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Tag: Yahaya Bello

  • After rubbishing Covid-19 vaccine, Yahaya Bello finally accepts to administer same in Kogi

    After rubbishing Covid-19 vaccine, Yahaya Bello finally accepts to administer same in Kogi

    Kogi State Government has finally agreed to start administering the COVID-19 vaccine to residents.

    Recall that Governor Yahaya Bello insisted that he won’t allow his people to be used as “guinea pigs by vaccine manufacturers”.

    ALSO READ: Politicians playing games with COVID-19, says Kogi Gov

    The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) gave the hint after meeting with Gov. Bello in Kogi on Monday.

    ED/CEO NPHCDA, Dr. Faisal Shuaib met with the Executive Governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello to discuss and resolve issues the State is facing around Cold Chain for vaccine storage and provision of security at the Cold Store. Excellent meeting. pic.twitter.com/rXFHiJ0dz8

    In the same vein, the State commissioner for Health, Saka Haruna, told journalists on Monday in a telephone interview that Kogi will receive doses of the vaccine on Tuesday ahead of the rollout.

    He also said the residents will be given “unhindered access to receive the vaccine”.

    Kogi is the only state yet to start administering the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine to residents three weeks after Nigeria began its rollout.

    The National Primary Health Care Development Agency had attributed the delay to two factors – the state’s “concerns around the contradictory information about the vaccines” and the non-repair of its cold-chain store.

    When the vaccine doses arrived in Nigeria, Bello who had repeatedly denied the existence of COVID-19 in Kogi, said the vaccination is among their least concerns.

    “COVID-19 is just a minute aspect of what we’re treating in Kogi state. I’m not going to subject the people of Kogi state to vaccination, or I will not make them guinea pigs.” he had said.

    Speaking with TheCable on Monday, Haruna said “everything” is set for the state to start the vaccination rollout.

    “We have done the microplanning and everything has been completed with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency,” the commissioner said.

    “Anybody that is willing to receive the vaccine (will receive it); nobody is exempted. And nobody will be forced to receive the vaccine.”

    The official also said the state will announce further plans, including the location of the vaccination launch after receiving the supplies.

    He, however, failed to confirm if state government officials particularly the governor will receive the vaccine.

    “The governor does not have to receive the vaccine before others will; I don’t think there is anything special about COVID that we have to bring the governor out to come and receive the vaccine,” he said.

  • Buhari gets 14-day ultimatum to probe Yahaya Bello’s N4.5bn COVID-19 funds

    Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to investigate alleged misuse of the N4.5 billion donations, loans, and support the Kogi State government obtained from the Federal Government.

    SERAP also threatened to take all appropriate legal actions grateful if the government failed to do the right thing within 14 days.

    The group made this known in a statement issued on Saturday, calling on the president to “direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, SAN and appropriate anti-corruption agencies to probe the funds, including N90,720,000 reportedly spent on software to track COVID-19 cases in the state.”

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    According to SERAP “if there is relevant and sufficient admissible evidence, anyone suspected to be involved should face prosecution, as appropriate.”

    In the letter dated 27 March 2021 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization said: “Directing the Attorney General of the Federation and appropriate anti-corruption agencies as recommended is constitutional, and would be entirely consistent with your promise in your inaugural speech to ‘ensure responsible and accountable governance at all levels of government in the country.’”

    SERAP quoted Buhari as promising in his inaugural speech on 29th May, 2015 that: ‘The Federal Government would not fold its arms and close its eyes to what is going on in the states and local governments. It will ensure that the gross corruption at the local level is checked. For I will not have kept my own trust with the Nigerian people if I allow others abuse theirs under my watch.’”

    SERAP stated: “As you have correctly stated, the obligations of your government to combat corruption in Nigeria extend to all the three tiers of government, namely, the federal, state and local governments.”

    The letter, read in part: “Although primarily a matter of concern for Kogi State, the allegations of misuse of COVID-19 funds drawn from the Federal Government have assumed such a proportion as to become a matter of concern to the federation as a whole, and therefore, to your government.”

