Immediate Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP ), for Dekina / Bassa Federal House of Representatives 2023 general election, Usman Austin Okai has recalled how the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Adoza Bello made himself an Empire and ruled with impunity during his tenure in office as the state Governor.
Okai lamented that despite the public outcry by the people of Kogi State and beyond crying woe and complaining of massive looting by Yahaya Bello, he was rather hailed by some of his loyalty.
Part of his statement reads: “The former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Adoza Bello, established himself as an emperor within the state, viewing it as his own empire, ruling with reckless abandon and stealing with impunity.
He was hailed as the lion of his tribe by his loyalists, who also indulged in massive theft of public funds.
During his eight-year tenure, civil servants couldn’t rely on receiving their salaries in full each month, as he paid them arbitrarily and even threatened organized labor with death.
Numerous individuals disappeared under suspicious circumstances, facilitated by complicit members of the security forces.
For over seven years, the whereabouts of the Okene PDP chairman, abducted from his home by men in military attire, remain unknown”
He also recalled with great dismay how Bello converted asset of the state to his personal property.
“Bello converted the state’s assets into his personal properties, selling some to his allies, and was even accused of impiety upon assuming his high office.
Although Kogi State’s allocation increased significantly during his tenure, courtesy of bailout funds and budget support programs from the former President, Muhammadu Buhari, Bello, who ascended to power without contesting a general election, considered himself above ordinary mortals.
Under his reign, the culture of widespread theft and lawlessness thrived, with the state being ruled with an iron fist.
He subjugated the state assembly, manipulated the judiciary, and treated local government chairpersons as mere aides”.
He also pointed out some of his atrocities involving killing of some notable people.
“Employing tactics akin to a lion, Bello manipulated election results and silenced dissenters, resorting to violence as seen in the murder of Okwor Ejule and the burning of Mrs.
Salome Abu. Now, faced with allegations of corruption, he evades authorities, rumored to have fled his own residence via various means.
Okai concluded: ” As the federal government and its agencies pursue him, we await to see whether the lion of Kogi will display the courage and boldness traditionally associated with his kind, or if his actions will betray his reputation”.
