Egbira youths urge Tinubu to call EFCC to order, describe Yahaya Bello as victim of ethnic minority

 

A group, Egbira Frontline Youth Council, has urgent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to called the Chairman, Economic and Financial Crime Commission, (EFCC),l to order, over former Governor Yahaya Bello's alleged fraud case..

The group made the call in a press statement titled "Is Yahaya Bello a Victim of Ethnic Minority", signed by its spokesperson, Comrade Adeiza Hamza and made available to journalists on Monday in Lokoja.

The group said they have absolutely lost confidence in EFCC for what it described as "unprofessionalism, lawlessness, media trial, selective justice".

 According to them, the opening of fire at the official residence of a democratically elected Governor, is ethnic bias and victimization and violations of the rule of law.

Hamza called on President Tinubu to call the EFCC to order and their co travelers that were hell bent to disgrace, victimize and allegedly eliminate Yahaya Bello, referring to action that played out on 18th September 2024 at Kogi State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja.

"We are notifying the Federal Government, Kogi State government, concern Nigerians and the world that we the ebira frontline youth council will resist any attempt by EFCC to eliminate our sons or any form of threat to life of Yahaya Bello, EFCC will be held responsible," the group stated.

The group made references to former Governor's of River, Zamfara, Kano among others who took the anti graft agency (EFCC) to competent court of jurisdiction to stop their arrest in the same manner Yahaya Bello did.

 "EFCC obeyed the court including the recent order of the same Federal high court Abuja banning EFCC from arresting Seun Odewale Ex DG Procurement of Ekiti State, 

"Why Yahaya Bello case is different to the extent that a legal organization like EFCC seen committing contempt of court in desperation to arrest Yahaya Bello? 

"Former Governor Bello is obviously a victim of political persecution and ethic minority despite his labour and sacrifice for his People of kogi state, the party APC and Nigeria at large. 

"When the deadly violence broke out Shasha market in Oyo State in early 2021 between yoruba and hausa traders which nearly escalated to major chaos in the country, Former Governor Yahaya Bello waged in, he invited Union of Traders and reconciled them in the best interest of Nigeria. 

"Yahaya Bello did not just contribute largely to the building of the All Progressives Congress (APC), he also governed Kogi State with equitable distribution of resources of the state. He promoted unity and broke the jinx of tribal divine by ensuring equity and fairness. 

"Yahaya Bello’s successor, His Excellency Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo said Kogi Money is not missing. Kogi State House of Assembly said no money is missing,.

"Moreover, there is no protest in Kogi State over missing money, but EFCC is compromising for selective justice by ethnic pressure and desperate politicians against Yahaya Bello 

 "EFCC should be wary of fabrications of falsehoods by those fanning the ambers of ethnic divides for political gains," the group said.

They added: "Yahaya Bello is not above the law likewise EFCC, therefore, investigate him in line with rule of law in the court of competent jurisdiction and not by media trial and guerrilla kind of arrest of yahaya bello to prove a point. 

"The selective Justice, coordinated attacks, ethnic pressure and violation of the rule of law by the EFCC is very worrisome and bad omen to our democracy. 

"Wike went to court to stop EFCC from harassing and arresting him. Bello Mattawale, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Peter Odili all did same.

"Even few days ago, the same Judge Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court that ordered the arrest of Alhaji Yahaya Bello for the alleged frivolous fraud case filed by EFCC also banned the same EFCC from arresting one Seun Odewale ex DG Procurement from Ekiti State who was accused of allegedly diverting money meant for airport.

"Wike the then Governor of River State and now Minister of the Federal capital territory accompanied former Governor of Ekiti State Ayodele Fayose to the EFCC in 2018. Rotimi Amaechi, the then Governor of River State accompanied Elrufai to the EFCC in 2014 among other instance. Why is Yahaya Bello's case different? 

" When yahaya bello voluntarily submitted himself accompanied by Governor Ododo to EFCC Headquarters in Abuja, EFCC were the one that begged him to go back to the house without questioning or detaining him for interview. 

"Later, that same night, the same EFCC anti graft agency invaded the Governor’s house like a guerrilla attack, shooting at the Governor’s lodge in a desperate bid to embarrass the Governor and arrest the same Yahaya Bello like a bandit? 

