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Bello a disaster to democracy, an ethnic bigot that shouldn’t be seen in Kogi again – Ojuju Agbadufu Igala lampoons
Few hours to his handing over the baton of governance, a Kogi East based socio-political group, Ojuju Agbadufu Igala has lashed at the Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello for his countless sins against the people of Kogi State in the last eight years in office.
The group recalled how Bello was notorious for use of thuggery to carry out brutal attacks on innocent citizens leading to death of scores, while they express displeasure and deep concern in all he has done throughout his tenure of office, particularly his last minute indulgent political improprieties.
Speaking at a press conference at the National Union of Journalists, NUJ office in Abuja, the President in Council of Ojuju Agbadufu Igala Forum, Mr Christopher Ukwuenya called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to overlook tensions, animosity and division that Yahaya Bello has brought to bear on Kogi indigenes who have been united and living in peace before his ascension to office as governor of Kogi State on 27th January, 2016, adding that eight years after, the bar of nepotism, ethnic bigotry and all sorts of dysfunctional democracy have been raised.
In what looks like Bello’s dossier of bad leadership, the Ojuju Agbadufu Igala accused the outgoing governor of Kogi State of serially rigging elections that have ever been conducted during his tenure of office. Stating that he normally connived with corrupt Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC officials to manipulate figures to his advantage and forced declaration of his choice as winner against the will of electorate.
Irked by the recent dethronement of three traditional rulers and suspension, the group rejected the development and called for the restoration with immediate effect, noting that it was against cultural tradition to dethrone a monarch because you did not win election in their domain.
On the last minute appointments into political offices which was lopsided, the Forum noted that the development was a recipe for hatred, calling on the incoming government to cancel the appointments and stick to equity and fairness in future political appointments.
Christopher Ukwuenya said: “That the Forum calls on President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) to intervene in the unfortunate political upheavals that had generated high tensions leading to a dangerous precedents in Kogi state if not urgently averted.
“That Governor Yahaya Bello is not just a disaster to the nation’s constitutional democracy in his chauvinistic tendencies and ethnic bigotry but also a threats to humanity and the world at large.
“That the Forum is calling on the appropriate authorities, government agencies, Nigerians and the entire world leaderships to pay attention to the ugly political developments in Kogi state with a view to curtailing Governor Bello’s excesses in the state.
“That we reject his lopsided appointments to favour his Central Senatorial District especially, Okene where he comes from as this negates the principle of equity, equality and social justice.
“That the ill-motivated suspension, deposition and banishment of traditional rulers in some parts of the state is a philippic political vendetta that has no bearing on our constitutional democracy. Governor Yahaya Bello goofed and stand condemned. We, not only condemned the barbaric affronts against the sacred institution, but castigate, lampoon and jettison the improprieties thereto even as we call for total reversal to status quo ante.
“That the deplorable and appalling state of infrastructural decay, avoidable dilapidation and decadence across the entire state especially, Kogi east has assumed unacceptable alarming proportion that requires urgent attention.
“That the high spate of insecurity and other social vices across the state today was conceived, birthed and instigated by the state government under the watchful eyes of Governor Yahaya Bello who sponsored thugery to intimidate opponents in the last governorship election in Kogi State. The federal government should take charge to avoid further degeneration and the accompanying consequences.
“The attempted murder on Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho under the watchful eyes of Governor Yahaya Bello must not be swept under the carpet as we call on the federal government to bring the perpetrators to book.
“That we are aware of the several criminal and unlawful infractions committed by Governor Yahaya Bello while in office and call on the security operatives especially, EFCC, ICPC and others to bear their search lights on the emperor as he leaves office on 27th January, 2024.
“That the incoming government should revoke all anti people’s policies of the outgoing government and never to be seen as a rubber stamp under the apron-springs of his predecessor (erstwhile Governor Yahaya Bello)
“That the notorious outcome of the November 11, 2023 governorship election in Kogi state leaves much to be desired even as we are aware of the legal process to restore sanity in our electoral process, we should be seen as a civilize people who have been together in peace and unity over the years and must not allow ourselves to be used by Governor Yahaya Bello who have no regards for the rules of law. Both Igala, Okun and Egbira have lived together for years and shall continue to live in harmony and in pursuit of peace, good neighborliness, unity and progress.
