Attack on Governor Bello, Youth Group Berates Kogi East Elders

 

Hundreds of youths from the eastern flank of Kogi state has berated Kogi East Elders Council (KEEC) over its recent allegations of maladministration and bad governance leveled against Governor Yahaya Bello.

Addressing newsmen at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Lokoja today, the youths who are members of the Kogi East Coalition of Youths for Good Governance passed a vote of confidence on Governor Bello for providing adequate security of lives and property as well as provision of infrastructure development and road construction in the three senatorial districts of the state.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Comrade Ishaq Onuh Alfred said the self acclaimed elders council lack the moral grounds to criticize Governor Yahaya Bello, stressing that the same set of people who inflicted underdevelopment and socio-economic backwardness on the state for 13 years cannot turn around to be standing for good governance in the state.

According to the youths, the allegations raised by Kogi East Elders, which include insecurity, unpaid salaries, the stalemate at the Kogi State University, Anyigba among others were deliberate attempt to orchestrate conflict between the zone and the government.
Ishaq explained that the elders, many of whom live outside the state raised the allegations because they were disconnected with the development in the state, adding that the state had witnessed unprecedented development in the last two years.

“All KEEC’s allegations as mentioned in their statement were lies and a politically motivated attempt to distract the government of Alhaji Yahaya Bello that has been striving to correct the ills in the governance of the state by the previous administrations.

“It is now obvious that the Kogi East Elders Council is a self serving group having neither the mandate nor the support of the traditional institutions and the people of Kogi East Senatorial District. They must be ignored because they are not fighting for us.

“No administration has ever prioritize issues of security like this present administration. The governor has made concerted effort in providing peaceful environment for the citizens. In the past kidnapping and other heinous crimes took over the State. This crop of elders were in the state but did not complain but remained silent”, he noted.

The Kogi east youths also noted that the present administration had been fair to the senatorial district in terms of distribution of projects and appointments as the zone had the highest number of appointments.

He said, “At least 60 percent of Governor Yahaya Bello’s appointees are from Kogi east senatorial district, including the deputy governor. Similarly, the list of projects in the region is practically endless and constitutes a similar percentage of the aggregate number of projects and monies spent by the administration”.

It would be recalled that the KEEC in a statement by Senator Ahmadu Ali last week had described the Bello led administration in the state as an “unmitigated disaster”.

The group noted that the state had not witnessed any meaningful development since the coming on board of Bello, decrying the state of insecurity, crime, non-payment of salaries of workers among others.

Read More »

Gov. Yahaya Bello Commended for Commitment to Peace, Unity

 

By Alex Adeiza.

The fourth Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alh. Yahaya Bello has been applauded for his untiring dedication to upholding unity and tranquility in Kogi State through his sustained security network.

The Governor, adjudged to be the most security conscious in Nigeria, received the commendation in Okene his hometown over the weekend at the 40th Day Fidau Prayer of the Late Father of Alh. Abubakar Yahaya Karaku, a former chairman of Okene Local Government Area and PDP Chieftain from the Central Senatorial Zone.

Gov. Yahaya Bello who was on a national assignment in Anambra state was represented at the event by his Special Adviser on Local Govt and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. (Dr.) Abubakar Ohere.

In his goodwill message, Dr. Ohere noted that the Gov. Bello’s avowed resolution to ensuring safety of lives and properties of the good people of Kogi state has provided the enabling environment for key investments in mining and agro-allied ventures which, according to him, was a fulfillment of job creation as one of the five thematic areas of the New Direction Blueprint.

Dr. Ohere affirmed that job creation was receiving overwhelming attention  as over 5000 youths have been empowered through various entrepreneurial and vocational training conducted by the state government.

The Special Adviser further reiterated that Governor Bello’s infrastructural development was evidently robust and unique due to the principle of fairness, equity and justice the governor always adopts in distribution of our resources to Kogi citizens.

He listed road constructions, provision of potable water, primary health care service delivery among other social amenities equitably distributed by the governor across the state.

Hon. Ohere extended the Governor’s goodwill message to the family of the deceased and urged them to immortalise the good legacies of late Alh Jimoh Karaku who he described as a father to all.

Speaking with newsmen at the event, the former Governor of Kogi state,  Alh. Ibrahim Idris with former Deputy governor of the state, Arc. Yomi Awoniyi both commended Governor Bello’s outstanding performance in addressing insecurity in the state and urged the good people of Kogi state to be more united and peaceful. He prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of the late patriarch.

Speaking earlier, the Paramount Ruler of Ebira Kingdom and Vice President, Kogi Council of Chiefs, HRM Dr. Ado Ibrahim, CON; appreciated the Governor for the security relief his administration has brought the citizens of Kogi state which made it possible for an event of such magnitude to hold peacefully in Okene.

He urged the people and appealed to the critical stakeholders across political divides to continue to pray for, and support Governor Yahaya Bello to complete his eight years in office, as his quest to reposition Kogi state better, is attaining a deserved height.

Gov. Bello received commendation for honouring the opposition (PDP) dominated event with top members of his cabinet, an unprecedented display of political maturity that attests to his distaste for politics of bitterness.

Read More »

Matter of the Heart; Cute Photo Of Falz And DJ Cupp

This adorable photo of DJ cuppy and falz the bad guy is redirecting our minds to the matters of the heart.

They will be cool together.

Read More »

Jude Okoye Admires His Wife's Backside At Banky W & Adesua Etomi's Wedding

Psquare's elder brother Jude Okoye admires his wife backside as they pose at the venue of Banky W and Etomi Adesua traditional wedding.

Read More »

Customs Intercepts Trailer Loads Of Tramadol, Viagra In Kogi

The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operation Unit, FOU, Zone B has announced that it intercepted a trailer conveying illicit drugs along Lokoja expressway in Kogi.

The Area Controller of the zone, Usman Dakingari, said that the information about the illicit drugs was gotten from the service intelligence unit and concerned individuals.

“The seizures were made by roving patrol officers; we accosted the trailer conveying the illicit drugs along Lokoja expressway and our suspicion became right.

“We saw some cartons of tramadol and Viagra in the other trailer, but we have not yet verified the total number and the efficacy and production method of the enhancers.’’

The controller stated that the intercepted drugs would be handed over to the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation.

Read More »

Disclaimer: All Cleared Staff of Igalamela-Odolu LGA Have Been Paid Till August 2017

My attention has just been drawn to a purported post credited to me, Comrade Tahirudeen Yunusa Abdullahi (NULGE CHAIRMAN IGALAMELA/ODOLU LGA) that “all the cleared staff of Igalamela/Odolu Local Government have been paid till August 2017”.