    “SERAP is concerned about growing allegations of corruption and mismanagement of public funds in several of the 36 states of the Federation, and the apparent lack of prompt, thorough, independent and transparent investigations into these allegations, allowing suspected perpetrators to frequently escape justice.”

    “Taking prompt action to probe the allegations would promote transparency and accountability, serve the common good, peace, order and good government of the federation (which includes Kogi State). It would help to enhance your government’s fight against corruption and contribute hugely to improving the public confidence and trust in your commitment to combat grand corruption.”

    “We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 14 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request.”

    “SERAP also believes that given the history of corruption in Nigeria, especially several unresolved allegations of grand corruption involving many of the 36 state governments, your government cannot and should not look the other way regarding the allegations of misuse of COVID-19 funds involving the Kogi State government. Such allegations in any state of Nigeria are of concern to every Nigerian, and should therefore be of concern to your government.”

    “Taking the recommended measures would also show that your government is concerned with the overall well-being of the federation and willing and able to enforce important constitutional principles.”

    “According to our information, the Kogi State Government in 2020 allegedly spent N90,720,000 on ‘COVID-19 software.’ The software was reportedly approved by Governor Yahaya Bello, for tracking COVID-19 cases and prevent the spread of the disease in the state. However, the company that developed the software has reportedly stated that it costs only N300,000.”

    “The software has reportedly stopped functioning just one year after it was installed. The N90,720,000 spent on COVID-19 software is part of the N4.5 billion donations, loans and support, which Kogi State reportedly obtained from the Federal Government.”

    “Ensuring the investigation and prosecution of the allegations would also be entirely consistent with the provisions of section 15 subsection (5) of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], which requires your government to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power, regardless of the state where such practices are taking place.”

    “Section 15 specifically defines “government” to include the government of the federation, or of any state, or of a local government council or any person who exercises power or authority on its behalf.”

    “Similarly, the Attorney-General of the Federation has power, conferred on him by section 174(1)(a) of the Nigerian Constitution, and anti-corruption agencies have the powers to act on the allegations of misuse of the N4.5 billion donations, loans and support by the Kogi State government obtained, including N90,720,000 spent on software to track COVID-19 cases in the state.”

    “Our requests are brought in the public interest, and in keeping with the requirements of the Nigerian Constitution; the country’s international obligations including under the UN Convention against Corruption, and the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption, as well as your expressed commitment in your inaugural speech on 29th May 2015 ‘to check gross corruption at the local level.”

    The letter is copied to Mr Malami; Professor Bolaji Owasanoye, Chairman Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC); and Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa, Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

  • Despite blood clot worries, Nigeria vaccinates 8,000 in 35 States except Yahaya Bello’s Kogi

    Despite blood clot worries, Nigeria vaccinates 8,000 in 35 States except Yahaya Bello’s Kogi

    No fewer than 8,000 persons have so far been vaccinated in 35 states and the FCT, the Presidential Task Force (PTF), on COVID-19, said on Monday in Abuja.

    The Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Faisal Shuaib, made the disclosure at the PTF briefing, on Monday in Abuja.

    Shuaib however, said Kogi remained the only state yet to receive the vaccines because its cold chains for preservation of the vaccines were under repair.

    He said the vaccines had been tested and verified to be effective and safe for use, dismissing rumours and concerns about the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines as causing blood clot.

    On the price of the vaccines, he said the vaccine was cheaper than other available vaccines in the market as the producers were concerned about human safety over making profit.

    He said Nigerians should concern themselves with the efficacy of the vaccine rather than reject it because of its market price saying countries like the UK and many others were still using it.

    On the experienced bottleneck for registration, the NPHCDA boss said anyone eligible for registration could also be manually registered at the vaccination centre.

  • I won’t take COVID-19 vaccine, there’s nothing wrong with me – Yahaya Bello

    I won’t take COVID-19 vaccine, there’s nothing wrong with me – Yahaya Bello

    Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello on Friday said he would not take COVID-19 vaccine as he is hale and hearty.

    Bello, in an interview on Channels TV’s ‘Today Politics’, said President Muhammadu Buhari could take the vaccine, but that he would not.

    “Mr President is the leader of this country. I respect him so high; all of us respect him so much. We love him and he is leading by example. If he needs to take the vaccines and he takes it, it is a welcome development.

