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Tag: Yahaya Bello

  • Yahaya Bello accepts Appeal Court judgment on Natasha

    Yahaya Bello accepts Appeal Court judgment on Natasha

    Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi has accepted the ruling of the Appeal Court which affirmed the election of Natasha Akpoti-Uduagan, as the Senator for Kogi Central.

    The governor stated this when he briefed newsmen at the presidential villa, Abuja, on Tuesday.

    ”Today as the executive governor of Kogi, I received the news of the decision of the Court of Appeal, notifying the election of Abubakar Ohere and affirming Natasha Akpoti-Uduagan as the Senator representing Kogi Central.

    ”I accept the decision of the appeal court and I use this opportunity to congratulate my sister Natasha Akpoti-Uduagan, as the Senator of the Kogi Central Senatorial District.

    ”Let me also use this opportunity to congratulate everybody that has participated so far in this democratic process. This is the beauty of democracy,” he said.

    Bello said that although he didn’t plan to lose the election, he had accepted the ruling in good faith.

    ”However, both Natasha Akpoti and Abubakar Ohere are my brother and sister. We all hailed from the same senatorial district, the same tribe and the same heritage,” Bello said.

    The governor called on the people of Kogi Central to accept the decision of the appeal Court and work hand-in-hand with all the elected members of the state and National Assembly.

    ”Let us drive the course of development of our dear senatorial district our state and the nation at large.

    ”I thank the wise men who took this decision, I appreciate all the processes that culminates into today’s decision.

    ”We in Kogi central, we in Kogi state we will continue to be united, we have a larger picture ahead of us which is the Nov. 11 governorship election that we are poise to win with landslide,” he said.

    Bello enjoined the people of Kogi not to be distracted, ahead of the Nov.11 governorship election.

    “All hands must be on the deck to ensure that we have a hitch-free campaign, a violent free election and resounding victory on the end of the day.”

    The Court of Appeal, Abuja, on Tuesday, affirmed Natasha Akpoti-Uduagan of the PDP as the winner of the Kogi central election.

    The three-member panel, in a unanimous judgment delivered by Justice Hamma Barka, upheld the judgment of the state’s election tribunal and dismissed the appeal filed by Sen. Abubakar Ohere of the APC.

    The court agreed with the submission of counsel for Akpoti-Uduagan, Mr Johnson Usman, SAN, for being meritorious.

    The panel agreed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) failed to give good reason for not collating results in parts of Kogi central particularly in Ganaja/Ajaokuta Ward where results in nine polling units were not collated.

  • Gov Bello denies assassination attempt

    Gov Bello denies assassination attempt

    Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has denied alleged assassination attempt on his life on Sunday.

    Addressing newsmen in the evening of Sunday, Bello explained the incident on Lokoja-Abuja Highway as a mere altercation between his security details and some military personnel at a check point.

    But his Information Commissioner, Mr  Kingsley Fanwo, in a  statement,  alleged assassination attempt on the governor’s life along the Lokoja-Abuja Road around 4.20.p.m. of Sunday.

    Fanwo had claimed that the assassins were in military uniforms during the attack, which was repelled by security men attached to the governor.

    A contrary statement  in Lokoja by Bello’s Media Aide, Onogwu Mohammed, said: “What happened along the Lokoja-Abuja road was a minor disagreement between the security details attached to him and some military personnel providing security on the road.

    In an interview granted to  newsmen a few moments ago at his residence in Abuja, Bello stated that there was no attempt whatsoever on his life.

    He clarified that while there was a minor fracas between men of the Nigerian Police Force attached to his convoy and those of a military unit manning the highways, it  was in the course of both units performing their lawful security duties.”

    The governor  commended the security agencies for their joint contributions to the improved security of lives and property enjoyed by the residents of Kogi.

    Bello, however, called on the high command of the agencies involved to investigate overzealousness or unprofessional conduct by any of their men involved in the incident and apply the necessary sanctions.

    The governor also called on residents of Kogi to ignore any attempt by political profiteers to use the incident to unsettle the polity as the state’s 2023 governorship elections slated for  Nov. 11 drew nearer.

    He assured the state of both his safety and the adequacy of security arrangements to ensure that the elections were peaceful, free and fair.

    “This afternoon at about 14:00hours, I took off from Lokoja coming to Abuja and the journey was smooth along with the convoy and just about 16:00 hours, my convoy especially the security had an encounter with another sister agency and there was a fracas.