Please, I enjoin all the esteem staff of Igalamela Odolu LGA to disregard that particular portion of the post as there was never anytime I made such statement credited to me.

There are some of my genuine staff whom the Governor had granted clemency and pardon now on the cleared list but are yet to be paid their salaries in my Local Government. And that:

1. It is true that the Union NULGE under my leadership paid a courtesy visit to the Administrator in his office on the 13th Nov. 2017 with my entire Exco.

2. The Union congratulated the Administrator on the extension of his office by 6 months and thanked his Excellency for the kind gesture.

3. We thanked and appreciated the Administrator for footing the transport cost of to and fro of over 300 staff of Igalamela Odolu LGA to Lokoja for screening exercise.

4. The Union applauded the Administrator and his Administrative team for their efforts to embarked on the ongoing gigantic and a befitting Local Government Secretariat for the Local Government which is one of what the staff of the Local Government have been yearning for, for a conducive working environment.

5. Equally, the Union appreciated the Administrator for renovating and upgrading the Local Government Guest House to a National Hotel status.

6. We seriously pleaded the Administrator and his team to kindly help to ensure our staff who have been cleared on prerogative powers of His Excellency (Clemency and Pardon) list to be paid along with the Staff that are already receiving salaries in the month of September, 2017 salary to be paid.

7. The Union NULGE under my leadership promised the Administrator, Hon. Baron Okwoli of our total support any day any time.

8. We assured him of the  staff regularity to the office from 8am to 4pm normal working hours of the working days.

Reacting, the Administrator Hon. Joseph Baron Okwoli thanked the leadership of NULGE, Comrade Alh. Tahirudeen Abdullahi for visit and commended them for always standing up to protect the interest and the welfare of workers.

He assured and promised that all the staff cleared on the clemency and pardon list will be paid along with existing cleared staff. And assured the leadership of NULGE of the readiness of his  administration to rebrand and protect the image of the local government.

He greatly commended the branch Chairman Comrade Alh. Tahirudeen Abdullahi whom he described as “a dogged fighter and an ardent protector of the rights of his workers at all time. He noted Comrade Tahirudeen is human and has his faults but I rate him very high”. At least, I score him 70%.

“I am greatly honoured that you have come here today to congratulate and strengthen ties with the present administration. Our mission is to elevate the standard  of the local government and place Igalamela/Odolu on the map of successful local government areas in the state. We are here to add value,” he added.

Hon. Baron also pledged to work with the Union as partners in progress as his doors are always open for the Union to meet and discuss with him on issues as affects the staff welfare.

The staff of Igalamela Odolu LGA and the general public should please disregard any additional information outside this as might be credited to my person, please. Aluta continua!

Comrade Tahirudeen Abdullahi, 

Igalamela/Odolu Local Government NULGE Chairman.

Read More »

People of Kogi Central Must Be Treated With Dignity – Senator Ogembe

Senator Ahmed Salau Ogembe is the senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial district at the upper chamber of the National Assembly. In this Interview with our Kogi State Correspondent, spoke on the security situation in Central, the 2018 appropriation and other sundry issues,  saying that Kogi Central people must be treated with dignity.

Excerpt

What is your view of the recent 2018 budget presentation of Mr. President?

Mr President has done well in presenting the budget in good time and he should be encouraged, however the entire budget approval process is not a tea party and I assure you that the National Assembly has commenced work on the 2018 Appropriation immediately, Federal Agencies are ready to appear before the relevant committees for easy processing of their estimates.

What are your legislative priorities for the 2018 fiscal year?

I have been representing my constituents in the Senate well and I intend to step up my game by attracting more projects to Kogi Central Senatorial District, ensure that more of our teeming youths are gainfully employed by way of appointments, skill acquisition and empowerment programmes. I intend to continue to push and lobby for the resuscitation of Ajaokuta Steel Company and the National Iron Ore Mining Company Itakpe. In the coming days we will witness public hearing on my bills and sponsorship of more bills and motions that will be beneficial and critical to citizens and the economy of our nation.

What is your take  on the economic challenges of the moment and do you think the Federal Government policies will address them?

Well, going by the report of the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria is out of recession marginally and we are still concerned in the Senate on how the nation can benefit from sound economic policies that will pull us through as our citizens are in serious hardship which is unacceptable. The position of the National Assembly is that the current 2017 Budget should be funded to reflate the economy as Government needs to spend more to boost economic activities.

The security situation of Kogi Central Senatorial District has been alarming with incessant killings and alleged high handedness of security agencies, what is your view?

First of all, I will like you to focus your mind on the fact that I was once an elected Executive Chairman of Okene local government and the import of that is that I have confronted similar challenges in the past with positive outcomes during my tenure. From my experience, the duty of government at all levels is to guarantee peace and security of lives and property. In the recent time, Government efforts has been inadequate in ridding Kogi Central of crime because it takes a lot of experience and gathering of information which must be processed with due diligence and intelligence. The approach needs to change to forestall a situation where the people will lose total confidence in Governments approach because the people I represent are not animals rather they are first class citizens and I won’t allow anyone to demean them no matter how highly placed.

I commend the Chief of Army Staff on the recent ‘Operation Lion Roar’ which was successful and professionally carried out, I make bold to say that the Nigerian Army and other security agencies have distinguished themselves by making sure that they didn’t act anyone’s script. There has been alleged and heightened cases of missing persons, extra judicial killings and abuse of power on innocent or non-convicted citizens which is detrimental to the objective of smoking out the criminals. My position is that no innocent citizen of Kogi Central should be harassed or killed unjustly for whatever reason and I urge Government at all levels to know that the soul of an innocent person will always  cry for justice. We are not in a jungle neither are we in a war zone therefore I will not watch my constituents get killed because of their race, believes, religion or political affiliation,

I thank the Chief of Army Staff for truncating perceived planed genocidal killings in our land.  Similarly I sincerely commend the efforts of Mr. President in curbing breach of security particularly in the North East and his efforts in reduction of crime has been consistent across the country. Mr. President has also ensured that security agencies carry out their duties professionally with less impunity.

I want to use this opportunity to appeal to all our security agencies that they should not allow some desperate politicians to influence their operations or be used to victimize opposition for selfish interest. The duty of the security agencies is to protect lives and property  of all Nigerians irrespective of political or religious inclination.

I want our people to Know that the rights of  all citizens of Nigeria and that of Kogi Central Senatorial district is guaranteed under our constitution. No body can be enslaved or cowed. So, my advice to our people is that  they should go about their religious and political pursuit without any fear of intimidation, irrespective of  were the threat is coming from. As their representative,  I will continue to ensure that my people are treated with all fairness and dignity. The President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, believes in fairness and the freedom of all citizens irrespective of their religious and political affiliation. So no one should be intimidated, no matter where the threat is coming from. We are all free born and not slaves

What advise will you give to the people of your senatorial District at this difficult moment?

