Judiciary

Court Rejects Yahaya Bello’s Plea to Stop Trial

By Web News 454

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has rejected the request by the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, to halt trial in the hearing of the N80.2bn fraud charges brought against him.

Bello asked the court to stay execution in his trial before Justice Emeka Nwite, on the grounds that there is an appeal filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, before the Court of Appeal, against the contempt application filed by the defendant against the Commission Chairman, Ola Olukayode.

Justice Nwite, in his ruling on Friday, however, rejected the application made by Bello through his lawyer Abdulwahab Mohammed.

Nwite held that “The application cannot be entertained unless the defendant is present in the court. In the absence of the defendant in court, the motion on notice filed by the complainant can only be conducted if the defendant is in court”.

Justice Nwite held that Bello was trying to make rubbish out of a criminal case by choosing to stay in his house and not respect the court orders.

Punch/Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Crime

Money Laundering : Egbetokun Recalls Officers Attached to Yahaya Bello

By Web News 529

The Inspector General of Police, IGP, Olukayode Egbetokun, has ordered the withdrawal of all police officers attached to the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.

This was contained in a Police wireless message from the Nigeria Police headquarters and addressed to MOPL 37 in Lokoja.

The document with reference number: “CB:4001/DOPS/PMF/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.48/ 34 read in part, “IG has ordered the withdrawal of all policemen attached to His Excellency and former Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.

“Acknowledge compliance and treat with utmost importance. Please, above, for your information and strict compliance.”

Recall that the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) on Thursday , in an internal circular, placed the former Governor on watchlist.

This was sequel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s unsuccessful efforts to arrest Yahaya Bello at his Abuja residence and subsequently declaring him wanted in connection to a case of alleged money laundering to the tune of N80.2billion.

Tribune / Titilayo Kupoliyi

Human Angle

Yahaya Bello Refutes Assassination Attempt

By Web News 321

The Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has clarified the incident earlier reported as an assassination attempt on him, which was widely reported on social media, saying it was a minor disagreement between the security details attached to him and some military personnel providing security on the road. 

In an interview granted to the press at his residence in Abuja on Sunday, Governor Bello stated that there was no attempt whatsoever on his life.

He clarified that while there was a minor fracas between men of the Nigerian Police Force attached to his convoy and those of a military unit manning the highways, it was in the course of both units performing their lawful security duties. 

The Governor who commended the security agencies for their joint contributions to the improved security of lives and property enjoyed by the citizens of Kogi State, however, called on the high command of the agencies involved to investigate overzealousness or unprofessional conduct by any of their men involved in the incident and apply the necessary sanctions. 

The Governor called on citizens of Kogi State to ignore any attempt by political profiteers to use the incident to unsettle the polity as the state’s 2023 governorship elections slated for  November 11 draw nearer. 

He assured the state of his safety and the adequacy of security arrangements to ensure the elections are peaceful, free and fair.

Punch / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Lifestyle

Governor Bello Mourns Colonel Ahmed Usman

By Web News 944

Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello has mourned the demise of a former military administrator of Ondo and Oyo states, Colonel Ahmed Usman who died at the age of 70.

 In a condolence message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Muhammed Onogwu, Governor Bello noted that his death though was very painful, the deceased lived a fulfilled life.

The statement describes Colonel Usman who hailed from Okura, Dekina Local Government of Kogi State as a worthy ambassador of the state who excelled in his chosen profession.

Governor Bello said the late highly decorated Military officer was an astute person who during his time as Administrator in Ondo and Oyo between 1994-1998 gave a good account of himself, making notable initiatives in the two Southwest states.

The Governor prayed for God to grant the deceased eternal rest and give all that were grieved by his demise the fortitude to bear the loss.

Olaolu Fawole

Lifestyle

Odumakin’s gave irrepressible critical views about Nigeria – Gov. Yahaya Bello

By Web News 957

Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello says the late spokesperson of the Yoruba Socio-Political Group, Afenifere Mr Yinka Odumakin lived a life of passion and dedicated service.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Muhammed Onogwu described the late Odumakin as an activist, democrat and nationalist who was dedicated to pursuing and sustaining the interest and ideology of the Yoruba race, a cause he held with obstinate passion and at heart with unrelenting convictions. 

