Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has referred to President Bola Tinubu as the “angel” sent by God to fix Nigeria.
He said this on Saturday at an endorsement event for President Tinubu and Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, which was carried on TVC.
Bello said, “We will not wait for God to send an angel with wings to fly into Nigeria to fix it. Did I tell you who the angel is? The angel is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. If you are waiting for that animation on the television, seeing an angel flying with a wing to come to Nigeria to come and fix it, you will wait forever.”
Bello told supporters that Nigerians had long craved a “new Nigeria,” citing achievements such as the removal of the oil subsidy, the introduction of student loans, the floating of the exchange rate, and policies that increased both government and individual wealth. He urged citizens not to wait for miracles, saying the “angel” tasked with fixing the country was President Tinubu himself.
He said, “Everybody continues to crave a new Nigeria, a new Nigeria, a new Nigeria. Before 2015, we said we wanted a new Nigeria where there would be no oil subsidy. We want a new Nigeria where there will be student loans.
“We said we want a new Nigeria where the exchange rate will be floated. We said we want a new Nigeria where there will be more money in the pockets of both the government and individuals. We said we want a new Nigeria where foreign investment will continue to flow in.”
The former governor admitted that the government would be unable to resolve all issues promptly. He observed that years of systemic deterioration make the process gradual.
He also vowed ongoing assistance for Tinubu’s administration to guarantee that infrastructure and reforms are sustained.
He said, “Those of us and those of you who recognize that we are already in the new Nigeria, infrastructures are being fixed. Yes, no government can fix everything all at once because of the long years of decay in the system. It will take a while for anybody to be able to fix it. And Mr. President is fixing it, and he will fix it. We will support him to fix it.”
Bello emphasized the importance of legacy, stating that leadership without a lasting impact is meaningless. He said, “Going into the future, not only the 2027 election, not just his second term, we want a situation where Mr. President will leave his legacy behind, and people like us, people like you, and other well-meaning Nigerians will continue to uphold his legacy because leadership without legacy is zero. It’s as good as if you never came to power.”
Bello reflected on his own contributions, stating, “Today, I am happy. I feel fulfilled. This is my legacy. These are my legacies. Some of my legacies are watching me.”
Bello’s endorsement comes as political momentum builds ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Tinubu expected to seek a second term.
Tinubu’s allies have praised him for implementing significant economic and governance improvements since taking office in 2023.
These include the elimination of fuel subsidies, the implementation of student loans, the floating of the currency rate, and policies aimed at attracting foreign investment and increasing domestic revenue.
