Throwback to when Yahaya Bello boldly declared his mission to rally Nigerian youths behind Bola Tinubu's bid for victory. His passionate call to action reverberated across the nation, igniting a wave of enthusiasm among the younger generation. Bello's strategic blueprint involved a multifaceted approach,
He even donated a campaign office to Tinubu, showing his dedication. Bello also took a stand against the federal government's naira note policies that seemed to work against Tinubu, showing his support in action. Through innovative youth empowerment initiatives and successful campaigns, he sought to galvanize support for Tinubu's candidacy.
Despite facing skepticism and logistical challenges, Bello's unwavering determination signaled a seismic shift in Nigerian political mobilization, inspiring hope and reshaping the landscape for generations to come.
Unorganised Demonstration of Shame by Achuba/ SDP: Kogites Unite Against Politically Driven Protest: Commend Bello's Developmental Achievements
In a remarkable display of unity, the people of Kogi State have joined forces to denounce the recent protest orchestrated by supporters of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters. This collective condemnation, spearheaded by prominent figures within the state, underscores a commitment to fostering transparency, accountability, and fair governance.
Leading the charge is Mr. Akoji James Ogbadu, a respected lawyer and public affairs analyst. Ogbadu expressed deep dismay at what he termed an "unorganized demonstration of shame" by SDP supporters. He implored fellow Kogites to rise above divisive tactics and prioritize a fair and unbiased assessment of Alhaji Yahaya Bello's eight-year tenure as the Governor of Kogi State.
Ogbadu, who transitioned from being a vocal critic to an advocate for Governor Bello's achievements, disclosed conducting a comprehensive review of the state's projects. He was particularly impressed by the documented accomplishments in the Kogi State Projects Gazette, highlighting Bello's dedication to developmental strides.
Journalist and political commentator, Mrs. Angela Okon, echoed Ogbadu's sentiments, questioning the timing and intentions behind the protest led by Simon Achuba, former Deputy Governor of Kogi State. Okon labeled the demonstration as a strategically motivated attempt to tarnish the reputation of Alhaji Yahaya Bello. With a track record for objective analysis, Okon urged Kogites to stand united against such politically motivated spectacles.
A key aspect of this collective condemnation is the emphasis on the transparency and fairness exhibited by Governor Bello during his tenure. Both Ogbadu and Okon highlighted the availability of Kogi State's financial records online, accessible to the public, reflecting a commendable level of transparency in governance. Ogbadu commended the former Governor for being awarded for fiscal accountability and transparency, showcasing Kogi State as a leader in these aspects.
Under the rallying cry of "Kogites for Fair Governance," the citizens of Kogi State have sent a powerful message advocating for a fair and unbiased evaluation of Governor Bello's tenure. The movement seeks to foster an environment where transparency, unity, and constructive engagement prevail over divisive tactics. As the collective call for a fair assessment echoes across the state, Kogites reaffirm their commitment to the principles that will drive progress and development in the region. The commendation of Governor Yahaya Bello's transparency and developmental strides stands as a testament to the positive impact he has made on Kogi State.
Arising from the emergency executive meeting held at about 2pm on the 18th of February, 2024, The Central Working Committee of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) comprising of its National Executives, the highest decision making body of the Association has vowed to protect the workers of the Public Complaints Commission and stand in Solidarity with them until all their demands are met by the management of the Public Complaints Commission and the Senator Akpabio led National Assembly. While reacting to an alleged meeting between the management of the PCC and the Senate President at his residence in Asokoro, Abuja held on the 15th February where a purported resolution was reached on the status of the Public Complaints Commission, its finances, payment of the approved salaries and arrears and membership of PASAN and the ongoing industrial crisis, the Central Working Committee doubts the authenticity of the resolution reached with the President of the Senate.
The Central Working Committee of the National Body describes the deplorable state of the workers of Public Complaints Commission as amongst the worst in Nigeria, owing to the fact that the workers haven’t received a dime from the 40% Peculiar salary increment enjoyed by all Federal Civil Servants and 35,000 palliative for federal workers.
