists through targeted empowerment initiatives.
In 2020, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), under then-President Mustapha Isa, publicly lauded Governor Bello’s efforts to build media capacity. The Guild even urged other state governors to emulate Kogi’s example—particularly the Annual GYB Workshop for Crime and Political Correspondents, a flagship program that equipped reporters with critical skills.
In 2021, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) commended Bello for his financial interventions that supported journalists and their families in times of dire need. One notable case was his donation of ₦2.5 million to support surgery for the wife of a Vanguard correspondent, Mrs. Bolu Obahopo, who sustained critical injuries in a car crash.
Read Also:
In 2023, NUJ President Chris Iziguzo acknowledged Bello’s continued investment in media development. Through initiatives like the GYB Essay Competition, the former governor encouraged professional excellence, offering generous financial rewards to winners and reaffirming the value of journalism in democratic development.
Beyond the media space, Bello’s administration achieved landmark progress in infrastructure and human capital development. His government initiated and completed the state’s first-ever flyover in Lokoja, linking major highways and boosting intra-state mobility.
He also established two state universities and a teaching hospital to expand access to education and healthcare. The Reference Hospital in Okene remains a standout project, lauded for its modern facilities and advanced medical equipment.
His EBIGO initiative—representing the major ethnic groups in Kogi (Ebira, Igala, and Okun)—was a bold attempt at bridging longstanding ethnic divides. The administration promoted inclusion by appointing women, youth, and persons with disabilities into strategic roles, not as tokenism but as a deliberate policy to redefine representation in governance.
Admittedly, I was once skeptical of Governor Bello’s leadership. However, direct engagement through a book project titled “Yahaya Bello: 47 Narratives on a Change Agent” offered a different perspective. The compendium, written without his knowledge and presented as a birthday surprise, chronicled his achievements across sectors—from security to education, infrastructure, and economic reform.
Behind closed doors, associates spoke of a disciplined and results-oriented leader who demanded performance and accountability. Contrary to the popular portrayal, I observed a leader deeply invested in measurable outcomes and long-term impact.
Even after leaving office, Bello has exhibited political maturity by refraining from interfering in his successor’s administration. In a polity where former governors often seek to dominate their successors, this restraint is notable and commendable.
None of this is to deny that Yahaya Bello, like every public figure, has his flaws. His administration attracted criticism and faced controversies, some serious enough to warrant legal scrutiny. But does this invalidate every contribution he made? Must we erase his achievements in favour of a single, damning narrative?
The Yahaya Bello I encountered was neither saint nor tyrant, but a leader with a complex legacy—flawed, certainly, yet visionary and impactful in measurable ways. To understand his contributions requires stepping beyond polemics and considering the full story.
In our fast-paced digital age, reputations can be dismantled overnight. The media must, therefore, serve not only as a watchdog but also as a steward of truth—truth that embraces complexity, context, and compassion.
Let us not allow a singular narrative to overshadow a multifaceted legacy. Let us remember that while a person’s flaws may be visible, their positive contributions deserve equal recognition.
History will always judge with greater perspective than headlines. And journalism, at its best, must reflect that.
Hafsat Ibrahim writes for Politics Digest, Wuye Abuja