"The fact that the EFCC is now violating the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and its own extant guiding law is a call for concern and a danger to our democracy. 

"They are hell bent to disgrace, embarrass and possibly eliminate Yahaya bello and even attempting the life of Governor Ododo at his official lodge.

"Shooting at the official residence of the serving Governor was the height of provocation against the democratically elected Governor which can not be tolerated anywhere in the world.

"This is the same EFCC who as at November 2023 banned operations at night now seen eating their own cake and want to have it" the group said.

By Stephen Adeleye 

Kogi Poly Rector, Dr. Usman hails Governor Bello for redefining leadership, politics in Kogi State

 

The Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, Dr Salisu Ogbo Usman has described His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello as a successful leader who in the last eight (8) years has meticulously served the good people of Kogi State.

Dr. Usman gave the commendation during the valedictory thank you celebration in honor of Governor Bello organized by the National Youth Council of Nigeria, (NYCN) Kogi State Chapter held on Thursday 25th January, 2024 at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Lokoja.

The Rector, in his presentation as the guest speaker at the occasion titled "Impact And Benevolence: My Personal Experience", described Governor Bello as a lucky and successful man who has done tremendously well in redefining politics in Kogi State by ensuring youths and women inclusion in governance in the state and across the 21 Local Government Areas of the State.

He commended Governor Yahaya Bello's audacity, courage and boldness in stabilizing the state tertiary institutions through the proscription of Academic Staff Union University (ASUU) in state's tertiary institutions and the fruitful establishment of Reference Hospitals across the three (3) senatorial districts with modern facilities as his contributions to provide affordable healthcare services for people of Kogi State. 

Dr. Usman paid glowing tributes to His Excellency for exemplifying leadership in the state through the establishment of two state universities within two (2) years; Confluence University of science and technology, (CUSTECH) and Kogi State University, Kabba, (KSUK) which he said will remain indelible and will serve as reference point for succeeding administrations.

He applauded Governor Bello's daring spirit to comprehensively reform the state's civil service and reiterated his commitment to always work with him through thick and thin adding that, Governor Bello is indeed a lucky man who during his administration has successfully installed, upgrade and present staff of office to notable traditional institutions in the state.

Dr. Usman congratulated the Governor for successfully serving the good people of the state and for nominating a worthy successor in Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo whom he said has learned on the job over the years and would consolidate his achievements effortlessly.

Responding, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello who was earlier decorated as Grand Commander of Nigeria Youths by Kogi NYCN, commended Dr. Usman for his remarkable and indelible achievements as Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic whilst describing him as his 'best critique and one of the best performing appointees' under the New Direction Administration. 

He commended the leadership of Kogi State National Youths Council of Nigeria (NYCN), under Comrade. Benjamin Ojodale Jeremiah as chairman for unleashing more of their potential just as he reiterated his commitments to ensuring youths inclusion in governance within and outside Kogi State.

Earlier, the state chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria, (NYCN)  Comrade Benjamin Ojodale Jeremiah appreciated Governor Bello achievements in the last eight (8) year's and reiterated commitment to working closely with the incoming administration of the Governor Elect, His Excellency, Alhaji Ododo Ahmed Usman.

The planning committee chairman, Comrade Isah Emmanuel (Mario), also commended Governor Bello's achievements, describing him as the "youths commander in Nigeria" who has distinguished himself amongst contemporaries and would forever be referenced in the positive book of Kogi State.

The event had in attendance the Governor Elect, His Excellency Alhaji Ododo Ahmed Usman and other top government officials; National President of National Youths Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Senate President of National Association of Nigeria Students, NANS and NYCN Local Government coordinators amongst others.

– Abdulkadir Bin ABDULMALIK

5th Children parliament inaugurated in Kogi

 

The 5th Kogi State Children parliament has been inaugurated in the state.

The inauguration ceremony which was held at the Government house in Lokoja on Thursday had in attendance top government functionaries, dignitaries, traditional leaders, religious leaders and Non- Governmental organizations.

Speaking at the ceremony, Kogi State Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello who was represented by his Deputy Chief Edward David Onoja noted that, under his leadership, the child right law was passed by the State House of Assembly.