The good people of central senatorial district   are very hospitable and peaceful and criminality of this dimension has never been known with us. I advise my people to go about their normal businesses and they should have the assurances of the security agencies to deal with the security  challenge once and for all. I equally appeal to the traditional rulers, Ward heads, community leaders and everyone to support the military and police by providing useful information that will track these criminal elements. Most importantly, the local government administrators and their team should take issues of security very seriously. I make  bold to say that a Government that cannot protect her citizens is a failed Government.

What is the political future of your party PDP, looking at the build up to 2019 ?

The Peoples Democratic Party is on ground and ready to move, once we are done with the forthcoming National Convention, I assure you that the PDP will be a moving train. Our party has the political and economic experience to project our Nation to where we belong. All the structures of our party are being nurtured and strengthened by reorganizing ourselves, holding meetings and a lot of political realignments will be taking place in the coming days. The paramount thing I always advice is to put the Nation first and understand that internal democracy should be sacrosanct and the National Caretaker Committee has directed that there should be no impunity, no imposition and no anti party activities. I assure you there are greater days ahead for our  party politics in Nigeria because without purposeful opposition a ruling party will have no one to check her excesses and whip them in the line of the law.

There is insinuation that you are interested in the Governorship, is it true?

First of all, I want you to know that by the constitutional provisions I am very much qualified to run for Governor but honestly from the bottom of my heart am not interested. You should also check my antecedent, I have been contributing to my community even before I took to active politics and you can see my personal efforts in my constituency. Secondly in all my political sojourn I have always aspired to be in the Senate to represent my people in the hallowed chamber with men of integrity, timber, caliber and leaders of this Nation as my Distinguished colleagues, today I thank God that my dream has been achieved and I intend to consolidate on it.

Having said that my Senatorial District has been agitating for power shift and by divine intervention power has indeed shifted to a young man from my District Governor Yahaya Bello, therefore it is my humble believe that we as politicians should support and respect constituted authority and by reason of tradition we are brothers from the same area. I want to be a legislator and to God be the glory I am already one, am not the best but I am here for my people now.

Some politician are clamouring that the position of Senate should be zoned to another area of your senatorial district. What is your take on this?

The issue of zoning is just a tool being used by some desperate politicians to advance their political ambition. There is no binding agreement on zoning but there was previous attempt to have zoning arrangement which was jettisoned at every elections we have held as aspirants and candidates emerged across the Senatorial zone. Here in the Senate, some senators have been elected three or more times, the constitution allows a legislator to be elected as many times as possible and there is no term limit. You can’t keep changing your Senator every four years in the name of zoning arrangement. How will that help the Senatorial district?  It will be an advantage to any Senatorial District to have a ranking Senator. A ranking Senator will have more power to lobby, especially within the Senate leadership caucus. Ranking Senators are given preference in Committee Chairmanship, in addition, they have the ability to push federal patronages in terms of projects and appointments to their constituency. What is obtainable in the field is fair contest which is open to every eligible aspirant or candidate with excellence. I am in my first term and I am currently the Vice Chairman of Senate Committee on Marine Transport, experience counts in sustaining my modest gains for my constituents. This is the position we should canvass because zoning will only bring in a learner who will not be able to consolidate on the gains made so far.

Recently Sen. Dino Melaye moved a motion on the condition of Kogi Civil Servants and the Senate resolved to donate bags of rice, why were you part of that arrangement?

Thank you, I like to clarify that any decision of the Senate at plenary is binding upon me. Sen. Dino Melaye moved a motion under order 43 of the senate standing rules based on the appeal of the NLC President to Nigerians to rally round Kogi workers and donate relief materials to them. This  was published in national dailies. The prayers of the motion were granted and donations of rice, fertilizer etc were taken at plenary, even those who were not around had donations by proxy and I don’t see that as a problem because the Senate was only responding positively to the plea of Labour. Relief materials, empowerment items, food assistance programmes has been a recurring phenomenon in our country and I believe it is to assist those in need, so the Senate was only assisting as responsible leaders. I think people should look at the message not the messenger because we are not setting a bad precedent, you will recall that Gov. Yahaya Bello has severally donated food items in the past to Kogi Citizens, I remember he donated thousands of rice to polling units to mark the Democracy Day and assisting our needy people so it’s not strange and I commend anyone who assists people to feed especially when we were in recession.

Read More »

Alibest Maiyaki Distributes 5000 Condoms to Mark His Birthday

As part of efforts to prevent the Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) infections and reverse the spread of the disease in the country, Comrade Alibest Maiyaki, a known Hiv/Aids advocate has encouraged youths in Lokoja to avoid engaging in risky behavior that exposes them to the deadly disease.

Alibest gave this message at the top of Mount Patti where his friends organized a solidarity match to mark his birthday.

He said: “The show of affection is enormous, and as youths we must use every opportunity we get to discuss healthy living and show love responsibly, and by so doing we can halt and reverse the spread of HIV in the country.

Alibest said: “Beyond the sweet words and the presentation of gifts, it is important that young people in particular are equipped with all the information they need about HIV/AIDS. We must learn to show love to those we care about in a safe and responsible manner. As i celebrate today, i am using this opportunity to once again  remind my friends that  safe sex is not just about protecting ourselves, but also protecting those we love.”

He added: “This is a special day for me. In the process of celebrating, i urge us to love carefully, play safe and be faithful to your partner. If you are young and not sexually active yet, abstaining from sex will keep you safe from sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, otherwise protect yourself by using a condom at all times.

“Above all, you should know your HIV status. If you do happen to carry the virus, you can get treatment that will keep you healthy and stop you from spreading the virus to your loved one. So get a HIV test today and stay safe.

Comr. Alibest noted that condom plays an important role in the control of the spread of HIV/AIDS adding that he uses every opportunity he gets to distribute condom to young people as a way of encouraging safe sex and reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS.

He however observed that he is not preaching sex but trying to let people know that abstinence is the most effective way of preventing HIV/AIDS, but condom is the most realistic way to prevent HIV.

While stating that prevention is key, he said “I am being realistic in the face of rising sexual activities amongst young people.”

Read More »

Official: Full List of Kogi State Servants Indicted For Fake, Forged Certificates (Download file)

Kogi state government has released list of civil servants indicted for breaching public service rules as a result of falsification of academic records.

According to the Commissioner of Finance, Asiwaju Idris Asiru, the list was drawn after due diligence and far reaching dissection on certificates by the staff screening, validation and appeal committees.

