Information has surfaced how Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, has reportedly taken measures to ensure a significant presence of Ododo’s supporters at the ongoing Kogi’s election tribunal sessions in Abuja, despite facing the looming threat of arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Ex Governor Yahaya Bello taking refuge within the confines of the Government House in Lokoja, Bello’s strategy aims to overshadow the supporters of Muritala Yakubu Ajaka by compelling Ododo’s loyalists to attend the tribunal hearings.
Sources reveal that one Kingsley Fanwo, dubbed the Commissioner for ‘Misinformation’, alongside other recently appointed commissioners, were spotted at the National Judiciary Institute (NJI) in Abuja carrying out Bello’s order.
They were tasked with identifying attendees, collecting their names, and contact information under Bello’s directives.
This move is perceived as an attempt to demonstrate overwhelming support for Ododo, thereby intimidating the opposition.
An emergency meeting held on March 18, 2024, underscored the importance Bello places on this show of force.
He mandated the presence of all Ododo’s appointees at the tribunal, with threats of punishment for non-compliance and promises of rewards for attendance adding that, subsequent appointments of the state government shall be based on the tribunal court attendance if they remain in power.
Each attendee, as per the former governor’s instructions, is to receive N50,000 from the state’s coffers to cover their expenses, a directive facilitated through the office of the Accountant General of the State.
The backdrop to these developments is a serious accusation of financial impropriety against Bello, his wife Aisha Bello, and his nephew, Alli Bello.
The trio faces allegations related to the misappropriation of N100 billion from state funds, a matter that remains unresolved and adds a layer of intrigue to Bello’s current maneuvers.
As the EFCC contemplates its next steps, the eyes of Kogi State and indeed the entire nation are fixed on how this political drama will unfold, awaiting to see if justice will be served in the face of these audacious tactics by the former governor Yahaya Bello and his affiliates.