According to him, in the last six years, his administration has targeted on critical thematic area especially education.

Bello said his administration will not relent on  his oars in infrastructural development stressing that, the upliftment of health facilities across the state is on course.

Bello added that his adminstration have embarked on many reforms to better the lives of Children just as the security of lives and properties remains a top priority of his administration.

The Governor however warned Children in the state to stay away from social vices such as examination malpractice, cultism, and  drug abuse 

Earlier, the Kogi State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Fatima Kabir Buba vowed that the present administration will smoke out and make life unbearable for all syndicates involved in the business of kidnapping, sale, abuse and molestation of children.

Buba said the ministry is collaborating with relevant stakeholders to ensure maximum protection of Children in the state adding that, any one caught engaging with this criminal act will face the full wrath of the law.

She emphasized that by ratifying, domesticating and implementing the Child Right law in Kogi State , the rate of abuse of  children on daily basis will be at its minimal level while justice will be served on the offenders of the Law.

Continuing, the Commissioner said" The law they said is not a respecter of anybody’ no matter how large the horn of a cow is, it is the head of the same cow that must carry it. Hence, as a government, we have all it takes to ensure the arrest and prosecution of perpetrators of all forms of Child abuse in our society. We shall not abdicate our responsibility in this regard.

"As a custodian ministry, we have a duty to help secure the future of our Children. We owe them fidelity. We would not relent on our oars unless and until we have secured an enabling environment for their growth, survival, protection, participation and development, ‘this is our vow’.

"Children deserve protection and by their nature they lack the physical, mental and emotional maturity required to face daily challenges of life. This is why the type of rights used to guard and protect adults cannot be used to protect children because their needs are different from that of adults, Hence, the creation of the Child Right Act (CRA)".

"Whatever treatment given to a child, the consequence of your action might not be visible now but somehow it lingers as it affects that child later in life or as the child grows. An abused, neglected and maltreated child will see life from a perspective different from a child who was trained in the right way and shown the better ways to handle life.

"There is no denying the fact that Children are the leaders of tomorrow, for us to create good leaders with good morals, we have to start training them from the beginning when they are born until they grow into leaders. Children parliament is therefore one of those training structure for children between ages 10-18 years respectively".

While giving an overview of the Nigerian Children parliament, the Director Child Development, Kogi State ministry of Women affairs and social development Mrs Folashade Olaniyan said no group deserves greater attention than the country’s estimated 72 million children.

Olaniyan noted that there is an enormous improvement in the reception of government to the plight of Children, adding that, a lot of efforts have been made through setting up of legal frameworks, institutional arrangements which translate the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child into reality and to ensure its effective and practical implementation. 

The speaker Kogi State Children Parliament Rt. Hon. Amobeda Wisdom said the electioneering campaign that culminated his emergence was never a child's play adding that, they remain resolute as Children parliamentarians who's voice are those of God almighty to synergies with appropriate stakeholders like Police, Army, NSCDC, Correctional Centers, and many more to ensure the popularization of the Child right law in all parts of Kogi State.

Goodwill message were delivered by the Secretary to Kogi State Government Dr Mrs Folashade Arike Ayoade, Head of Service Mrs Odiyo, the Maigairi of Lokoja, HRH Alhaji Muhammed Markafi III, the Speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly, who was represented by Hon. Moses Ododo, and the Director General, Kogi State Public Defender, Abdul Zakari, amongst others.

End

GYB is perfect fit as Buhari’s worthy successor- Ododo

 

President Muhammadu Buhari’s assertion that the next president of Nigeria should be someone who can secure the country is an endorsement of the aspiration of Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state to become the next president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 

Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, staunch supporter of the GYB2PYB agenda stated this in Lokoja the Kogi state capital at the weekend.

Alhaji Ododo while referring to the statement by President Buhari who spoke during a working visit to Maiduguri the Borno State capital, noted that the monumental achievement of the Kogi state government under Alhaji Yahaya Bello in securing lives and property in the state is a clear demonstration of the mastery of both kinetic and non-kinetic instruments of national security by Governor Yahaya Bello.