He said his progressive interest was not just restricted to his people as he had always been at the forefront of canvassing for good governance, national integration and quality leadership, stressing that Odumakin used the platform available to him to preach and live an ideology of one Nigeria. 

The Kogi State Governor stated that Odumakin would be greatly missed for his vast intellectual prowess and irrepressible critical views about the state of the nation as he was truly a remarkable icon whose desire was the emergence of a better and greater Nigeria for all. 

Governor Bello condoled with the family, associates, and friends of the late Odumakin as well as the entire Yoruba race over the demise of a worthy son who lived a life of passion, cause and dedicated service. 

The Governor prayed for God to grant him eternal rest while he also asked for strength for those deeply grieved by his sudden death to bear the irreplaceable loss.

Olaolu Fawole

Sport

AFCON Qualification: Yahaya Bello Felicitates Super Eagles

By Web News 974

Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello has congratulated the Super Eagles of Nigeria after they qualified for the 33rd AFCON tournament following their hard-fought 1 – 0 victory over fellow top spot contenders, the Squirrels of Benin Republic yesterday.
The Governor in a Statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Muhammad Onogwu hailed the team spirit of the Eagles.
He described the team’s fixture with the Beninois team as highly scintillating, hard-fought and deserving – a reflection of the Nigerian spirit.
Governor Bello also showered encomium on the coaching crew led by the team’s Technical Adviser, Gernet Rorh and other staff.
The Super Eagles qualified for the African Nations Cup from group L with11 points.

Olaolu Fawole

Lifestyle

Gov. Bello Condoles with Late Aminu’s Family

By Web News 839

Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello has paid a condolence visit to the family of his late escort outrider, Inspector Aminu Salihu.

Inspector Salihu died in an auto accident during an official duty on fifteenth of this month.

Governor Bello in an emotional laden voice described the death of Aminu as a huge loss, not just to his family, friends but to the nation. 

Governor Bello while condoling with the deceased two wives, five children and mother in Abuja, made cash donations to the family, a promise of two houses to be delivered to the family in Kubwa area where they reside and scholarships to the children left behind by late Inspector Aminu. 

In her response, his First wife, Martha Ode Aminu thanked the governor for identifying and standing by them at their grieving moments. 

Mrs Aminu who was full of emotion said that their late husband had always described the governor as his source of light.

The late Inspector Aminu Salihu was the nation’s best and most celebrated outrider for many years until his death.

Olaolu Fawole

Security

Kogi Gov. Tasks Military Formation Commandant on Crime Reduction

By Web News 1228

Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello has charged the new Commandant of the Nigerian Army Records, Chari Megumeri Barracks, Lokoja, Major General Gbolahan to sustain the near-zero crime rate during his stay as head of the military formations in Kogi. 

Governor Bello said this while receiving General Gbolahan in Lokoja. 

The Governor revealed that the perfect synergy between security agencies and his administration as well as the relationships with the people of the state resulted in greater success especially in the area of crime fighting.

He charged General Gbolahan to cultivate the spirit of personal relationship to enable his personnel to relate well with other sister agencies and the people of the state to be able to get useful information that will help in fighting insecurity. 

Governor Bello said he would continue to provide the needed support that would enable the Army and other security agencies to discharge their duties effectively. 

In his remarks, General Gbolahan commended Governor Yahaya Bello for his tireless efforts in fighting insecurity in the state. 

While assuring the governor of his cooperation and commitment, General Gbolahan sought for more supports from the governor in the course of his stay in the state.

The Defense Intelligence Agency is the primary military intelligence agency of Nigeria. 

Olaolu Fawole

News

Yahaya Bello Rejoices With Prof. Osinbajo On 64th Birthday

By Web News 560

Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello has felicitated with Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo SAN, on the occasion of his 64th birthday anniversary.

Governor Bello in his birthday message by his Chief Press Secretary, Onogwu Muhammed, described Professor Osinbajo as a great gift and asset to Nigeria who has contributed immensely to the country’s development over the years.

He said Vice President Osinbajo has proved himself as a loyal and dedicated deputy to President Muhammadu Buhari since the inception of the APC-led government in 2015.

