Ex-Kogi Deputy Governor, Edward Onoja, Fights to Save Political Career

Providence smiled at Edward Onoja when he was made the deputy governor of Kogi State by the immediate past governor of the state, Yahaya Bello.

Blessed with a humane demeanour and uncommon poise, he carved a niche for himself as a potential activist and politician who would someday make history in his state of origin. The opportunity to be actively involved in politics in his home state came after he was appointed as the Chief of Staff to the governor during his first tenure.

In his capacity as CoS, his influence could not be ignored, particularly as he helped his principal run the state almost seamlessly. For his loyalty to Bello in his first term, he was rewarded with the Deputy Governor slot after the former Kogi deputy governor, Simon Achuba, was impeached by the Kogi House of Assembly.

During that period and owing to the confidence Bello reposed in him, he was allowed to handle all political matters in the state, while Bello focused more on the politics of Abuja. In fact, he was said to have handpicked over 80% of Bello’s cabinet, while also discharging his duty diligently, devoid of nepotism and favouritism, especially when his boss was busy with his now slipshod presidential ambition.

Interestingly, as the race for the 2023 state’s governorship election gathered momentum, all fingers pointed at Onoja as the perfect successor for his boss. But like they say in politics, it is not over until it is over, his political career suffered a setback.

After Yahaya picked Ododo as his successor, Onoja was not only distraught, he was flustered and disconcerted.  Society Watch gathered that the man who would be 50 in a few weeks has since recoiled back to his cocoon, while another source also disclosed that at the moment, his greatest concern borders on how to salvage his political career that is literally heading towards the precipice.