Kogi-born activist, Comrade Austin Usman Okai has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the utilization of entire N50.8 billion bailout funds accessed by Kogi state government in the interest of poor civil servants in the state.
Okai made the call while reacting to the announcement by EFCC that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has acknowledged the receipt of the sum of N19,333,333,333.36 recovered by the commission from the Kogi State salary bail-out account domiciled in Sterling Bank Plc on Friday.
He said the latest development confirmed his stance that financial activities of Yahaya Bello-led Kogi government is synonymous, if not worse than ‘Yahoo-Yahoo’ cartel.
“This development has exposed the wickedness and ineptitude of Yahaya Adoza Bello towards the civil servants and the entire population of the state.
“The action of EFCC has vindicated my consistent beliefs on how the state resources are being squandered by the Yahaya Bello led administration. Governor Bello should be preparing for his days in court after the expiration of his immunity shield in 2023.
“Yahaya Bello has refused to spare a moment of thought for civil servants who have done everything humanly possible to remain peaceful amidst despicable working conditions. It is unfortunate that salaries of civil servants are kept away to foster his unrealistic Presidential bid.
“Very many of us have been battered, shattered and humiliated by security operatives who were desperate to silence us at all cost and to create a conducive environment for the looting of the state treasury. This poses serious threats on our lives, yet, we resolved to stand and defend what is right without considering whose ox is gored.
“As we speak, I am still standing trial for speaking out against the massive looting of the state resources. So many of us are still receiving death threats for speaking out against abuse of governance in the state, these we do because we believe in what Kogi State can be,” he said.
The activist tasked EFCC to dig deeper, as he alleged that the Paris Club refunds, statutory allocations and other borrowing are being squandered on Yahaya Bello expensive lifestyle and presidential ambition.
