News
Runaway Kogi Ex-Governor Yahaya Bello Mobilises Several Groups, Prints Banners For Planned Protest Against EFCC
- /home/naijuinz/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 27
https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot_20240422-203319.png&description=Runaway Kogi Ex-Governor Yahaya Bello Mobilises Several Groups, Prints Banners For Planned Protest Against EFCC ', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
- Share
- Tweet /home/naijuinz/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 72
https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot_20240422-203319.png&description=Runaway Kogi Ex-Governor Yahaya Bello Mobilises Several Groups, Prints Banners For Planned Protest Against EFCC ', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
Heavily troubled former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello is currently mobilising some groups to protest against his planned arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), SaharaReporters has learnt.
The anti-graft agency declared 48-year-old Bello wanted after he failed to appear for arraignment on 19-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and money laundering.
SaharaReporters reliably gathered on Monday that fugitive Bello is allegedly sponsoring a protest against EFCC over his trial.
A video SaharaReporters obtained showed some printed banners in preparation for the “solidarity” protest against the anti-graft agency.
Some of the printed banners reads: “Gov. Bello: EFCC Losing Credibility.” “Save Nigerian’s Democracy, Remove the bad eggs!” “Nigerians’ want EFCC to fight for Nigeria not politicians.” “Remove political witchhunt from Judiciary.” “Fighting corruption illegally is corruption!” “Follow due process of the law.” “No Justice in witch-hunt.”
Others read: “We are lawyers of conscience.” “Obedience to court order not optional.” “Obey court order.” “We are Judiciary watchdogs…” “Let Gov. Yahaya Bello breathe!” “Respect Gov. Bello’s rights!” “An independent judiciary is better justice.” “Stop suffocating our Democracy.” “EFCC willing tool in the hands political enemies?” “EFCC: Don’t disobey laws you are created to enforce,” among others.
Although SaharaReporters could not independently ascertain the location where the posters are currently being printed, a source disclosed that they were printed in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.
Recall April 18, that EFCC had filed 19 criminal count charge before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja against Yahaya Bello.
In the charge filed at the Federal High Court 9, with charge FHC/ABJ/CR/98/2024, dated March 9, 2024 has Yahaya Adoza Bello as the sole Defendant while the Federal Republic of Nigeria is the complainant
The EFCC in the charge SaharaReporters obtained, accused the ex-governor of conversion of a total of N80,246,470,089.88 being funds belonging to Kogi State government in February 2016 to himself, an offence which is contrary to Section 18(a) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended.
Bello was also accused of indirectly procured one Ali Bello, Dauda Suleiman and Abdulsalam Hudu to use the sum of N950 million being a proceed of crime for the acquisition of a property lying, being and situate at No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama District, Abuja.
On April 17, operatives of the anti-graft agency had laid siege on his Abuja house, but was later rescued by Governor Ahmed Ododo.
Shortly after, a Kogi State Court restrained EFCC from arresting Bello while delivering judgement in a fundamental human rights suit brought against the anti-graft agency.
Within the same time, another court, a Federal High Court presided by Justice Emeka Nwite issued an order of immediate arrest of Bello for the purpose of arraigning him before the court on April 18.
Consequent upon his disappearance and refusal to show up for his trial, the EFCC declared him wanted and wrote to all the security agencies including Immigration Service to place him on their watchlist to prevent him from escaping from the country.
Minister of Defense, General Christopher Musa, rtd, has said President Bola Tinubu will soon announce salary increment for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
In a statement by his media aide, Leah Katung-Babatunde, the minister said the move is part of the Federal Government’s sustained commitment to improving troop welfare and rewarding their sacrifices to the nation.
He recalled previous welfare benchmarks, noting that military pay was successfully raised from N49,000 to N100,000 during his tenure as Chief of Defence Staff.
General Musa stressed that active steps are currently underway to secure an even better package for the troops.
“I want to state here that a few weeks ago, I mentioned that soldiers are now receiving N100,000. When I was Chief of Defence Staff, soldiers were receiving N49,000.
About two years ago, I pushed for an increase to N100,000, and that was achieved. We are, however, making further efforts to increase it again,” Musa stated.
News
After 12years abandonment: Tinubu begins work on Nnamdi Azikiwe road linking GEJ road in FCT(Video)
This Road with two Interchange (Bridge) linking Nnamdi Azikiwe Road (to Area 1 and Apo), Goodluck Jonathan Road (to Galadimawa) was awarded in December 2014.
12 years after, the government of President Tinubu has commenced work on the road project and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, was at the site today to see things for himself.
The Federal Government has demanded urgent action from South Africa to end recurring attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals, disclosing that 98 Nigerians have been killed in mob and hate-related incidents in the country since 2022.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, made the demand in Abuja on Monday while receiving South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola.