    “Immediately, we waded in and it was resolved. From there, we had a smooth journey down to Abuja and ever since I came, I’ve been engaging in all the activities that brought me to Abuja and it’s been very smooth.

    “Thereafter, I began to hear in the social media about assassination attempt. I want to state categorically very clear, dear Nigerians, there was no assassination attempt on me Yahaya Bello, the executive governor of Kogi State by the military or by anybody.

    “Between Kogi State and FCT, it is a secure route, thanks be to God Almighty and members of the military, the Nigeria Police, the DSS, the Navy, the Civil Defence, the vigilantes, the professional hunters and the citizens of our dear state.

    “We have been able to secure that route courtesy these various agencies and bodies that I enumerated. So nobody would have attempted to assassinate me or any member of our convoy.

    “It is natural or let me put it this way, most often or sometimes, there will be misunderstanding or fracas between sister agencies that are performing their lawful duties. That sometimes cannot be ruled out but assassination attempt, there is nothing like that.

    “It has been resolved and I don’t condone any act of indiscipline, that fracas to even have happened in the first place, I’ve called on all law enforcement agencies that are around me and on the road to investigate it and ensure that whoever is culpable is punished according to the rules and regulations of the various Forces or the various Services.

    “I am a law-abiding citizen and our security men have done greatly in securing our lives and livelihood. I respect men in uniform, I respect the Nigeria Army, the Nigerian Military generally, our Nigeria Police Force and all security agencies,” Bello said.

  • BREAKING! Gov Bello of Kogi escapes assassins attack

    BREAKING! Gov Bello of Kogi escapes assassins attack

    Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has narrowly escaped an assassination attempt while on his to an official event in Abuja on Sunday evening.

    His Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo revealed this development in a statement on Sunday.

    Fanwo said the attackers who were clad in military uniforms ambushed the governor’s envoy and started shooting at his vehicle.

    The statement reads: “The Kogi State Government wishes to inform the general public that there was an assassination attempt on the Governor of the state, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, a few kilometres away from Abuja, on his way to an official engagement from Lokoka. The attack occurred at about 4pm on Sunday, October 22, 2023.

    “The attackers who were dressed in military uniforms waylaid the Governor’s convoy and started shooting sporadically at his vehicle and other vehicles in the convoy.”

    While the attack was reportedly foiled by the quick intervention of the security agents, the commissioner blamed it on the activities of certain people who were trying to display the state as unsafe ahead of the governorship election scheduled for next month.

    “It took the swift intervention of the security personnel attached to the Governor to foil the satanic plans of the unknown soldiers. The attacks were at three different points, the last barricade being around Kwali Federal Capital Territory at about 4.20pm.

    “The report of these strange attacks has been properly documented at security offices in the state and at the national level for prompt and thorough investigations to avert future occurrences.

    “We are not oblivious of the fact that certain elements are bent on painting Kogi unsafe ahead of the Governorship Poll slated for November 11, 2023. As an administration, we will spare nothing to ensure our citizens are not subjected to security threats by desperate politicians sponsoring violence and terrorism.

    “We call on the citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements in the domain to relevant security agencies. It is the responsibility of the Government to ensure security and we want to assure you that the peace we have enjoyed as a state in the last eight years won’t be lost on the altar of violent politics.”

  • Court voids Yahaya Bello’s Task Force on Firearms Control

    Court voids Yahaya Bello’s Task Force on Firearms Control

    A Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja has nullified the Special Task Force on Illegal Smuggling of Firearms established by Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi.

    Justice James Omotosho, in a judgment, held that regulation and control of firearms were sole responsibilities of the appropriate federal agencies and not the state governments or agencies set up by them.

    It would be recalled that Hon Ahmadu Danjuma had, in a suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/697/2023, sued the governor, Mr Friday Sani Makama, Director-General (DG) of State Security Service (also known as DSS) as 1st to 3rd defendants’ respectively.

    Others joined in the suit include DG of National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police, and the National Security Adviser (NSA) as 4th to 6th defendants.

    Danjuma, through his lawyer, Promise Ogbadu, had challenged Gov. Bello’s setting up of the task force and giving them powers to regulate firearms within the state.

    The governor, after the establishment of the task force, appointed Makama as the director general of the group.

