Some residents of Kogi State under the aegis of People of Kogi have called on the state governor Alhaji Usman Ododo to hand over former Governor Yahaya Bello to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
In April, SaharaReporters reported how Governor Ododo prevented the arrest of his immediate predecessor and political godfather, Yahaya Bello at his (Bello’s) Abuja residence.
EFCC operatives had on laid siege to Bello’s house to arrest him but the Kogi governor prevented the EFCC personnel from arresting the embattled former governor, Bello.
Ododo took Bello out of the area in his official vehicle.
The anti-graft agency in a statement signed by its spokesman, Dele Oyewale, lamented the action and warned “members of the public that it is a criminal offence to obstruct officers of the Commission from carrying out their lawful duties”.
Bello is currently standing trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja, facing allegations of money laundering involving N80.2 billion. He has however refused to appear in court.
A statement issued by the group of Kogi people on Sunday, said, “We, the citizens of Kogi State, stand united against the corrupt governance that has plagued our state and nation for far too long. We will not be silenced or intimidated by hollow warnings from a government that has consistently failed to address our grievances.
“The recent press release from the Kogi State Government is nothing more than a desperate attempt to quell the voices of a populace fed up with bad governance.
“ENOUGH IS ENOUGH: The Government of Kogi State, under the administration of Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo, must immediately hand over the fugitive former governor Yahaya Bello to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). We will no longer tolerate the shielding of corrupt individuals who have looted our state’s resources and left us in abject poverty.
“ACCOUNTABILITY NOW: The Kogi State Government’s claims of solidarity with national economic efforts are laughable. The real solidarity should be with the suffering people of Kogi State, not with a corrupt elite. We demand transparency and accountability from those who have betrayed the public trust.
“EMPTY PROMISES: The so-called economic policies and investments touted by the Kogi State Government are a smokescreen to distract from their failures. We see through the lies. Our schools, hospitals, and infrastructure remain in shambles while they line their pockets with our hard-earned money.
“RIGHT TO PROTEST: The right to protest is enshrined in our constitution and is a fundamental part of our democracy. The government’s attempt to paint peaceful protests as violent and unpatriotic is an insult to every citizen who demands a better future for themselves and their children.
“WE WILL NOT BE INTIMIDATED: The citizens of Kogi State will not be cowed by threats or misinformation. We stand firm in our demand for justice. If the government refuses to hand over Yahaya Bello to the EFCC, we will have no choice but to take matters into our own hands and occupy the Government House.
“UNITY AND ACTION: We call on all Kogi citizens to join us in this fight for our future. We must remain united and resolute in our demand for justice and accountability. Together, we can bring about the change we so desperately need.
“MESSAGE TO THE GOVERNMENT: Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo, your attempts to silence us will fail. Hand over Yahaya Bello to the EFCC or face the full force of a people’s movement that will not rest until justice is served.
“CALL TO ACTION: We urge every citizen to prepare for a massive, peaceful protest. This is not a time for fear but for action. Let us show the world that the people of Kogi State will not be silenced or oppressed.”