Lamola was sent to Nigeria as a special envoy by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa amid growing diplomatic tension over repeated attacks on foreign nationals.
The envoy delivered a message from Ramaphosa to President Bola Tinubu before holding talks with senior Nigerian officials led by Enikanolaiye.Executive Branch
Enikanolaiye said Tinubu directed the meeting to allow both countries to frankly discuss what he described as persistent “Afrophobic attacks” against Nigerians and other African migrants in South Africa.
“We have seen a pattern that has become a concern to the Nigerian government,” he said.
The minister cited outbreaks of anti-migrant violence dating back to 1995 and said official records showed that 98 Nigerians had been killed in mob attacks and hate-related violence in South Africa since 2022.
He warned that the continued attacks could damage the long-standing strategic relationship between Africa’s two largest economies.
Enikanolaiye urged Pretoria to take immediate and concrete measures to protect Nigerians and other foreign nationals legally residing in the country.Politics
The minister disclosed that the Federal Government had evacuated more than 1,500 Nigerians from South Africa following previous attacks.
He described receiving some of the evacuees as an emotional experience, noting that many returned home without their possessions.
“I shed tears when I received the first batch of evacuees. I saw children, women and the elderly returning home with almost nothing after their properties had been looted and destroyed. That is not the Africa we want,” he said.
Enikanolaiye said several victims were lawful residents and raised concerns over the alleged failure of South African security personnel to intervene during some attacks.
He argued that such incidents raised questions about state responsibility and the safety of foreigners living in South Africa.
The minister stressed that Nigeria would not defend citizens involved in drug trafficking or other criminal activities.
He, however, insisted that suspects must be arrested and prosecuted through the legal system rather than subjected to mob violence.
“Nigeria will not support drug traffickers or any criminal activity, but those accused of crimes must be treated in accordance with the rule of law, South Africa’s Constitution and international human rights standards,” Enikanolaiye said.
He maintained that criminal allegations should not be used to justify attacks on Nigerians and other migrants.
Enikanolaiye reminded the South African delegation of Nigeria’s role in the struggle against apartheid and the subsequent cooperation between both countries.
He recalled their collaboration in transforming the Organisation of African Unity into the African Union and promoting the New Partnership for Africa’s Development.
Despite the current tension, the minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining cordial relations with South Africa.
He expressed hope that continued dialogue would rebuild confidence, strengthen bilateral relations and protect the principle of African solidarity.
Responding, Lamola said his visit was aimed at reaffirming the historic friendship between Nigeria and South Africa while addressing concerns over violence against foreign nationals.
He acknowledged Nigeria’s contribution to the struggle against apartheid, saying South Africans remained grateful for the sacrifices made.
“We remain deeply indebted to the people of Nigeria for their sacrifice,” Lamola said.
He added that Ramaphosa and the South African government remained opposed to xenophobia, racism, discrimination, homophobia and other forms of intolerance.
The envoy, however, maintained that South Africa had a sovereign responsibility to enforce its immigration laws and combat irregular migration and criminal activities.
He identified drug trafficking, internet fraud and other offences as challenges the government was determined to address.
Lamola described migration as a continental challenge requiring cooperation among African countries under the African Union’s framework on orderly and regular migration.
“We believe that Nigeria and South Africa have a shared responsibility to respond to these challenges within the African continent,” he said.
He added that further details of Ramaphosa’s message to Tinubu would be discussed during a closed-door session.
Further plans underway to increase salaries of military personnel -Defence Minister, Musa
After 12years abandonment: Tinubu begins work on Nnamdi Azikiwe road linking GEJ road in FCT(Video)
Xenophobic Attacks: Details of What Nigeria, South Africa Discussed
-
News10 hours agoUK Eases Student Visa Rules for Three African Nations
-
News21 hours agoFugitive drug kingpin, ex-int’l footballer bag 24 years jail term for cocaine importation(Photos)
-
News21 hours agoReps Order IGP to Produce Alleged Fake Presidential Council DG as Probe Uncovers Fresh Forgery Claims
-
News21 hours agoAGF Reveals Alleged Hijacked State House Letter Helped Fake Agency Get Recognition
-
News18 hours agoJust in: Ahead 2027, Kano NDC Senators Meet Tinubu over Planned Defection to APC
-
News23 hours agoNo Rest Until Key FCT Projects Are Delivered, Wike Declares(Photos)
-
News10 hours agoStolen BVAS, PVCs Will Be Replaced, Osun Election Safe – INEC
-
News19 hours agoReps Back President Tinubu’s Economic Reforms, Subject 13 Commerce Bills to Public Scrutiny
Warning: Undefined variable $user_ID in /home/naijuinz/public_html/wp-content/themes/zox-news/comments.php on line 49
You must be logged in to post a comment Login