Lokoja
Against the backdrop of alleged rift between the Deputy Governor of Kogi state, Chief Edward Onoja and the Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, Onoja said the relationship between him and his boss remained cordial.
Onoja cleared the air when he granted audience to members of Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in his office in Lokoja.

“There can’t be an issue between me and my boss because he is a loving boss and he has continued to show it, again and again. Except you’re the devil, you can’t fight someone who loves you.
Onojs said:”He has set a foundation on how people should relate with one another in Kogi State and Nigeria should learn from Kogi State. That was the spirit of our founding fathers that was adulterated along the line.
“I am sure from the very first day, His Excellency and myself were sworn-in, the nation and the state in particular got the message; that the Governor has no time to waste, thereby announcing those who will serve as commissioners in his cabinet who are already everywhere working almost immediately.”
According to the deputy governor shows the preparedness of the present administration in the state to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people.
“Some people are currently on suspension because of revenue leakages that the government generates but the do not have records of. This is to tell you that the slogan, “we come in peace, but we mean business” is a serious slogan.
He said the Bello-led government had made and continued to make conscious efforts to reduce the menace to the barest minimum.
Onoja said the issue of salary that was a top burner was no longer an issue for discussion,adding that the governor was laying a reformed system that would guarantee that the system worked perfectly, noting that the people were had started enjoying the dividend of that system.
On the recent INEC deregistration of seventy four political parties in the country, by the Indepy National Electoral Commiy (INEC), Onoja described the step as a welcome development.
“The changes in IPAC and INEC to me is a welcome development, because over 90 percent of the political parties are not seen to be impactful. Some peu have even argued that the parties be reduced to an ideal number of five .
The Deputy Governor expressed the determination of the state government optimism to meet people’s expectations, and thanked all the key players in the last election for roles they for electoral victory of the governor and himself at the poll.
Earlier, the State Chairman of IPAC, Hon. Iliyas Babanga, who described the Deputy Governor as focussed and dogged, added that he and his team were in his office to felicitate with him on recent successful inauguration of Onoja and Bello.

“We have come to greet you and appraise your role in the last election. Your effort in the election made us achieve this result. We are working shoulder high now because we are part of the victory, “he said.
Babanga commended the state government for the ongoing review of workers’ salary and the proactive measure put in place to address cultism in higher institutions in the state.
He also expressed gratitude to the Deputy Governor on the assistance rendered to one of IPAC members, Mr Mohammed Ibrahim Dangana, whose wife was in a critical condition at a time in the hospital.