    “As far as I am concerned, I as a person, I don’t need to take vaccines. There is nothing wrong with me, I am hale and hearty. I am 100 per cent healthy. I won’t take any vaccine,” he said.

    Bello stated that COVID-19 is not the business of people in Kogi State, saying that the state had more pertinent issues and more pertinent matters that it was attending to in Kogi State.

    He said his administration met insecurity and is tackling it, among several other challenges.

    “Disunity, we met on ground and we have united Kogi State today not COVID-19. COVID-19 is just a minute aspect of what we are treating or handling in Kogi State; there have been outbreaks of Lassa Fever and Yellow Fever and those were handled without making noise about it.

    “The last Yellow Fever (outbreak), we vaccinated out people against Yellow Fever, we encouraged them, we educated them and they felt the impact,” he said.

    Bello said if the Federal Government is gracious enough and give Kogi COVID-19 vaccines, his government would equally sensitise its people and that those who wished to come and take the vaccine could come and take it.

    “But I am not going to subject the people of Kogi State to vaccines or vaccination and I will not make them the guinea pigs,” he said.

  • PDP tells EFCC to investigate ‘APC poster boy’ for allegedly diverting Kogi billions

    PDP tells EFCC to investigate ‘APC poster boy’ for allegedly diverting Kogi billions

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has charged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the Kogi State Governor, Mr. Yahaya Bello for alleged money laundering running into billions of naira of state funds.

    The party’s call to the EFCC followed a squeal by a civil society organisation, the Anti-Corruption Network, accusing Governor Bello of squandering billions of naira in public funds.

    In a statement on Thursday by the spokesman for the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, the party challenged the governor to speak out on the allegation.

    The Anti-Corruption Network had alleged a series of financial dealings by the governor, including using certain officials of the Kogi state government as well as private individuals and firms to siphon, launder and cart away billions of naira meant for the development of Kogi state.

    The PDP said that the revelations by Anti-Corruption Network ostensibly explained why the people of Kogi state have been impoverished and why no concrete development has taken place since the governor assumed office in 2016.

    The statement said: “Governor Yahaya Bello is demanded to provide answers to revelations made by the anti-graft body, which is in the public domain, that he has been laundering billions of naira in several tranches through award of contracts to non-legal persons as well as inactive companies with no transaction descriptions and due process certification.

    “The APC (All Progressives Congress) poster boy should answer to revelations by the Anti-Corruption Network that he laundered over N3.7 billion through one Abdulsalami Hudu; in addition to billions of naira allegedly laundered through other individuals including certain, Umar Comfort, Jimoh Aminu, Philip Salau, Bello Ibrahim among others.

    “Also, Gov Yahaya Bello should answer to allegations by the Anti-Corruption Network that he siphoned billions of naira through award of contracts, without due process, to Southbridge Integrated Services Limited to the tune of N624 million, in addition to five other companies which allegedly got between N22 million N129 million respectively.

    “It is indeed disheartening that such funds were monies meant for infrastructural development, provision of healthcare, education facilities, road construction, payment of salaries and pension and other benefits, which have been deprived the people since the inception of the Bello administration.

    “Against this background, our party calls on the EFCC, under its new leadership, to immediately commence investigation by inviting all those mentioned in the report as well as prosecute any individual or company indicted in the matter”.

    The PDP also urged the EFCC to equally commence investigation on the activities of the governor as well as the account records of his administration, with a view to prosecuting him immediately he leaves office at the end of his tenure, if indicted.

    The party said nobody should be allowed to hide under the cover of immunity to get away with criminal pillaging of public resources entrusted into their hands.

    “It is also instructive to state that the immunity clause, as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended), does not prohibit the investigation of a sitting governor or the prosecution of his aides, officials or cronies, who were used to steal public funds”, the statement added.

  • JUST IN: Leader of kidnap gang terrorising Lokoja-Okene road arrested [PHOTOS]

    JUST IN: Leader of kidnap gang terrorising Lokoja-Okene road arrested [PHOTOS]

    Suleiman Dogoruwa, the leader of the kidnap gang terrorising travellers on the ever-busy Lokoja-Okene road has been arrested.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Chairman of Okehi Local Government of Kogi State, Abdulraheem Ohiare, who made this known, said Dogoruwa was arrested on Monday.