“That Kogi state is blessed with both mineral, human and material resources including oil and coal, yet it has the highest level of poverty. OAIF frowns at this pervasive passivism of the Kogi state government in tackling the socioeconomic crisis faced by the entire state and Kogi East in particular.
“OAIF calls on the incoming government to expedite action on the need to stem the tide of the ugly cases of kidnapping, banditry, communal crisis and other life threatening criminalities in the state.
“That percentage salary in the state be stopped forthwith as Kogi has no need going through unnecessary economic crunch solely imposed on the people by Yahaya Bello’s government to impoverish them.
“That it is not difficult to predict the nature of things to come. But everything is not so hopeless yet. While bracing for the worst one must always hope for the best. And that is why we see a silver lining in the rather ominously gathering dark clouds in Kogi state.
“And that is what gives us the hope that the situation could be retrieved all things being equal.”
The Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has dismissed as baseless and diversionary, widespread rumours about his collapse and being rushed abroad for treatment.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Thursday, following a routine inspection of ongoing infrastructure projects slated for commissioning in May to commemorate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second anniversary in office, Barrister Wike categorically denied the claims, saying that they were untrue.
He attributed the spread of these rumours to political machinations, specifically pointing to those he alleged, sought to divert attention from serious allegations of planned attacks on national assets, including the Rivers State House of Assembly complex as revealed by a former Head of Service of Rivers State government.
He said, “What happened was that the former Head of Service of Rivers State government came out to let the public know what was going on about a plan to bomb the House of Assembly complex and attack national assets. To divert the attention of people from focusing on that, they had to bring up rumours that I had been flown overseas. There was never a time I collapsed, there was never a time anybody took me overseas”.
The Minister said he was focused on his job of providing good governance in the FCT and would not be distracted by such unfounded rumours.
Barr. Wike emphasized his continued public engagements, citing his presence at the President’s Iftar engagement and his leading of Abuja residents during the Sallah homage to the President as evidence of his robust health. “You see me every day. The day Mr. President broke Iftar during his birthday, I was there. The next day, I led Abuja residents to pay Sallah homage. I see so many stories online, this is politics. Those things don’t bother us. We are not distracted. We are focused on our jobs.”
He thanked Nigerians for their concern but cautioned against wishing ill health on others, reiterating that only God determines the time of one’s passing. “I thank Nigerians for showing concern, but people should not wish their fellow human beings such a thing to happen. We know that we will die one day, nobody will remain in this world forever, but it’s only God who determines the day you will die. No human being can say you will die today or tomorrow. So, don’t bother yourself, I’m very agile and I can assure you that I will write the condolence letters for those peddling these rumours.”
Speaking on the infrastructure projects he inspected, Barr. Wike expressed satisfaction with the progress of work at the International Conference Centre (ICC) renovation, the Arterial road N16 in Gishiri and its interchange connecting Maitama District to Katampe, and the Judges Quarters and its access roads in Katampe District.
He said, “We were at the International Conference Centre where much work has been done. They are keeping to the time that they have given and they are also doing a good quality job. We’ve gone to Gishiri and the roads leading to the Justices Quarters. I’m very much impressed with the good jobs and the contractors handling these projects. You can attest to the fact that this is a quality job being carried out”.
He commended the contractors, including Julius Berger and CGC, for their commitment to delivering the projects on schedule and assured that funding, with the support of President Tinubu, was not a challenge.
He encouraged taxpayers to fulfill their obligations, promising that they will witness the tangible results of their contributions. “All we will say is that those who are supposed to pay their taxes should pay their taxes, and ask us what we are doing with taxpayers’ money. They can see what we are doing with taxpayers’ money.”
The Supreme Court has sacked Julius Abure as National Chairman of the Labour Party in a ruling that was delivered on Friday in Abuja.
The judgment has put paid to a prolonged legal battle of the party. In a unanimous judgment, In a delivered by a five-member panel, held that the Court of Appeal had overstepped its jurisdiction when it declared Abure as the party’s leader.