    Delivering the judgement on Oct. 5 and a copy of it made available to newsmen on Tuesday, Justice Omotosho declared the task force as “illegal, null and void.”

    He held that Bello had “no power to unilaterally regulate or control the possession of, or dealing in firearms in Kogi State or any part thereof.”

    He said that the DSS, NIA, I-G and the NSA were the constitutionally recognised agencies saddled with the responsibility of firearms regulation in the country.

    The judge held that the appointment of Makama as DG of the task force constituted a threat to the security of the state and nullified his appointment forthwith.

    He consequently, ordered the retrieval of all arms in the possession of the task force, as well as a thorough investigation into the activities of Makama and all those under him.

    Reacting to the judgement on Tuesday, counsel to the plaintiff, Ogbadu, said the judgement was in line with the rule of law, expressing optimism that the state government and relevant security agencies would comply with the order of the court.

  • Kogi Guber: Yahaya Bello seeking third term through proxy – Dino Melaye

    Kogi Guber: Yahaya Bello seeking third term through proxy – Dino Melaye

    The Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) governorship candidate in the upcoming governorship election in Kogi State, Senator Dino Melaye has accused the state governor, Yahaya Bello of seeking a third term.

    According to Melaye, Bello was seeking a third term hiding under the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate, Ahmed Ododo.

    Melaye made his position known while Speaking on Channels Television on Monday, he said Bello was using Ododo to achieve his term because he can’t be on the ballot.

    He insisted that Ododo would be a figurehead if elected because the outgoing governor will still be calling the shots.

    “Don’t be deceived that Yahaya Bello is not on the ballot. Ododo is physically on the ballot but Yahaya Bello is the one seeking a third term through a proxy.

    “I will not want this debate to be about Yahaya Bello, rather I would like to market my political party and market what we have for Kogi State,” Melaye said.

  • Guber poll: APC ‘ll record overwhelming victory in Kogi – Yahaya Bello

    Guber poll: APC ‘ll record overwhelming victory in Kogi – Yahaya Bello

    Gov. Yahaya Bello says the All Progressives Congress (APC) would record an overwhelming victory in the Nov. 11 governorship election, because of its wide acceptance across the state.

    Bello said this at the APC stakeholders’ meeting at the Glass House, Government House, Lokoja.

    He said that the party support base cut across ethnic groups in the state, as it was devoid of tribal or religious sentiment.

    The governor said that ethnic politics had no place in the state.

    “The APC is a party for all ethnic groups in the state, which explains why it will win overwhelmingly in the Nov. 11 governorship election in the state.

    “The victory won’t be on the basis of ethnic sentiment but on the strength of the APC and my administration’s achievements. We won 99 per cent of elective positions in the state in the last general election.

    “We must jettison ethnicity in Kogi. Those championing ethnic agenda do not mean well for our unity. In Kogi, we have every ethnic group in APC; let us not allow undeserving elements to drag us back.

    “We won all senatorial seats; we won all the House of Representatives and State Assembly seats, except one, presently, all opposition parties have joined the APC in the state,’’ he said.

    Bello added: “With about 1500 political appointees in the state, the APC structures are everywhere, we are united in the state with no ethnic colouration.

    “The Nov. 11 governorship election is like a boxing match between Mike Tyson and a malnourished boxer. We will win overwhelmingly, not on the basis of ethnic sentiments but on the strength of the APC.”

    He called on the party members to go back to the grassroots and campaign, in order to consolidate on the party’s winning strategies for the November election.

    Bello cautioned against thuggery and violence and urged party members to engage in issue-based campaigns as well as ensure peace.

    ‘’The late Prince Abubakar Audu won his election in 1992 and 1999, not on ethnic sentiments; Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, who won on two occasions; as well as Capt. Idris Wada in 2012 and 2018, won not on the basis of ethnic sentiments.

    “I can assure you that in 2023 and moving forward, election will also be won in Kogi not on ethnic sentiment, but on popularity and acceptability of the people,” he said.

  • BBNaija All Stars: What Ilebaye’s Governor said on her victory

    BBNaija All Stars: What Ilebaye’s Governor said on her victory

    Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has congratulated Ilebaye Odiniya, the winner of the Big Brother Naija All Stars reality TV show, which ended on Sunday.

    Governor Bello, in a statement issued in Lokoja by his Media Aide, Onogwu Mohammed, said Ilebaye’s BBNaija All Stars victory confirmed her brilliance, perseverance and humility.

