The unfortunate incident that occurred today in the ancient Kabba town calls for concern and outright condemnation. The violence-loving government of Governor Yahaya Bello struck once again in the heart of Okunland. When the former Speaker of the House summoned government appointees to give account of how bailout was utilized for workers’ salaries, sponsored thugs attacked the House of Assembly. Senator Dino was quietly addressing supporters in Lokoja and the thugs loyal to our intolerant government attacked the gathering. Some Igala elders were holding quiet meeting in Senator Alex Kadiri’s house in Odu, armed thugs attacked them. The list of state sponsored violence goes on and on.
Governor Yahaya Bello has never hidden his hatred for Okun people of Kogi state perhaps because the people are too sophisticated to be manipulated by the Abachi look-alike Governor. He is notorious for seeking ways to humiliate Okun leaders. From Justina Abanida to Clarence Olafemi and now Senator Dino Melaye.
Let me set the records straight, the failed attempt to attack Senator Dino Melate at today’s Kabba Day celebration was orchestrated by this failed governor who sent thugs imported from Ebiraland by his appointees to disrupt the highly revered Kabba Day. The pro-masses Senator came into venue with loud ovation from Okun people inside the stadium at the Kabba Day, he sat down comfortably exchanging pleasantries with other dignitaries and delivered a memorable speech to the admiration of all. But when he made to leave the venue some miscreants from Okehi in Ebiraland started spraying pure water but the unruffled Senator and his entourage ignored them as he walked towards his car. It is noteworthy that these miscreants were all speaking Ebira language. When an Oun elder sitting close to by asked a security man why they are not restraining the reckless boy, he said they are the ones in government. A car believed to belong to Okehi administrator followed Senator Dino Melaye’s convoy after leaving the venue.
For fear of being humiliated by enraged Okun people, Governor Yahaya Bello who was hiding somewhere close to the venue all along ran back to Lokoja. Why was he afraid? Okun people are not savages like the miscreants he imported to Kabba to disrupt the peaceful and colourful celebration.
I want to advice Ebira leaders to call the animals in their midst to order to avert ethnic crisis in Kogi state. Yahaya Bello is giving them a bad name all across the state and if they fail to call him and his mad dogs to order, he will tarnish the image of the entire Ebira race.
We don’t need a prophet to know that Yahaya Bello hates Kabba people in particular with a passion. He has sidelined Kabba in key appointments under his government and has zero interest in Oweland. No one is left in doubt that he is out to destroy Kabba. How do you explain a governor coming for a peaceful event like Kabba Day as if he is going to war? He came into Kabba today with over 20 trucks of armed security men and about six riders aside armed thugs!
Governor Yahaya Bello’s premeditated action in Kabba today is aimed at desecrating Okunland. Okun people are are peaceful but not cowards. They are hospitable and that is why you have so many Ebiras living and doing business peacefully in Kabba and other Okun towns. Okun people, aside the few stray bullets in his cabinet, are not bootlickers and will never worship a mere mortal even if he is a governor.
Okun people will never forget the desecration of their land by Yahaya Bello thugs at today’s Kabba Day and at the right time they will respond accordingly.
– Titi Balogun writes from Lokoja.