    According to Ohiare, the leader of the kidnap gang was arrested by the Professional Hunters, Okehi Command after the Kogi State Commissioner of Police spoke to the Police Area Commander in charge of Auchi, Edo State. “Due to the pressure mounted by the security agencies in Kogi State, Dogoruwa and some of his gang members relocated to Auchi in Edo State and had been on the run for over six months before he was finally arrested.

    “Suleiman has, however, confessed to his crimes and promised to assist the security agencies in the recovery of their arms.

    See photos below:

    JUST IN: Leader of kidnap gang terrorising Lokoja-Okene road arrested

  • APC demands apology from Abaribe over attack on Kogi governor

    APC demands apology from Abaribe over attack on Kogi governor

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has demanded a public apology from Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe for his criticism of Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi State.

    Mr Yekini Nabena, APC Acting Deputy National Publicity Secretary made the demand in a statement on Monday in Abuja, while reacting to the development.

    Abaribe is the Minority Leader of the Senate and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senator representing Abia-South Senatorial District.

    Nabena said a legal action would be taken against the senator if he failed to publicly apologise to the governor, saying that his utterances against the governor were ”false, irresponsible and malicious.”

    Abaribe and Sen. Smart Adeyemi (APC Kogi) had last week exchanged unfriendly banters on the floor of the senate over an alleged social media post.

    The two senators were at loggerheads when a motion on urgent need for the restoration and revalidation of the Safe School Initiative was debated.

    The APC spokesman said “And on this note, we insist that he must publicly withdraw the false statements made by him, or be prepared to face the full brunt of the law.

    “Let us at this point say unequivocally that distinguished Sen. Smart Adeyemi is a high ranking senator with a formidable track record and antecedents to show for it.

    “Prior to coming to the senate, he was a renowned journalist who served as the President of The Nigerian Union of Journalists for two terms.”

    Nabena said Adeyemi was popularly known for his interest in the protection of the masses and would not support a governor who was not performing well as alleged by Abaribe.

    He added that Abaribe`s utterances on the Kogi governor was not just an aspersion on Adeyemi, but other Senators representing Kogi in the Senate.

    Nabena also said that the warning issued by the PDP on the issue, should therefore, be directed at Abaribe.

    According to Nabena, Abaribe should have considered his governor and constituents before making false and unbridled statements against the governor.

    “Having tried on more than one occasion to persuade Abaribe to do the honourable thing, without luck, Sen. Adeyemi’s retaliation is naturally expected.

    “We therefore ask that Abaribe who is completely responsible for this current unrest being experienced by the people of Abia and the PDP, publicly retract his untrue comments.

    “He should immediately apologise and spare the people of Abia the embarrassment they are currently facing with the whole world watching and noting the deplorable state of affairs in the state.

    “This hostility instigated by Abaribe was not only mischievous but most unnecessary.

    “Be that as it may, we have noted with great delight that the PDP acknowledged that the words of Sen. Adeyemi were respected by Nigerians while in the party,’’ he said.

    Nabena stressed that this had not changed, adding that the credibility of Adeyemi`s words followed the integrity he built over the years and his undeniable wealth of experience.

    He added that Adeyemi`s words had become more formidable under the APC since he joined its fold.

  • Photo: Obasanjo, Yahaya Bello meet in Abuja

    Photo: Obasanjo, Yahaya Bello meet in Abuja

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has commended Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi on his efforts in providing security, good governance, and infrastructure building in the state.

    The Chief Press Secretary to Kogi governor, Mr Mohammed Onogwu, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    Onogwu, who quoted Obasanjo as making the commendation when he met with the governor on Sunday in Abuja, added that the former president urged him to sustain the efforts.

    He stated that the meeting between Bello and the former president ended with fruitful discussion.

    Obasanjo while commending Bello for successfully tackling insecurity in the state, said Kogi was central to the nation’s development.

    He urged the governor to sustain his efforts in providing security for his state, noting that Kogi was central to the nation’s peace and development.