Asiru announced on Wednesday that indicted civil servants will be mandated to refund all undue salaries received with the fake certificates.

“When returned as expected, many of our dams and water reticulation system would be rejuvenated, ongoing roads would be completed, rehabilitation of our general hospitals will be completed in due time, our agriculture revolution will gain momentum, the ongoing GYB standard model schools will dot the landscape of our wards in no time and empowerment schemes would be rolled out for our youths and market women,” he said.

Download complete file here.pdf


Credit: Kogireports.com

Read More »

Kogi Civil Servants With Forged Certificates Must Return Salaries Received So Far – Govt

Kogi state government has demanded that civil servants in the state indicted for certificate forgery pay back all salaries received to government coffers.

The state Commissioner of Finance, Asiwaju Asiru Idris made this known in a press statement issued on Wednesday in Lokoja,

He stated that the lean resources in the state cannot be in favour of those who circumvent the process of acquiring certificate knowledge at the expense of those who paid the ultimate price and dues to have them without job or been undeserved.

“We can’t continue to lament the many obvious challenges being faced as a state, which ranges from infrastructural deficit, deplorable road network, unimpressive healthcare system, dilapidated  public utilities, eroded educational system,undeveloped human capacity, huge environmental menace and many more, when we have people who dubiously earn what does not belong to them from the state coffers. It’s unacceptable and unreasonable to complain when those found wanting can do the needful by returning the funds to the state coffers.

“After due diligence and far reaching dissection on certificates found skewed by the verification Committee and also ascertained forged by the various schools of graduation, as being published in a national daily for all and sundry to see and some untoward opposition of the laudable ideal to repent from their illusive voyage. Our lean resources in the state can’t be in favour of those who circumvent the process of acquiring certificate knowledge at the expense of those who paid the ultimate price and dues to have them without job or been undeserved.

“The message is clear, amidst entrenched paucity of funds due to the down turn in the economy nationwide and specifically in Kogi state, the plea goes to all victims of certificate forgery as substantiated by their acclaimed institutions of graduation to return the long accumulated salaries received back to the state coffers as there are wide range of developmental projects and programmes being slowed by lack of financial strength. It’s unheared of, to cry about lack of money, when we now know we have them in abundance with people undeserving of it.

“When returned as expected, many of our dams and water reticulation system would be rejuvenated, ongoing roads would be completed, rehabilitation of our general hospitals will be completed in due time, our agriculture revolution will gain momentum, the ongoing GYB standard model schools will dot the landscape of our wards in no time and empowerment schemes would be rolled out for our youths and market women.

“There are so much to be done as a state, than to allow criminal elements in the garb of certificate forgers and forgery to draw from an already inadequate resources in the name of political patronage or second time bid.  Rather we are hell bent on re-creating a state where hard work,determination and quest for genuine success becomes our ideological bedrock.

“We are in a new direction, therefore the resources of our people must work for them without any bias but certificate forgers and corruption of any form shall we discriminate in totality.

“The message again, certificate victims is hereby urged to return state funds received on the ride of forged document,” he said.

Asiru said the misplaced resources in the civil service due to certificate forgers for years should be heart breaking and deeply repulsive to all patriotic Kogites considering the wide gap in the state’s developmental drive and quest as a state.

He assured the people of the state that the administration of Governor Yahaya Bello is determined to tow the path of positivism and people-centric service where that the resources of Kogi people will work for their collective good and progress.

Read More »

Kogi’s IGR Hits N1bn Monthly

By Boluwaji Obahopo

LOKOJA—Kogi State internally-generated revenue, IGR, has hit N1 billion monthly, Executive Chairman of Kogi State Internal Revenue Service, KGIRS, Dr. Yakubu Oseni, has stated.

Oseni said this, yesterday in Lokoja, while speaking with members of the Correspondent Chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Kogi State chapter, adding “before we took over, the state was generating N300 million monthly; but now we have hit one billion naira on the average, after blocking all the leakages.”

He said though the state governor gave the agency N3 billion monthly targets, but the recession in the country was one of the reasons the agency was yet to meet its target.

He, however, decried the nonchalant attitude of the citizen towards tax payment, saying only 400,000 persons, including both the state and local government workers, are paying tax; half of the figure, he said, were not consistent in their payment.

Read More »

How To Naturally Cure Quick Ejaculation

This is one of the most common sexual problems faced by mature men. It occurs when a man ejaculated sooner than when a partner expected. Some women refer to these sorts of men as roosters. Isn't that embarrassing?
.
The one most effective herbs for its treatment is garlic juice.
.
Natural treatment.
- put a teaspoon of garlic powder into a glass cup of water and use it to make tea.
- drink it jealously everyday until the condition improves (maybe in a week interval depending on your concern of its dosage)
- learn to chew two-four raw garlic cloves; it improves blood circulation in the body, including in the joystick.
.
Tested and trusted.

Read More »

Photo Of A Pastor With Bulge Praying With A Lady

This one weak me. Oga pastor how market? Chai the electromagnetic force between him and the lady was in action.Oga easy!

Read More »

Zimbabwe Military Take Over Live Updates: Robert Mugabe Under House Arrest

• President Robert Mugabe under house arrest
• Army detains Finance Minister as 'criminals' rounded up
• Explosions heard as soldiers take over state broadcaster
• British nationals warned to stay indoors

Zimbabwe's military says it has seized power to target "criminals" around President Robert Mugabe, who it said is "safe and sound" in custody with his wife.

The army said it was securing government offices and patrolling the capital's streets, after a night of unrest which included a military takeover of the state broadcaster.

The action triggered speculation of a coup, but the military's supporters praised it as a "bloodless correction".

Wife of Robert Mugabe 'has left the country'

Grace Mugabe, the wife of Zimbabwe's president has reportedly left the country for neighbouring Namibia. Her husband Robert Mugabe is thought to be under house arrest in the southern African country's capital, Harare. It is unclear how Ms Mugabe was able to make her escape. More follows…

The European Union has called for dialogue in Zimbabwe and a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

"The recent political developments in Zimbabwe, and their spillover, including in relation to the country's security forces, are a matter of concern," said a spokesman for the European Commission, the EU executive.

"We are following the situation closely and we want to underline that the fundamental rights of all citizens need to be respected and the constitutional order and democratic governance needs to be upheld," he added in a statement.

"We call on all relevant players to move from confrontation to dialogue with the aim to a peaceful crisis resolution."

President Robert Mugabe should be removed as the country's leader, the secretary-general of Zimbabwe's War Veterans Association has said.

Victor Matemadanda said the military takeover was for the good of Zimbabwe.

The British embassy in Harare has said it is following the developments very closely.

Simon Thomas, acting ambassador, confirmed the military are deployed at strategic locations around Harare.