According to the statement, the Vice President has been very instrumental to successes and giant strides of the Buhari’s administration especially in the aspects of the Federal Government’s various social investment programmes and economic growth initiatives of the government.

The governor while expressing gratitude to God for adding another year to the Vice President, prayed God to grant him many more years in sound health to enable the Vice President’s continue to  contribute to the overall development of the country.

Olaolu Fawole

Sport

Use Sports To Foster National Integration-Yahaya Bello

By Web News 762

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state has called on Nigerians to use sports to foster national integration and peaceful coexistence in the country.
Governor Bello made the call in Abuja while receiving some former super Eagles players led by Austin Eguavoen.
Governor Bello said football remain a major sports that has been uniting the country.
He emphasised the need for governments at all levels to pay more attention to the youth through sports and appealed to the youths.
Presenting an Award of Excellence in humanity and sports development to Governor Bello, the leader of the delegation, Austin Eguavoen applauded the governor for his developmental strides in kogi state.
Eguavoen added that Ex Nigerian footballers have resolved to work closely with Governor Yahaya Bello to achieve a more greater heights in government.
Chief Press Secretary to Governor Yahaya Bello, Onogu Muhammad in a statement indicates that former Super Eagles players in the delegation included, Austin JJ Okocha, Tijani Babangida, Garba Lawal, Taribo West, Victor Agali and Ifeanyi Udeze.

Olaolu Fawole

Culture

Traditional Rulers Are Partners in Progress- Yahaya Bello

By Web News 913

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaha Bello says his administration will continue to uphold the rule of law in selection of traditional rulers in the state.

Governor Bello stated this in Ugwolawo during the Coronation of Alhaji Akwu Obaje as the new Eje Ofu in Ofu Local Government area of the state.

Speaking through his Senior Special Adviser on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Patrick Onogu, Governor Bello said, the role of Traditional Institutions could not be overlooked due to their significant roles in ensuring peace, unity and good governance.

He appealed to Traditional Rulers to compliment Government efforts in ensuring adequate security of Lives and Property for citizens.

In a goodwill message, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado bayero represented by the Zanann Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ahmad Sadiq urged the new Eje Ofu to rule his subjects with justice and the fear of God.

In his acceptance Speech, the Eje Ofu, Alhaji Akwu Obaje promised to work with relevant Authorities to ensure good welfare for his subjects and called for total support from the people of Kogi state.

Olaolu Fawole

Education

Kogi Governor Promises To Make State Institutions World Class

By Web News 666

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state, has said that his administration would ensure that the state owned Health and education institutions compete favourably in the country.

Governor Bello made this known while receiving a report from the committee on the proposed take-off of the College of Medicine at the Confluence University of Technology, Osara.

The Governor noted that the Committee’s estimated amount of over two billion naira as indicated in its report to facilitate the establishment of the College of Medicine would be made available for the execution of the project.

He noted that the Institution which had already commenced with three faculties had already gulped over two billion naira.

Earlier, the chairman of the Advisory Committee, Professor Mohammad Audu while presenting the report expressed gratitude to the state government for the opportunity to serve, stating that the proposed commencement date for the College of Medicine would be the 2021/2022 Academic calendar.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Kogi Governor, notes that Professor Audu submitted that the estimated sum of two billion naira for the establishment of the College of Medicine to would to ease take off of the college.

Olaolu Fawole

Politics

Shun Politics of Bitterness- Yahaya Bello

By Web News 754

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has called on Nigerians to shun politics of bitterness and promote good governance.

Governor Bello made the call while receiving a Former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani Kayode at the Kogi government lodge in Abuja.

He said the task of nation building was a collective responsibility of every citizen regardless of religion and ethnicity.

According to Governor Bello, stakeholders must support the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in the fight against insecurity that has been ravaging the country.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Kogi State Governor, Onogwu Muhammed, said Chief Fani kayode described Governor Yahaha Bello as a bridge builder, explaining that his visit to the Governor was  on ways to move the country forward

Chief Fani Kayode also paid a visit to Governor of Yobe State  Mai Mala Buni who is the current Caretaker Chairman of the APC.

Olaolu Fawole