Suddenly, that failure in the Lugard House is awake! He jumped out of bed like one who had had a terrible nightmare chasing cloud with pyrrhic presidential ambition. And in nepotistic robes, he entice folks with infrastructures as if the heretic was solely elected into office by his ancestral clan. Although, I never voted him, I knew no sane mind will cast vote religiously for him. He, in cahoots with the criminals in uniform (the police) and the knee-jerk judiciary simply sought their ways behind.
As the day passes, one wonder where this governor was when quests for young leaders started. Was he in Nigeria or he simply ignored the clarion process? Because, instead of amplifying it, he became its malodorous aura and in ways, constricted its achievement. It is even more nauseating; the sheer deceit and parti-pris by which his kindred were allotted key positions whereas, the flock of others were ceremonially capped into government so as to paint unprejudiced pictures. Should I say this young lad is uninformed of the global trends? Is he blind to democratic principles? For once, he acts tribally.
Next, he’s repugnantly vicious to constructive criticism. In all honesty, I lack attributive acumen for Governor Yahaya Bello. He is not only a dictator, or instantiated sleight processes, he is, a nepotistic legend who sees nothing aside himself, folks and allies. As we speak, the governor is fast becoming a toaster-boy to Okene Local Government. Consequently, Anegbira masquerades owns kingly SUVs. Royal dynasties gets new castles, roads constructed, hospitals and other capital infrastructures are visible.
For instance, the governor has embarked on a multi-billion Naira new Palace for the paramount Egbira dynastic ruler- the Ohinoyi of Egbiraland. A multi-million Naira reference Hospital Located along Itakpe road Okene is ongoing, massive top-notch road construction in Okene Township, among other innumerably fascinating projects that can never be found anywhere in Kogi state.
As if that’s not all, other ethnic flanks are been relegated to the whims and caprices of his place of ancestry. How he murdered the prestigious KSU, diverting its TETFUND to build that of Osara is still fresh in our memories.
By next census, plans to depopulate Kogi East would have been perfected. Although, this still is in the embryo, its hatchet will alter the fact that the Eastern part of the state has the highest population. But as inimical of a thriving society as such may be, Bello’s souring habit in this regard is apparently unadapting. It threatens continuity of a multi-ethnic/lingual Kogi and, it’s a destructive catalyst to collective system and ideology.
I know the bulk of this information lies in the offing, it is just a matter of time, and the cat would be let out of the bag. Bello’s greedy and nepotistic government is plummeting the state abyss. A genuine leader shouldn’t be found culpable and every profiteer should desist henceforth. The table turns with uncertainty tendencies. Even Bello never dreamt of coming to power as at the time he did, and murdering his way the second time was the greatest heist.
For the record, Emperor Yahaya Bello is in contempt with a section of Kogites. He hold aloof to democratic structure and its rudiment is never his forte. Favoring a group over another is the height of insanity. But then, could this be the testament of a statement he has long denied, that with just N5000, or so, one is already in possession of an Igala man’s wife? Is he famished for political caliphate that would never emerge, or this is simply an overbearing tyrant stinging perceived opponent?
Bello’s marginalized government is a wakeup call to ethnic merchants. And the faulty, long forgotten nepotism has divided us the more. We ought to stand up against it, else, posterity will judge us all. The eastern Kogi has been saddled, the central is charge (and are gunning for sixteen years), and the west is on standby.
If per adventure, we adopt power rotation as it seems, it won’t be a bad idea, but on what compass; competence and collective reform or the implanted nepotism? Should Bello and his central kins soar to the detriment of the entire populace? What then becomes of the west if the East eventually retake power? Again, Bello’s greedy and divisive government is perilous. It has breaded a new generation- the spectators of injustice, and such template is disastrous. It is a desperate attempt that will in turn make the entire polity so fragile.
By default, Bello should hide his face in shame. Because, in saner democratic environment, he should be cooling off in jail. It is just that, we have developed unusual ways of celebrating mediocrity. If not, how can a man who borrowed over N20 billion Naira in the name of paying salary that never came, instead, decided to do business with it be peddling tribal politics yet, left unrestrained? Or why should Bello who have sold Kogi to Fulani terrorists, crippled economy and left the citizens in misery be allowed to flourish with his divisive agenda?
Under his watch, Kogi has borrowed beyond benchmark with a debts ratio of about N300 billion, and Kogites became ‘a second class citizens in their own fatherland’. They wait anxiously for the day their oppressor will leave. Isn’t that a taboo? In line with the recent outcry by the World Bank that Nigerian households are yet to recover from covid-19 impact, General Buhari’s federal government has approved another bailout fund to the tune of 365 billion or thereabout, and each state to get a minimum of 18 billion. I pray God EFCC do a rework of the sterling bank saga on our own share. Else, it will go drained.
To be honest, if it is in China, North-Korea or Iraq, Bello would be expecting death penalty, either by hanging or firing squad. But unfortunately, this is Nigeria- a place where grand thieves are made heroes. If not, his regime has borrowed so much and even enjoyed inflows. Yet, with little or nothing, except at the central part of the state. Apparently, he has questions to answer. If not now, certainly later.
Okene is just one in the entire 21 Local government. It is not even the third largest in the state. But why this man singled it out for economic and social emancipation, perhaps, because he hails from there beats my imagination. Worst still, he has positioned his media bulls to peddle lies about other flanks.
Recently, an acclaimed evangelist cum the commissioner for information told the world that almost all the communities in Kogi East had been lighted up by Yahaya Bello administration. I turned on my TV on that fateful day only to be thrown this blatant lies. I swear, even Lucifer marvels at the manner with which his agents in Kogi state execute orders. Kingsley Fanwo, an evangelist of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ? No! It can’t be. And even if it is, I must say that the commissioner has traded God and His Church for worldly affinity. Because, as servant of God, he should be morally inclined beyond the pedestal of lies and deceit. And as a journalist, he should understand and imbibe the principle of accuracy in dishing out information. But hell no! He chose what his principal (Yahaya Bello) wants to hear, and therein, projected a bright image of a society already wallowing in darkness, penury and wants. Behold! God is on the way with His rewards in both hands; He would reward everyone accord to his deeds.
Be that as it may, Kogi is one united entity. Bello and his political gangsters are product of this unwavering unity. They cannot destroy the age long trend. No, never! We are nationalistically inclined, and, once elected, you serve all. As such, this nepotistic government is against precepts of collective existence. What is good for the goose is also good for the gander. Bello should retrace his steps or resign.
– John Paul
P_john97@yahoo.com
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