    Bello described Ilebaye, a criminology graduate of Salem University, Lokoja, as a true trendsetter and Kogi’s pride.

    “I am delighted to congratulate one of our own in Kog, Ilebaye Odiniya, for emerging as the winner of the Big Brother Naija Allstars Season reality television show.

    “Ilebaye, you are a trendsetter and Kogi’s pride, who has excelled in both academic and social spheres.

    “This victory is a testament to your brilliance, intellect and maturity. Your determination, resilience, and poise set you apart during the three months you spent in the house,” he said.

    He acknowledged Ilebaye as the face of a positive revolution in the history of African entertainment, not only for the youth of Kogi but for Nigeria, Africa, and the global community.

    While celebrating Ilebaye’s achievement, Bello also commended the outstanding performance of Kogi youths in various academic and social endeavours across the country and the globe.

    He recalled the recent global recognition received by another Kogi youth, Oluwabukolami Adeyemi, who emerged as the overall best performer in the 2022 Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge AS Level Examinations, earning her an overseas scholarship for further education.

    According to him, both Ilebaye and Oluwabukolami served as beacons of inspiration and motivation to other youths, not only in Kogi but across Nigeria.

    He reassured the citizens of the state of his administration’s commitment to support and empower the youth in their pursuit of legitimate aspirations.

    The governor affirmed: “Our administration will continue to support and empower the youth through various initiatives aimed at fostering inclusion, job creation and harnessing our natural youthful energy,” he said.

  • Group urges Gov. Bello to appoint Lokoja traditional ruler

    Group urges Gov. Bello to appoint Lokoja traditional ruler

    A Socio-Cultural Group, Lokoja Forum of Patriots ( LFP), on Wednesday urged Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi to appoint a new Lokoja Maigari after the demise of late Alhaji Muhammadu Kabir III.

    The group, made up of Lokoja indigenes both at home and abroad, made the appeal in a letter signed by Alhaji Idris Babaango, Chairman and Alhaji Ali Danlami Ibrahim, Secretary to the group.

    The group said that the throne of the Maigari of Lokoja became vacant following the demise of Alhaji Muhammadu Kabir 111 on Sept. 28, 2022.

    The group noted that since then, Lokoja and its indigenes had been living without a traditional head that could guide and Counsel them on peaceful coexistence.

    “Our collective hope of having a successor to fill the vacuum created by the death of the late Maigari was high , especially when members of the Lokoja Traditional Council, who are also the town’s kingmakers, met and picked a successor in line with the tradition and custom of Lokoja to fill the vacant throne.

    “To complete the process, the Lokoja Traditional Council forwarded the decision to your office through the Lokoja Local Government in line with the extant laws guiding the selection and appointment of a new Maigari.

    “Since then, the people of Lokoja have been waiting eagerly for the formal approval and announcement of the new Maigari of Lokoja by the state government.

    “By Sept. 28, it will be exactly one year that Lokoja has been without a Maigari, the traditional head of the town and Custodian of the culture and custom of the ancient town.

    “The tradition and culture of Lokoja abhors vacuum , and this is happening for the first time in the history of the town.

    “The throne of Maigairi of Lokoja is the soul and symbol of peace and unity among the indigenes of Lokoja, ” it stated.

    It noted that apart from being the capital of Kogi State and an ancient town, it once served as the capital of the defunct Northern Protectorate until the amalgamation of 1914

    According to the patriots, Lokoja should be accorded its due rights by having a traditional ruler approved for it without further delay by the governor.

    The group further said that it was particularly worried that Lokoja was the only major town in the state and the only state capital in the whole Northern Nigeria without a traditional ruler.

    “The absence of Maigari of Lokoja is already having negative effects on the social and economic well-being of the town and its indigenes.

    “We are calling on all our royal fathers, the emirs and other traditional rulers in the state and in the entire 19 Northern states to intervene and help us to appeal and beg Gov Yahaya Bello to approve a new Maigari of Lokoja for us without further delay,” the group pleaded.

  • Ex- Deputy Governor dumps PDP for APC

    Ex- Deputy Governor dumps PDP for APC

    In preparation for the November 11 governorship election in Kogi state, Former Kogi State Deputy Governor, Yomi Awoniyi, has officially joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)

    He expressed his admiration for Governor Yahaya Bello’s leadership, citing Bello’s commitment to inclusivity, unity, and good governance.