    The former president noted that the fight against insecurity should have everybody on board, stressing that governors should involve everyone to ensure insecurity is curtailed in Nigeria.

    Obasanjo appreciated the governor for his developmental efforts in the state especially in the areas of youth and women inclusion in politics and governance, infrastructure, health and education.

    He further urged the governor to continue to be an advocate for youth involvement in governance.

    Responding, Bello thanked the former president for his statesman’s role, fatherly disposition and wealth of wisdom which the young leaders are privileged to tap from.

    The governor noted that though his state was surrounded by 10 other states and the FCT making it the nexus between the South and North, West and East of Nigeria, Kogi, one of the 19 Northern States, stands in stoic defence against criminal elements.

    This, he said, had made Kogi one of the safest states in the country.

    Bello assured Obasanjo that he would not relent in the fight to ensure total safety for his people and will continue to do his best to ensure his electoral promises are fulfilled.

    The governor prayed that God would continue to protect the statesman and grant him good health and long life.

  • Uche Elendu defends Destiny Etiko over outfit to visit Yahaya Bello

    Uche Elendu defends Destiny Etiko over outfit to visit Yahaya Bello

    In recent times, curvy actress, Destiny Etiko has been in the eye of the storm. Weeks back it was alleged that a certain wealthy married businessman bought her the car she flaunted on social media.

    Etiko swore in reaction said the car was brought through dint of hard work.

    On Friday, Etiko was slammed by fans over her choice of outfit to meet with Kogi state Governor, Yahaya Bello.

     

    Some Nigerians were of the opinion that her outfit was inappropriate for a meeting with a government official.
    Again, she couldn’t withstand the backlash, she had to restrict her comment section.

    Reacting in her defense, her close friend and colleague, Uche Elendu said Destiny and others were on their way to the airport when the Governor called for them to meet with him in his office..

    Elendu said:”How is the dressing a national issue”?


    Her outburst has triggered various reactions from Nigerians.

    @Kpankpando wrote:Your friend’s dressing is tacky and trash, it’s either she doesn’t have a good dress sense or you are one of those deceiving her. Going to such office, she’s supposed to dress decently and not like a wild mgbeke. Every event calls for a particular dressing, please inform your friend.

    @Anonymous wrote:Your excuse make sense sha, Even though you are both cut from the same cloth

  • Insecurity: I’ve never visited Abuja for solutions to Kogi’s challenges – Yahaya Bello

    Insecurity: I’ve never visited Abuja for solutions to Kogi’s challenges – Yahaya Bello

    Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello says he handles insecurity in his state without necessarily seeking a solution by visiting the President in Abuja.

    Bello said this on Thursday during a monitored programme on Channels Television.

    “The Nigeria Police that are in the country today are the same in Kogi State. The Army in the country is the same in Kogi State. All the law enforcement agencies we have in the country today are exactly what I have in Kogi State.

    “So, when they provide such information, we act on it, we don’t pay lip service, we don’t pass buck, we don’t visit Abuja for solutions at all times. I don’t think there is any day I have ever visited Abuja for any solution. What I do is to sit down here and do my job,” the governor said.

    Speaking further on security in the state, he added that stakeholders in the state collaborate with security agencies to analyse intelligence to forestall the breakdown of law and order.

    “We are corroborating, the commissioner of police, my director (of) DSS, my Army commander, my naval commander, civil defense commander, we are corroborating and they are relating very well with the citizens, they connected to the people and leadership at all levels are doing their best starting from the community leaders, ward leaders, the local government chairmen, and leaders, youth leaders, market leaders, farmers and what have you. We are corroborating very well,” he added.

    The governor also said there is a need for governors to collaborate and implement policies that will put an end to the farmers-herders crisis affecting parts of the country.

    He said the national livestock transformation plan by the Federal Government should not be allowed to go down the drain.

    “When the issue of livestock transformation was muted, it was first given the name Ruga. Ruga means a settlement of herders or livestock farmers.

    “When it broke out in this country, it was politicised. That ‘Mr President wants to take our lands.’ I think, when we stop politicising every government policy and programmes, we will get it right,” the governor said.