Alhaji Ododo who described Governor Yahaya Bello as the best person for the job noted that it is only natural that GYB would replicate the same string of successes recorded in the provision of infrastructure and security in all parts of Kogi state  at the national level when elected the President of Nigeria in 2023. 

 

While commending President Buhari for the renewed efforts in the military offensive against bandits and insurgents across the country, he called on Nigerians to support the presidential aspiration of Governor Yahaya Bello whom he noted is the only man ready to throw his hat in the ring to address current security challenges and infrastructural development in the country.

This he noted has been demonstrated through several projects like the construction of Ganaja flyover, Okene Reference Hospital and other health institutions across the state as well road networks in the nooks and crannies of the state and security interventions by Governor Yahaya Bello, one of which is the recent arrest of all 25 armed robbery suspects who attacked a bank in Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area of the state. 

Alhaji Ododo who expressed delight over the position of President Buhari on the expectation of his successor urged Nigerians to vote for a presidential aspirant who has demonstrated unimpeachable capacity to secure Nigeria in view of the strategic importance of security in national development.

He urged Nigerian youths to take up the challenge of securing the country by working for the realization of the presidential ambition of Governor Yahaya Bello come 2023.

2023 Presidential Race: GAP3 kicks against zoning, canvas for North Central

As political permutations for 2023 general elections continue to gather momentum across the country and discussions on zoning of key political offices by political parties,  stakeholders, support and interest groups takes the front burners and heating up  the polity, the latest is coming from the Global Alliance Of Progressive Professionals code named GAP3 declaring  support for the North Central geo-political zone to produce the next president of the country and the candidature of the Kogi State Governor Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello.

The group made the disclosure in Abuja in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary Hon. Suleiman Muhammed Siraj and made available to newsmen.

The group noted that their decision to back the North Central geo-political zone and a candidate from the zone for the 2023 general elections in the All Progressive Congress (APC) was anchored on glaring political injustice and marginalization based on facts and figures since the enthronement of democratic government in 1999 till date. The statement read in parts; "what we stand for is justice, equity and fairness in the distribution of leadership positions of our great country".

"We state clearly base on  political statistics that out of the six geo-political zones created by the 1999 constitution, only North Central and South East geo-political zones have not been given the opportunity to serve the country in the capacity of President and Vice President respectively."

"As a group, what we are saying is that he who preaches equity must come with clean hands. To keep Nigeria one as indivisible country, it is critical therefore to accord all the political segment of the country a sense of belonging in leadership and trust. That is the only way to keep Nigeria one. That is the wisdom in the 1999 constitution which fragmented the country into the six geo-political zones for effective and efficient political administration".

"It is also on record that since the inception of democratic rule in Nigeria 1999 till date, the North West, Noth East, South West and South-South geo-political zones have had their turns as President and Vice President respectively. It is obvious therefore that in true spirit of justice, equity and fairness as envisaged by the 1999  constitution, the people of North Central and South East geo-political zones of the country should be allowed to produce the next President and Vice President respectively".

"In every sense of judgment,there is no way you engage in any sincere political arrangements without basketing and political basketing involves zoning. It is high time for our political actors to face the realities and do the neadful in the spirit of true federalism and patriotism. No section of the country should be treated as second hand citizen. We must see ourselves as equal partners in leadership".

"It is on the above premise as Progressive Professionals that we implore the leadership and stakeholders of the All Progressive Congress (APC) across the country to back the marginalized zones. As leaders, we must strive to live above board, drive the nation's political wheels above primordial sentiments and ethnic chauvinism and uphold the tenet, beauty and opportunities provided by the constitution of our land without prejudice".

On the presidential ambition of the Kogi State Governor Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, the group assured the overwhelming support of its members across the country because he comes from the marginalized zones and that he is eminently qualify for the top job.

"We confirm to you that the Global Alliance Of Progressive Professionals code named GAP3 is a political project  of Grassroot Aids Initiative, a non-governmental organization that is poised on encouraging young and talented Nigerians to take leadership position. Our structures cut across the thirty six states of the federation including the FCT".

"Our core mandate as a group is to contribute to the advancement of global community through the building of Nigerian society where citizens are provided the enabling environment and equal opportunities to develop their potentials economically and politically".