The Supreme Court ruled that the issue of party leadership is an internal affair beyond the jurisdiction of the courts, thereby overturning the lower court’s ruling. This decision has significant implications for the Labour Party, which has been embroiled in leadership tussles in recent months.
The judgment came after an appeal filed by Senator Nenadi Usman and another appellant, challenging Abure’s claim to the chairmanship. The court found their appeal meritorious and accordingly upheld it, solidifying the legal stance that party leadership disputes should be settled within party structures rather than through litigation.
In a further blow to Abure’s camp, the Supreme Court dismissed a cross-appeal filed by his faction of the Labour Party, describing it as lacking merit.
With this ruling, the legal battles surrounding the leadership of the Labour Party may have reached their final chapter, barring any internal resolutions or new legal maneuvers by the affected parties.
The verdict has sparked reactions from political analysts and party stakeholders, with some expressing concerns over the stability of the Labour Party ahead of the next electoral cycle. The party, which emerged as a formidable force in the 2023 general elections, now faces the challenge of reorganizing its leadership and uniting its members.
While the ruling may settle the legal aspect of the dispute, the political ramifications are far from over.
Party members and loyalists of Abure may seek internal resolutions or political realignments to navigate the fallout of this decision. The Labour Party’s next steps will be crucial in determining its future strength and cohesion on the national stage.
As of press time, Abure’s camp has not issued an official statement on the ruling, while other factions within the party have welcomed the decision, calling it a victory for internal democracy.
In a landmark ruling today, the Supreme Court of Nigeria delivered a judgment that has been hailed as a significant victory not only for the Labour Party (LP) but also for Nigeria’s democracy. The ruling, which saw the removal of Mr. Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party, is widely regarded as a triumph of democracy, the rule of law, and the resilience of Nigeria’s judicial system.
The statement celebrating the historic judgment was issued by the Labour Party National Caretaker Committee Secretary, Sen. Darlington Nwokocha who was present at the Supreme Court in Abuja during the judgment. The Secretary expressed immense gratitude to the Justices of the Supreme Court for their fair and forthright decision, which was described as a beacon of hope for the country’s democracy.
“This ruling is a monumental victory for the Labour Party and, more importantly, for the future of Nigeria’s democracy,” said the Secretary. “It demonstrates that the Judiciary remains the last hope for the common man, ensuring that justice and the rule of law prevail in the face of challenges.”
The Labour Party National Caretaker Committee (LP NCC) emphasized that the judgment is a clear indication that despite the struggles Nigeria faces, the nation’s democracy is resilient, and the judicial system remains a pillar of strength. It is also seen as a crucial step towards unifying the party and fostering an environment conducive to political reform and nation-building.
“This historic ruling is not only a victory for the Labour Party, but also for the Nigerian people and our democracy. It affirms that the rule of law will always be upheld,” the statement continued. “We now have an opportunity to rebuild Nigeria’s democracy and strengthen our party, which remains the political party of choice for millions of Nigerians.”
The Labour Party extended a call to all Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliation, to unite with the party in its efforts to restore and rebuild the nation’s democracy. “We call on all Nigerians to join hands with the Labour Party in the mission to restore the true values of democracy, justice, and equity in Nigeria,” the statement urged.
The judgment is being seen as a significant milestone not only for the Labour Party but for the entire nation, as it underscores the importance of a free, fair, and independent judiciary in maintaining democratic principles. The ruling have now firmly brought to an end the perennial leadership crisis within the Labour Party, enabling it to focus more effectively on its agenda for a better Nigeria.
The Labour Party also took this moment to express their deep appreciation to their supporters for their unwavering dedication and solidarity. “We thank Nigerians for their resilience, support, and trust in our cause. The Labour Party remains the people’s party, and together, we will continue to fight for a more just, equitable, and prosperous Nigeria,” the Secretary concluded.
As the Labour Party moves forward, it is committed to uniting its members and supporters to build a Nigeria free from oppression, where justice and fairness are upheld for all. The Supreme Court’s ruling today serves as a powerful reminder that in Nigeria, the law is supreme, and democracy will always triumph.
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