Robert Mugabe 'under arrest'
President Robert Mugabe is under house arrest after the military seized control of Zimbabwe, South African president Jacob Zuma has said. More follows…

"It's very fluid and it's hard to say exactly how this will turn out," Mr Johnson said. "The most important point to make is that everybody wants to see a stable and successful Zimbabwe and I think we are really appealing for everybody to refrain from violence."

Boris Johnson has said it is important everyone refrains from violence in Zimbabwe.

The foreign secretary said the situation is very fluid and it is hard to say how it will turn out.

He went on to he was monitoring the situation and that Britain wants to see a stable and successful Zimbabwe.

Mr Zuma said he spoke to President Mugabe earlier this morning, who indicated he was confined to his home but said he was fine.

South Africa's President, Jacbo Zuma, is sending a special envoy to Zimbabwe to meet with President Robert Mugabe and the Zimbabwean army, Reuters reports.

Mr Zuma is doing this in his capacity as chair of the Southern African Development Community.

The Zimbabwean military is in charge of a paramilitary police support unit depot in Harare and has disarmed police officers there, an army source told Reuters.

"They are now in charge of all armoury, all gates and roads leading in or out of the camp. Arcturus Road [which leads to the camp] is closed and all Support Unit details with guns have been disarmed," the source said.



Robert Mugabe's legacy as one of the most ruthless tyrants of modern times will remain long after his days as notorious statesman of Zimbabwe are over.

A representative for Zanu PF in the UK has told the BBC President Robert Mugabe is still in charge, but the ruling party was being "realigned" as part of the army's actions.

Zimbabwe's largest daily newspaper, The Herald, has published its first story since the military takeover.

The article says the action "does not represent a military takeover".

British citizens told to 'stay off the streets' in Zimbabwe

British citizens in the Zimbabwean capital, Harare, have been told to stay off the streets as the country's military said it had seized power from President Robert Mugabe.

Speaking on behalf of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Mr Zuma expressed concern about the situation in Zimbabwe.

He called for calm and restraint, and expressed the hope that developments in Zimbabwe don't lead to unconstitutional changes of government, which would be contrary to the conditions of both the SADC and African Union.

The SADC will closely monitor the situation, he added, and remains ready to assist to resolve the political impasse in Zimbabwe.

South Africa's President, Jacob Zuma, has urged the government of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Defence Force to resolve the situation amicably.
Zimbabwe's army: This isn't a coupZimbabwe's army has said it has President Robert Mugabe and his wife in custody and is securing government offices and patrolling the capital's streets following a night of unrest that included a military takeover of the state broadcaster. The night's action triggered speculation of a coup, but the military's supporters praised it as a “bloodless correction”.

China said on Zimbabwe military chief General Constantino Chiwenga's visit to the country last week was a normal military visit.

China is closely watching the situation in Zimbabwe and hopes the relevant parties can properly handle their internal affairs, foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a daily news briefing.

The military just detained Zimbabwe's Finance minister

Zimbabwe’s military have detained Finance Minister Ignatius Chombo after seizing power in an attempt to root out “criminals” around President Robert Mugabe who it said were causing social and economic suffering, a government source said.
3 hours ago

British nationals warned to stay indoors as military assumes control of Zimbabwe

British nationals in Zimbabwe's capital Harare are being advised to stay indoors amid reports of “unusual military activity”. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued the guidance in the early hours of Wednesday morning following political tensions in the African country.
Load more
"We wish to make it abundantly clear that this is not a military takeover," Zimbabwe Major General SB Moyo, Chief of Staff Logistics, said on television.

"We are only targeting criminals around [Mr Mugabe] who are committing crimes that are causing social and economic suffering in the country in order to bring them to justice.

"As soon as we have accomplished our mission, we expect that the situation will return to normalcy."

Zimbabwe Crisis: Army block main road to government offices

Neither Mr Mugabe nor his wife Grace, who has been vying to succeed her husband as president, have been seen or heard from.

At least three explosions were heard in the capital, Harare, overnight, and military vehicles were seen in the streets.

The army has been praised by the nation's war veterans for carrying out "a bloodless correction of gross abuse of power."

The military will return Zimbabwe to "genuine democracy" and make the country a "modern model nation," Chris Mutsvangwa, chairman of the war veterans' association, told the Associated Press.

The US Embassy closed to the public on Wednesday and encouraged citizens to shelter in place, citing "the ongoing political uncertainty through the night."

The British Embassy issued a similar warning, citing "reports of unusual military activity."

Read More »

Morata wants Chelsea to sign Real Madrid star Isco

The striker believes Isco is an experienced player that will be of help to the Blues

But it is not sure if Chelsea coach Antonio Conte would love to go for IscoChelsea striker Alvaro Morata has urged the Blues' chiefs to go for the signing of his international teammate Isco who currently plays for Spanish club Real Madrid.Morata believes it will be hard for Real Madrid to sell the player to Stamford Bridge, but he wants the reigning Premier League champions to try their best to tempt the Spanish champions."I would take Isco to Chelsea now when I return from the Spanish camp because he is a fantastic player the Blues will like.

"But I think that right now he has one of the most important roles at Madrid. In the national team he is also key."I think he is unstoppable when he feels important. The whole world has seen it since he took the reins at Madrid,'' Morata told Cadena Ser.

Meanwhile, it is not yet clear if Isco is the type of player Chelsea coach Antonio Conte will like to sign, the Italian tactician stated clearly that the Blues need to sign more players.

Read More »

Prince Audu Political Support Group From Idah Fed. Constituency Embraces Gov. Bello’s Govt.

The growing fortunes of Kogi State Governor, Algahi Yahaya Bello gained further momentum Sunday as the political family structure of Late Prince Abubakar Audu embraced his government.

This is an indication that the Governor is gaining more grounds among those who were hitherto embittered by the emergence of Bello following the demise of the first executive of the State who died on his way to clinching the seat at the Lugard House, Lokoja.

The group’s decision to join hands with the present administration was borne out of their conviction that the judiciary has done well to justify the decision to give the mandate to Bello following the death of their principal.

Those who spoke at the occasion expressed happiness that with Edward Onoja as Governor Bello’s Man-Friday, they were back to their political home. And with the attitude displayed by Bello from the death of Audu to the “Super Sunday” of reconciliation, they felt the presence of Audu in Bello.

Similarly, the APC women leader from Ofu Local Government, Hajiya Maimuna Idris, averred unequivocally that in Bello Audu has reincarnated.

“Bello is a man of good heart, I could remember when Audu won the Primaries, all the 27 other aspirants in the APC, except Bello, abandoned him. Bello accompanied him to his house to congratulate him. This was the sole reason why God decided to ordain Bello with the position of Audu after his death.