The staff of the Commission are being paid their approved salaries in percentages despite a remarkable increment in the Commission’s budget; a situation which has pitched the workers against the management.
Sources say the management rather than paying the staff the approved salaries has opted for percentage payment of salaries while reserving a huge chunk of the budget for capital projects. Also about 16 months CONLESS Arrears, and 3 years Promotion arrears being owed the workers. Despite the above, the management of the Commission in its insensitivity are victimising staff by transferring them far away from their place of work without pay as stipulated in the Public Service Rules.
The Central Working Committee has now escalated the crisis to the Nigerian Labour Congress while Public Complaints Commission Offices remain locked and taking the protest to the National Assembly premises, all relevant stakeholders, and calling for the state Chapters of PASAN to join in Solidarity.
In a poignant gesture of appreciation, pioneer transfer medical students from Prince Abubakar Audu University, sponsored by the Kogi State Government for clinical training nationwide, paid a visit to Governor Yahaya Bello on January 17, 2024.
Notably, the Kogi state chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association lead by the chairman Dr Baoku Sola, also graced the event, underscoring the significance of the governor's commitment to healthcare.
During the visit, Governor Yahaya Bello announced a groundbreaking decision that positions Kogi as a leader in prioritizing the welfare of medical professionals.
Effective immediately, Governor Bello approved a remarkable 100% increment in hazard allowances for medical doctors. This landmark decision makes Kogi the state with the highest hazard allowance for medical doctors in Nigeria. The announcement was met with applause from the medical doctors, students and staff of the Kogi state ministry of health.
The governor's commitment to supporting healthcare professionals not only showcases his dedication to the well-being of those in the medical field but also reinforces Kogi State's reputation for progressive governance in the nation.
The appreciative visit and award presentation by the medical students, alongside the presence of the Nigerian Medical Association, highlighted the collaborative efforts to advance medical education and healthcare in Kogi State. Governor Yahaya Bello's leadership continues to set a precedent for prioritizing both education and the welfare of medical practitioners.
The governor also approved the integration of the graduating doctors into the PAAU medical college as well as engagement of consultants and professionals in the PAAU teaching hospital. To curb brain, he approved payment of monthly bonds to medical students of Kogi origin studying across the country. The Vice chancellor of the Prince Abubakar Audu university, Prof. Tenushe Marietu, also graced the occasion showering encomium on the governor for giant efforts in boosting the institution’s educational standard. The heartfelt occasion witnessed the students representative, Anthony Edogbo, presenting an award to the governor in recognition of his unwavering support for their educational pursuits.
As Kogi State takes a significant stride in improving hazard allowances for medical doctors, the governor's decision stands as a testament to the state's commitment to fostering a conducive environment for healthcare professionals, ensuring the highest standards of medical care for its residents.
President Muhammadu Buhari on a working visit to Kogi State on Thursday where he commissioned 8 of hundreds of projects executed by Governor Yahaya Bello
The huge flooding recently recorded in Kogi State has highlighted how strategic and important Kogi State is, as a confluence town and a major linkage between The North and the South. Kogi needs to be declared as a disaster zone and adequate attention should be dedicated towards ameliorating the very tough times being suffered by the people. The state government is doing its bit, but there is more work to be done by the relevant Federal Agencies like NEMA, National Emergency Management Agency, and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, FMHSD under which NEMA is housed. Kogi has been in the front burner for so many beautiful reasons, underlined by the recent Presidential Award for Excellence in Public Service to the Kogi State Governor, Alh. Yahaya Bello, for distinguishing in Security Management. Since assuming office January, 27, 2016; Gov. Yahaya Bello has been widely acclaimed as the ‘most security conscious governor’ for his onslaught against crimes in Kogi State, which has made the state one of the finest industrial hubs in Northern Nigeria.
