Kogi’s top stakeholders, including Comrade Usman Austin Okai, Senator Dino Melaye, and Sani Michael Omakoji (SMO), have spoken out on the detention of former Governor Yahaya Adosa Bello at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja.
In their collective reactions, they condemned Bello’s alleged abuse of power and financial misconduct during his tenure as governor, describing his actions as overwhelming and despicable.
They emphasized that the situation could have been avoided with responsible leadership.
Comrade Usman Austin Okai remarked that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) arrest of Bello vindicated those who had raised alarms about his alleged looting of Kogi’s public treasury. Okai stated that many from Kogi Central had dismissed his concerns as ethnic rivalry between the Igala and Ebira groups. He clarified that his criticism was solely about demanding quality leadership, irrespective of ethnicity. According to him, the EFCC’s actions and the court’s decision to detain Bello validate the efforts of those who opposed the former governor’s alleged mismanagement.
Similarly, Senator Dino Melaye reflected on his past warnings about Bello’s financial misconduct, recalling that he had predicted such an outcome six years ago. Expressing a sense of vindication, Dino celebrated that his prophecy had come to pass.
Also reacting, Sani Michael Omakoji, popularly known as SMO, noted that he had consistently warned that power is transient. He emphasized that a leader who once boasted, intimidated, and harassed both young and old is now detained at Kuje Correctional Centre. He stressed that this should serve as a lesson to those who believe leadership is about unchecked power and looting public resources.
Meanwhile, many other Kogites and Nigerians expressed satisfaction that Bello, who once appeared untouchable due to his perceived connections to influential figures, is now facing justice.
It should be recalled that former Governor Yahaya Adosa Bello is currently on trial for alleged fraud involving the embezzlement of over 110 billion Naira during his tenure as Governor of Kogi State.
His next court appearance is scheduled for January 29, 2025.