    Awoniyi, who served as deputy governor from 2011 to 2015, acknowledged the intricacies of Kogi State politics and commended Governor Bello for his outstanding performance.

    He emphasized that Governor Bello’s humility and ability to unite people were among the factors that motivated his decision to join the APC. Awoniyi’s move is seen as a significant development in the state’s political landscape.

    Governor Bello welcomed Awoniyi, referring to him as a “big fish” in the political sphere. He viewed Awoniyi’s decision as a clear indication of the people’s satisfaction with his leadership and their willingness to support his agenda for the state’s progress.

    The National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, commended Awoniyi’s decision to join the party and noted the growing trend of opposition party members switching to the APC in Kogi State under Governor Bello’s leadership. Ganduje assured Awoniyi and other new entrants of equal opportunities within the party. As the gubernatorial election in Kogi State draws nearer, there has been a noticeable surge in defections from opposition parties to the ruling APC.

     

  • Despite controversies, APC sworn-in newly elected NWC members

    Despite controversies, APC sworn-in newly elected NWC members

    Despite intense protest, the ruling Progressives Congress, (APC) on Friday night sworn-in the newly elected executive members to fill vacant National Working Committee (NWC) and zonal positions.

    Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello had on Thursday took protest to the residence of the National Chairman of the party, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje to press home his demand for the immediate resignation of the party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary-designate, Duro Meseko.

    Bello and his entourage left the APC national secretariat for the home of the national chairman at about 6.15pm after the planned inauguration of the National Working Committee zonal officers was abandoned.

    Before his arrival, former Senator for the Cross River South Senatorial District of Cross River State, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, who was earlier spotted at the party secretariat had led another protest delegation to Ganduje’s residence.

    However, Ganduje during the swearing in occasion which held around 8pm yesterday at the party’s national secretariat said he is doing is in agreement with the philosophy of the party, of national conference.

    “All of you are competent and you are nominated and elected with the support of all the relevant stakeholders of the party. So, we congratulate you. Members of the public, we thank you for coming. We thank you for showing solidarity and being happy with what is happening today.

    Specifically addressing the contentious positions, he added: “From Kogi state, we have Ismail Ade Yahaya, we have taken note and he will be engaged one way or the other. We have Ekani Shaibu from Kogi state, he too will be engaged appropriately within our government. Mrs Obinna from Abia will be accommodated. Hon Dr Stella Expo from Cross River, she and two others according to our dialogue will be accommodated in our government.

    “Ladies and gentlemen, I think we have achieved complete dialogue and deepen and widen dialogue in our party.

    This has become our culture as a party. We are not dictators. We have to dialogue and discuss. This does not mean everyone must agree. but even those who don’t agree we take steps even to the extent of ensuring that we make sure their views are accommodated”.

    It was learnt that that Bello submitted the name of one of his aides Ismail Ade Yahaya but a section of the party in Kogi state loyal to James Faleke got the party’s nod.

    Other protesters from Cross River and Abia state equally registered their displeasure on the decision to move the national women leader and national welfare secretary from Cross River and Abia respectively to Edo and Enugu states.

    Recall that the former national women leader of the party, Beta Edu resigned after she was appointed as the minister for humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation while the former national welfare secretary, Friday Nwosu died after a brief illness.

    TheNewsGuru.com reported that APC National Working Committee (NWC) on Wednesday, August 24, announced the names of officers to fill vacant NWC and zonal positions of the Party.

    The announcement was made by the Party’s National Secretary, Sen. Ajibola Basiru during a media briefing on the outcome of the NWC meeting held at the APC National Secretariat.

    Those swore-in are: Deputy National Chairman, North (North East Zone) – Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori (Borno State)

    National Vice Chairman, North West (North West Zone) – Hon. Garba Datti Muhammad, (Kaduna State).

    National Legal Adviser (North Central Zone) – Prof. Abdul Karim Abubakar Kana, (Nasarawa State).

    National Welfare Secretary (South East Zone) – Hon. Donatus Nwankpa, (Abia State).

    National Women Leader (South South Zone) – Mary Alile Idele, PhD (Edo State).

    Deputy National Publicity Secretary (North Central Zone) – Duro Meseko, (Kogi State).

    Zonal Organising Secretary (North Central Zone) – Ikani Shuaibu Okolo, (Kogi State).