Udama Igala Worldwide, a prominent sociocultural group in Kogi State, has issued an apology to the Federal Government, particularly to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), for Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s actions in shielding former Governor Yahaya Bello from arrest.
Alhaji Kerimu P, chairman of Udama Igala Worldwide, released a statement through the group’s National Secretary, Sani Michael O, expressing shock at Governor Ododo’s behaviour.
“Ododo’s act was a rude shock to us,” the statement said.
In a strongly worded release, Udama Igala Worldwide clarified that the people of Kogi State respect the law, except for a few individuals like Bello and Ododo, who tarnish the state’s reputation by engaging in corrupt activities.
The statement highlighted the incident on Wednesday in Abuja, where Governor Ododo openly helped Yahaya Bello evade the EFCC, describing it as not only shocking but also a national embarrassment.
The statement continued, “It has now become evident to the world that Bello orchestrated Ododo’s fraudulent election to help him cover his own extensive looting while in office.
This is unacceptable, and Yahaya Bello, must be arrested as he is not above the law.”
The group expressed satisfaction with President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s governance, noting it as a significant change from the era of former President Muhammadu Buhari, during which they claim Yahaya Bello, acted with impunity due to presidential backing.
Udama Igala Worldwide also announced that its members across all 774 local government areas in Nigeria and beyond would assist in locating Yahaya Bello, who is currently evading the EFCC regarding corruption charges totaling N84 billion and other allegations during his tenure as governor from 2015 to 2024.