“Anybody who fights Bello is fighting God. When Audu was alive he told us to be patient with him that when he is victorious, succour shall come with his governance, and as God has it, he died at the point of victory. But Bello is representing what Audu stood for, we are satisfied with him. He is better than our own. Eneomuneme (another person is better).

In the same vein, Dan Bello Musa, who represented Idah Local Government at the occasion, told the Chief of Staff, who made the reconciliation possible that he was under the cover of God.

“There are many forces against you, but because you are on the right path you are protected by God.

“We are here from Idah to support your principal, and we are assuring you that you have nothing to worry anymore. The victory of any gubernatorial candidate in Kogi State begins in Idah,” he said.

He urged the Chief of Staff to fast track the construction of Ejule-Idah road before the end of the year. He urged the Kogi State Government to pay more respect for Audu by rehabilitating the Audu Road in Idah as that would endear Governor Bello more to the people.

Speaking during the visit, the Governor, Yahaya Bello used the occasion to assure the Igala people in the state of his commitment to continue to equitably distribute the state’s resources.

According to him, he is ready to provide critical infrastructures to all parts of the state, especially the Igala land so as to bridge the developmental gap being witnessed in Kogi State.

He reminded them that his emergence after the 2015 elections was divinely orchestrated, and promised to provide the people with what they could not enjoy under previous administrations.

Bello, who bemoaned the meager resources at his disposal which has led to the slow pace of development he had envisioned, said his government would judiciously utilise the resources.

The Chief of Staff, Hon. Edward Onoja, who spoke earlier, said the returnees to the Bello’s camp were the aggrieved party that never wanted the Governor to “inherit” the political victory of Audu, following his demise, saying that they have sheathed their sword and have accepted to recognize Bello as the number one leader of the party in the State.

He said the reconciliation took two years because “some diaspora politicians who are based in Abuja,” made sure they employ both conventional and unconventional means to thwart their efforts at making peace.

Onoja who was somewhat elated at the current situation in the Kogi APC expressed happiness that they were able to beat the mischief makers it to by reappraising the situation and identifying the real grassroots politicians in the Audu’s group and decided to extend the olive branch to them.

He said he was able to convince them to join Bello so that they could move the state and the party forward, “and they agreed because they were the willing party in the group who have nothing against the Governor.”

He particularly blamed the leaders of the Audu’s group whose selfish position on the issue robbed the group of what they should have benefitted from Bello’s government right from inception.

The representatives of the people at the occasion were former House of Assembly Member from Ofu Local Government Area (LGA), Hon Idachaba Salihu, Hajiya Maimuna Idris, Ofu Women Leader and Mrs Uchebo Achimugu from the same LGA.

The list also included Ali Ugbane and Alhaji Adamu Usman from Igala-Mela/Odolu LGA; Onuche Ochidi Ujache and Hajiya Fatima Ochimana from Idah; and those from Ibaji LGA were Hon Victor and Patrick Onalo. Others are Hon Zachariah David, Hon Ahmedi Attah, Hon Alfa Mohammed etc.

Read More »

Sergio Aguero Faints, Taken To Hospital At Halftime As Nigeria Defeats Argentina

Sergio Aguero reportedly fainted during half-time and was taken to hospital as Nigeria stunned Argentina in a friendly.

The Manchester City striker fell ill in the changing room. He was replaced by Dario Benedetto.

Aguero had earlier scored to put his side 2-0 up, becoming the Albiceleste's third-highest scorer in the process.

But he suffered health issues at the break and was forced to leave the Stadion FK in Krasnodar to be given medical attention.

Aguero underwent tests in hospital as Nigeria came back to record a famous 4-2 win.

Read More »

Senator Dino Melaye Constituency Office Mark for Demolishion by the Kogi State Govt.

The Constituency Office built by Senator Dino Melaye in Kabba, Kogi State has been marked for demolition.

Dino Melaye revealed this on Instagram where he posted the picture of the building that has been marked for demolition with red paint.

He alleges that the State Government has plans to demolish his properties across the State.

His quote:
I alerted the public last week of the plan by Kogi Stare Govt to demolish my properties across Kogi State. Today the Constituency office I built in Kabba has been marked.

Read More »

Kogi CNPP Condemns Extension of LG Administrators’ Tenure

The Conference of Nigeria Political Party (CNPP), on Monday condemned the extension of tenure of local government administrators by the state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.

The body charged the governor to conduct local government election to enable the third tier of government function as it should in a democratic setting.

The state chairman of CNPP, Chief Bernard Okpanachi, also berated the state house of assembly for collaborating with the executive arm to elongate the tenure of the administrators.

According to a statement by the chairman, the state is blessed with the human and capital resources that could make competent hands to be put in the local government for good governance.

He said, “We have celebrated every form of illegality in accommodating the local government area administrators for this length of time. We have seen that nothing good can really come out of macedonia indeed.

“Any nomenclature given to local government administration is totally against the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria. We therefore call on His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello to put all mechanics in place to conduct the local government elections without delay.

“Let there be local government elections so that the hidden treasures from all our parties can come out to make our state worthwhile creditably “.

Okpanachi also urged the members of the state house of assembly to live up to the expectation of the people and not endanger the constituents they are representing.

“Borrow a leaf from the federal government who has never and intended ever to truncate the nation’s electoral process by postponing any if her elections for lack of fund or any unwanted excuses”, he said.

It would be recalled that the house if assembly had last week approved the extension of the tenure of the local government administrators for another six months following a request by the governor.

Credit: Tribune

Read More »

Yahaya Bello: The Misunderstood Silent Achiever In Kogi

There is a Nigerian saying that if you do not go under the belly of an elephant, you can never know that it has a flat tummy. Similarly, many public office holders especially politicians are often judged based on the outer appearance.

One of the most talked about governors in the present dispensation is the number one citizen of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello. Whatever is happening in  Kogi State today is divinely designed considering the circumstances that threw up Bello as the chief executive of the Confluence state.

In spite of the ill-feelings expressed in some quarters by some politicians in the state, Bello became governor and one year and eight months down the line, there has been a mix bag of reactions from both Kogites and other Nigerians on the performance of Bello. How has Governor Bello fared since February 27, 2016 when he assumed office in the Brick House? Has he delivered on his campaign promises?

One issue that causes divisions in a state is lopsided appointments. But Governor Bello being very conscious of the diverse nature of Kogi and the way he emerged as governor, he set out to unify the state. Hence, he brought in equity, fairness, justice and objectivity to bear on every action he took especially as regards the appointment of people into positions of authority.