On the 3rd of August 2022, in a piece titled, ‘Tackling insecurity: Successes of the Yahaya Bello Model’; we highlighted that “The standout aspect of the Yahaya Bello revolution in Kogi State is the preservation of law and order, keeping at bay the very numerous security threats that the country as a whole is grappling with.” Gov. Yahaya Bello credits this to the administration’s resolve in enhancing citizens’ involvement in the fight against insecurity. Security roles were assigned to 5000 youths in the State after engaging youth minds in decision making on security issues. The youths were engaged in vigilante groups and incorporated into anti-kidnapping squads. Local government chairmen and traditional rulers are also part of the new security apparatus. Highway vegetation was cleared to reduce the attacks from kidnappers that usually pounce on unsuspecting travellers. Heads of security agencies in the state have at several times hailed the passion of the governor towards securing the lives of citizens and other dwellers in the State. They specifically commended the synergy between Governor Bello’s security template and their agencies, which has contributed immensely towards addressing various security concerns In the State. Over 200 security vehicles were purchased to aid the agencies in their security intervention endeavors in the state.
Upon all that has been achieved, political gain along with other machinations towards the next season of elections, is threatening the status quo. Some antagonists of the peace and well being of the state have gone to work, to diminish all the good that has been done, in making Kogi a safe haven for business, agriculture and youth empowerment. The State Commissioner for Communications Kingsley Fanwo, in a statement on the 30th of October, 2022; expressed the State government’s worry that some elements in the state were trying to rewind the successes recorded so far. The security enjoyed is largely responsible for the Presidential recognition for the state. The commissioner on behalf of the state government had asked that Mrs. Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan, a PDP senatorial candidate in the state who had before now contested for governorship, be invited for questioning, over alleged terrorism related activities, along with other bigwigs in the party. He believes that Natasha’s and other PDP elements’ actions and utterances, seeking for the release and exoneration of an arrested terrorist, Safiu, was an indication that they perhaps may have a relationship as far as terror in the state is concerned. Natasha had sent several messages to media houses, asking them to ignore a valid report of the DSS raid in Tradermore Estate in Abuja where the said terrorist was nabbed. They then went further to insinuate that the suspect was arrested because he had defected from the ruling party to the PDP. This is not only disingenuous but a deliberate effort to undermine the government’s efforts in order to gain political ground or favor. This particular terrorist had been linked to various terrorist acts in the state, including the Kuje Prison breakout and the deadly Owo Church attack that led to the death of so many worshippers.
Political terrorism is alarmingly on the rise and the killings and unrest that have plagued Nigeria, in the camouflage of religious fundamentalism, as well as self-determination; have encouraged and sustained an asymmetrical warfare that has claimed either as many, or even more lives than the civil war Nigeria. The politics of bitterness, emblazoned by sore losers, in a do or die affair, has impeded our yield in democratic dividends. For long, terrorism has been used by foreign countries to undermine the sovereignty and economic sustenability of certain targeted nations, as they usurp the powers of their governments’ and their resources. Locally today, same tactics are used to gain political advantages as governments in power are plagued by domestic security challenges, just to hang them in the courts of public opinion. Is that what is playing out in Kogi? Recent developments in the state may hamper the gains in stability, that have rescued the state from the gorges of political or artificial insecurity. The security agencies that have hailed Gov. Bello before, must collaborate with his government to weed out these unscrupulous elements that are won’t to taking the nation back, to the years they flourished, while the nation continued to malnourish.
Seriously, for a lady, Natasha's desperation fir power de worry me. Yahaya Bello and Natasha were close friends, I remember when she had an accident years back, bello visited her and cleared the bills. Yahaya Bello even gave her masters scholarship abroad. But greedy people can never be satisfied. All of a sudden, she contested Governorship against Bello, she lost, then went to contest Senate. Lost again. She left her party and went to pdp. She accuses everybody of being bribed, she has accused Inec, police and even her party people. I'm afraid of this kind woman honestly
The conflict between the Kogi State government and the Dangote Group over the ownership of Obajana cement took a new turn in the early hours of Tuesday, when citizens of the state occupied all mining sites across the state to express their plaight over the alleged exploitation of the Dangote Group.
Another group of Nigerians have hit the roads in Abuja in protest against Dangote's claim of 100% ownership of Kogi Cement without the approval of state assembly. Video above
Politics / President Tinubu Receives Fmr Governor Yahaya Bello by Oluboh: 9:50am On Apr 14