A socio-political group, Movement for the Emancipation of Kogi State (MEKSTA), has accused the Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo-led administration of “wholesale conversion of the resources of Kogi State to a private estate.”
In a statement signed by representatives of MEKSTA from the nine federal constituencies in Kogi state and made available to newsmen on Wednesday, the group alleged that Governor Ododo has been using state resources to fund the extravagant lifestyle of his predecessor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.
The statement was signed by Hon Obafemi Medaiyese (Yagba Federal Constituency constituency), Comrade Joseph Mebatonije (Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency), Alhaji Yusuf Kpareke (Lokoja/Kotonkarfe Federal Constituency), Mallam Jimoh Ozovehe (Adavi/Okehi Federal Constituency), Dr Nurudeen Adaviriku (Okene/Ogori-Magongo), Alhaji Isiaka Momoh (Ajaokuta Federal Constituency), Chief Ojonimi Adegbe (Idah/Igalamela-Odolu/Ofu/Ibaji Federal Constituency), Pastor Mark Onucheyo (Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency) amd Bishop Husseini Saidu (Ankpa/Omala/Olamaboro Federal Constituency).
MEKSTA said credible intelligence available to the group suggested that Bello continues to issue directives to his heir, Usman Ododo, titrating resources from the commonwealth of the state.
The group claimed that a fortnight ago, Bello allegedly directed Ododo to huge sums available for “urgent needs”.
They alleged the said sum was to settle Bello’s newest wife, whom he allegedly married just before embarking on lesser hajj.
The group alleged that Ododo has been funding Bello’s luxurious domestic needs based on an agreement between the duo that the governor will do his every bidding.
“While it is not the responsibility of MEKSTA to oversee the private affairs of the on-trial Yahaya Bello, we are deeply concerned about the wholesale conversion of the resources of Kogi State to a private estate.
“We are also worried that Ododo continues to function as an ‘offshore, visiting Governor’, who along with his commissioners and aides, are resident in the nation’s capital, Abuja, visiting the state capital, Lokoja, for official photo ops, a template copied from his principal.
“This is just as underdevelopment, poverty and hopelessness continue to fester across the state.
“Ododo’s consistency with the payment of salaries and his humility are perhaps the only attributes which stand him apart from the ungodly, arrogant, violence-prone Bello,” the group said.
MEKSTA argued that Ododo’s quest for a second term was primarily to ensure the protection of the Bello’s criminal dynasty beyond 2027.
“Let it be very clear to both Bello and Ododo that as the Holy Bible says in Luke 8:17, ‘Nothing is hidden under the sun which will not eventually be revealed and brought to light’. Former Governor Nasir El Rufai of Kaduna State, one of the untouchables of the President Muhammadu Buhari dispensation, has spent two nights in the detention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), for the misapplication of N432Billion, under his watch. History is patient, time is the greatest enemy of the presumptuous. Bello and Ododo will soon meet their comeuppance.”