Bello defied the status quo and for the first time in the history of the state, appointed a Chief of Staff from outside of his ethnic group. None of his predecessors was that generous and tolerant of other parts of the state but Bello did that and even including some of his closest aides. However, Governor Bello incurred the wrath of some so-called kingmakers in the state who were offended with the appointment of more young men and women into government positions. They had expected him to maintain the old order.

It is a fact that Governor Bello has received more insults and curses than any other governor for non-payment of salaries for a number of months. But most of these critics never cared to dig into the remote causes of why the governor has been hit by the misfortune of owed salaries. Many of the critics do so out of ignorance, while others indulge in it for mischief purposes and others engaged in it just to score a political point.

The problem of salary issues in Kogi State predates the Governor Bello administration and in fact has been associated with the state since 1999. It is axiomatic that the administrations of former governors Alhaji Ibrahim Idris and Capt. Idris Wada actually caused the salary problem being experienced today. These two administrations were so reckless financially that they left a huge salary debts profile for the state.

Hence, when Governor Yahaya Bello took over the mantle of leadership in 2016, he was unlucky to have inherited a huge debt of non-payment of salaries. There was an over bloated wage bill for over 80,000 civil servants; and this means both state and local government workers. Besides, as it was the case with the previous administration, there was an unimaginable massive and reckless corruption in the Kogi State Pension Board. In an attempt to redress the heist that was perpetrated in the previous years, Governor Bello initiated a screening exercise, whose revelation was mind boggling. It was clear that the previous administration had over employed and could not manage the over bloated workforce thereby leaving behind accumulated salaries and allowances. Governor Bello became the fall guy of the wickedness and mismanagement of the past.

Consequently, he inaugurated a screening committee, whose sole aim was to cleanse the rot left behind by the previous administrations. These are facts that most critics of this administration have failed to understand. Of course, some of them are unaware that Kogi is one among 25 other states that are faced with the challenge of workers’ salaries. Therefore, it is not an issue that is peculiar to the state. Despite these obvious bulwarks placed by previous administrations, Bello with the assistance of bailout and Paris club refunds as published in  national dailies and on the state government’s website recently, has made significant improvement and advancement in the settlement of salaries and pensions.

It is curious that people have soon forgotten that before the coming in of Governor Bello, Lokoja, the capital city of Kogi State was an eyesore and for those who passed through the city they can attest to the fact that Bello has made tremendous efforts to give the capital a facelift and more befitting status.  The State Sanitation Board had embarked on an indefinite strike as a result of non-payment of salaries thereby throwing the entire city into humongous heap of refuse. Of course, it was a contributory factor to the outbreak of cholera epidemics in Lokoja metropolis and its environs. Consequently and unfortunately some lives were lost. This was due to the failures and inept leadership of Wada and his cohorts of underperforming aides. It was the arrival of Bello on the scene that brought some form of sanity. As soon as Governor Bello assumed office, he swung into action and reached an accord with the organised labour, who immediately called off the strike. In order to strengthen the understanding between government and the organised labour, the governor had on May Day donated two buses to the organised labour in the state in order to facilitate their labour activities in the state.

Buoyed by the need to boost the environmental condition of the state, the administration of Bello paid a counterpart fund to enlist the support of the Nigeria Erosion Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) to assist in tackling the menace of erosion in some parts of the state. The effort has made the state to be among the 18 elite states in the country to benefit from the Federal Government and World Bank programme to protect the land from environmental degradation. Similarly, the governor embarked on the resuscitation of the Ekuku Dam in Agassa at Okene local government area with vigorous effort to ensure its completion aimed at boosting portable water supply to the entire central senatorial district of the state. The perpetual darkness that was the lot of Lokoja has since disappeared as the city has been electrified with solar-powered street lights, rehabilitation of township roads, cleaner and beautified environment, building of new state-of-the-art structures and renovation of  Government House.

Similarly, the state government is doing all within its powers to fulfil its promise on capital projects such as roads, rural electrification, portable water for the rural communities, quality healthcare centers, free medical outreach, GYB model school projects and series of projects which are completed and some are ongoing. The communities in Dekina and Omala Local Government Areas where the two ex-governors hail from never had electricity until Governor Yahaya Bello came to their rescue to provide electricity to those communities.

One of the striking things Governor Bello has done since coming into office his critics have refused to acknowledge is the realignment of the state civil service. The  workers verification committee, which was set up to determine the actual staff strength by fishing out ghost workers from the system, exposed the corruption and incredible atrocities committed by very senior civil servants in the state. Some of the bizarre revelations made by the verification committee was the discovery of ghost schools, fictitious schools and salaries were being paid to workers from such non-existent institutions. This exercise has therefore helped a great deal in sanitising the state civil service.

It is on record that Governor Bello is one of the few state chief executives in the present dispensation to grant full financial autonomy to the local governments.  The implication is that the state government ceased deductions of local government allocation, a practice, which has been severally condemned by all and sundry.

The administration has also executed a lot of projects including the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a foreign firm to revive and upgrade as well as expand the Organic Fertilizer Plant in Agbeji in Dekina Local Government Area of the state. Work has also resumed on the dualisation of Lokoja township roads up to Lokoja-Okene road as well as construction of the drainage system along the major road in the state capital which has eased the traffic flow in the confluence city.

Since the governor came on the scene, the Internally Generated Revenue profile of the state has been on the rise. This is largely due to the accountability, transparency and high level professionalisation brought to bear on the state Inland Revenue Services as well as other corrective measures adopted to block revenue leakages. In fact, the Chairman, Kogi State Inland Revenue Services (KGIRS), Alhaji Oseni Yakubu, said the ability of the Yahaya Bello administration to make the state conducive for businesses has been responsible for the growth of small and large businesses which taxes contributed to the increase in the state’s IGR. He said “when we came on board, taxation in Kogi State was in a deplorable situation,” adding that the situation was so bad that the Revenue Graph showed a flat.

Governor Bello has also done exceedingly well to contain the terrible security situation in the state prior to his resumption of duty. Before 2016, the state was the hub of all manners of crimes including armed robbery, kidnapping and a host of others. Bello has in less than two years rid the state of criminals and criminality. Today, residents of the state go to bed with their two eyes closed while commuters who passed through the state no longer go through the harrowing experience of being attacked by armed robbers or kidnappers.

In line with the APC’s programme on job creation, Governor Bello has empowered 2,500 youths on various skills acquisition and vocational training programme, 100 Youths trained on ICT, 460 gainfully employed in Revenue board, 1600 presently undergoing recruitment into health sector, 1600 Vigilantes are gainfully employed, 100 forest guards are also employed, 500 recruitment of fresh teachers is ongoing and  mega tourism development is already in pipeline and all these achievements recorded within the last 21 months can necessitate the potential industrialisation of Kogi State.

Similarly, Kogi State Social investment programme has empowered over 50,000 of Youths and women on Npower and Government Enterprises and Empowerment Programme (GEEP).

It is, therefore, not out of place to urge the good people of Kogi State to continue to support their youthful governor to accomplish his laudable plans.

– Chinwe Ugwu

Read More »

Operation Lion Roars: Elders Advisory Council Lauds Kogi Governor

The Elders Advisory Council (EAC), Kogi Central, has hailed Governor Yahaya Bello for takin bold steps to stamp out crimes in the zone.

In a statement signed by EAC’s Chairman, Alh. Idris King, the council lauded the state government’s initiative in launching the ‘Operation Lion Roars’ which necessitated the imposition of 48hrs curfew on the people of Kogi central senatorial districts.

The EAC expressed its happiness on the move by the state government, saying the development would flush out all the criminal elements threatening the peace and unity of the Ebiraland and Kogi state at large

Alh. Idris King expressed the council’s happiness and excitement with the administration of Governor Bello and the joint task security force, which was made up of the Army, mobile Policemen, State Security Service and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corp, for taking the bold step.

He said the ‘Operation Lion Roars’ would help in stamping out crimes like kidnapping, armed robbery and soft target assassination in the central.

“We are impressed as it conformed to the highest standards of joint task security force and civil engagements and due respect for the human rights of the people, as soldiers only hunted and fished out these criminals from their hideouts.

We have no doubt that this decision by the governor Yahaya Bello led state government is not only germane but has become imperative in the Kogi central Senatorial district, because we are losing too many precious lives to these heartless groups tormenting our peace.

“Therefore, we perceive the second phase of the exercise should come up in no distance time as the continuation of the efforts at cleansing our besieged and assailed communities by ridding them of criminal gangs. We wholeheartedly support this initiative of the state government, as we pledge our total and unadulterated support as well as cooperation to the success of this mission,” he said.

Read More »

The Devil At Work

On 11th November, 2017, I received calls from good friends on the post that appears on my wall. The Callers call to verify whether I am still with my facebook account and replied ‘Yes’ not knowing that something was fetching. He now preceded that if that is the case “why am I using it to insult our Governor?” It was at that level I now ask what he means by that. He then told me that a post emanated on my facebook wall where I called Governor Yahaya Bello a “useless person”.

 

Getting furious about this, I asked my wife to oblige me her phone to check post on my facebook account as mine has problem and my laptop down with power. It was at that point I got to know that a post actually emanated from my facebook account via a Hacker.

 

I then called those who called me to intimate me about the new development on my facebook account that my laptop was down with power and that I shall visit any nearest business centre to power it and retrieve my facebook account. On powering my laptop and trying to log in, I discovered that the password to my facebook account and that of the yahoo mail ID account used to recovered password change authentication were changed.

Thank God I still put up another recovery mail address for the yahoo mail ID account used in my facebook. It was through that means I successfully change the yahoo mail ID password and later proceeded to change the facebook password too.

In all, what do I have to say? The present hack on my facebook account by enemy of progress has really shown the kind of society we live in. The attack on my account has shown that not all that portrayed themselves as good friends to me are truly good friend indeed in view of disgusting response I receive on the hacked post mostly especially those I confided in and call good friends.

The hacking of my account has shown that truly Alhaji Yahaya Bello has many enemies to contend with. Now that I see reasons to join the new direction of our indefatigable Governor, they now hack my account to show their displeasure in my decision.

I must make it clear to the public that Alhaji Yahaya Bello who is the Governor of Kogi State today is a long time friend. We knew each other since 2010 when I was into full forex trading. I had traded and managed his personal forex trading account and even taught him in house how to trade forex too. I engaged in business with him with high sense of faithfully and humility then unknown to me that one day he shall become the Governor of the State.

Also, Alhaji Yahaya Bello then took me as younger brother to him to a level that I nearly have a room of my own in his personal house in zone 4 as I had slept there times without numbers. We related like brothers even before he sought for the highest position in the State. While he sought for the position, I still remain supportive to his course even though I did not make it known to all in the social media platform.

As one who loves him so much and desire his success, when he became the Governor, I always don’t fail to make my submission known where he erred on his affairs in the State and point out areas that needed remedy. One of such constructive criticisms I have made in the past was for him to float a State-own-construction company to undertake the construction of all Kogi State and LGA(s) roads.

 

In that article, I posited that taking this measure will enhance the economic activities of the State as the State will spend less in paying contractor for the construction of roads in the State which are mostly left uncompleted or abandoned after sometime. I added that he can do better by using the State owned Construction Company to bid for inter-State road contract across the nation as when he does this more income would be generated for the State and this will go along way to enhance the internally generated revenue of the State.

 

More money will be available to pay workers’ salary and more jobs would be created for our teaming unemployed Youths. Thus, the security challenges occasioned by joblessness on the part of our Youths would be eliminated and eradicated.

 

This single good advice of mine I had given the Governor more than ten months ago, today I am very happy that he has started working on it. His administration last week announced the purchase of road construction machines and equipment to handle the construction of all roads in the State. This step taking by the Governor shows that he is a listening person.

 

Also, following what I heard when I attended Kogi State social media summit last month, I also came to realization that Governor Yahaya Bello means well for the State contrary to false impression given by others about him on the social media platform. It is in view of this I now decided to join his new direction team to propagate him good doing to people the more.

 

I want to say that my recent decision was stemmed for having seen him as one who is ready to listen and take to correction. I want to reiterate that even if I show open disdain on his actions and policy direction in the time past, i don’t play politics with bitterness. I play politics to advance the general interest of our society. This is why change is constant in my life.

 

I can not make Alhaji Yahaya Bello as my forever enemy because of ill-motivated interest just like how many people have been doing. On this note, I subject myself to change whenever I see improvement. So, Alhaji Yahaya Bello is improving in his policies and actions and decided joining him to take the State to the next level.

 

I therefore advised enemy of progress to leave me alone in this my new decision as I have absolute freedom to dance to wherever I like and stop hacking my facebook account henceforth. For those saying my recent article about Alhaji Yahaya Bello is to get political appointment, please if that is what you term it to be, what is the crime in it?

 

I want to make it clear to this element that I shall grab it happiness if Governor Yahaya Bello consider me worthy to serve the State. I would be very grateful to contribute my best for the development of the State as raining insult or making false accusation against the Governor will not take the State to any where.

 

The attack on my facebook account has really shown that devil is at work in Kogi State. They shall not succeed in Jesus name?

 

– Shaibu Stephen Ojate, a journalist and public affairs commentator, writes from Abuja. 

09075716236

Read More »