Tag Archives: Yahaya Bello

“Surrender your arms”, Governor Bello issues ultimatum to armed groups in Kogi.

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The Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has given seven days ultimatum to those in possession of fire arms and ammunition, in the central senatorial district of the state to surrender them to security agents or face the full wrath of the law.

Gov. Bello who gave the warning in Okene, the Headquarters of Central Senatorial District of Kogi state during a stakeholders meeting on the security challenges in the area, said the security and safety of Ebira land is pivotal to the security of the nation.

He also stressed that the geographical location of the district was enough for the government to take a decisive action in tackling insecurity in the area.

The insecurity challenges that as bedeviled the area which is made up of five Local Government Area is of top discussion.

The hall was filled to the capacity with the elder statesman, traditional ruler from various clan, National House of Assembly members, youths, top government functionaries all from Central Senatorial District are all in attendance.

Governor Bello, in his opening remark welcome the people to the town hall meeting, while he urged them to speak out their mind without fear, he said this will go a long way in saving the land from miscreant.

”Today we are here holding a town hall meeting with respect to security challenges not only in Kogi state,but in Central Senatorial District comprising of five local government, Okene, Okehi, Adavi, Ajaokuta and Ogori-mangogo.

”These senatorial areas are dominantly by Ebira people, If I am not mistaken we are 90 percent of Ebira people in these Senatorial Districts”.

The Governor had recently ordered the demolition of over 15 buildings in Okene that had been identifed as kidnappers den discovered with arms.

“This is the first time the people will come together to brain storm on  how to tackle the insecurity situation which has been a daily event since the creation of the state, while previous government paid no attention.

One of the elder statesman, Dr. Tom Adaba, who spoke to Channels Television  lamented over the incessant criminal activities in the area which had brought disgrace to the land, while he appealed to the Governor not to spear any one in his quest to rid the district of criminal element.

“The governor is making an attempt in wiping them out which is the best thing to do and having started, it is only right and proper that he gets to hear what the people think about it” Dr. Adaba lamented.

Also speaking, the Asema of Ezuka CLAN, Momoh Sani Isa, while thanking the governor for fighting crime in the area, he identified politicians as the problem, he said they formed the habit of arming thugs to unleash terror on their opponent.

“What almost destroyed the effort of the traditional ruler in tackling crime is dirty politics you know when the time come for politicians to campaign most of them don’t even regard the traditional rulers as people because they know, this people have no voice at the top and in an effort to get supporters they will not do what is right at whatever level, Isa added.

The Governor while speaking with newsmen warned politicians in the district who armed thugs to retrieve the weapons and hand them over to the nearest police station, to avoid being caught by the law.

Governor Bello also said there will be no sacred cow in the fight against criminality in the state.

 

Source: Channels TV

Kogi Governor places N500,000 bounty on instigators of violence.

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Governor Yahaya Bello on Monday announced a N500, 000 reward for any resident who provides authorities in Kogi State with “useful information” that leads to arrest and successful prosecution of those who spread rumours to cause public disorder.

A statement from the governor’s office said the decision became necessary because a recent surge in dissemination of inaccurate information had assumed a worrisome dimension.

The statement, signed by Chief Press Secretary, Petra Onyegbule, said Mr. Bello wants to “ensure the reduction of crime and criminality in the state and to also curb the attitude of some politically sponsored persons who spread false information against the government with a view to causing disquiet and rancour amongst the citizenry.”

The government encouraged citizens to come forward with information about anyone who deliberately orchestrates circulation of unfounded claims with a view to causing untold damage to lives and properties.

Successful prosecution of such individuals will guarantee N500, 000 to the whistleblower, Mr. Bello said.

But some critics said Mr. Bello was trying to stifle free speech through the back door.

“This policy may be attractive, but it will not work and it could lead to endless litigation over freedom of speech,” a member of Kogi State Elders’ Council in Lokoja told PREMIUM TIMES by telephone Monday afternoon.

The critic, who pleaded anonymity because of his closeness to Mr. Bello, said the announcement marks the latest indication yet that Mr. Bello did not stack his cabinet with individuals who understand public policy and governance.

“The governor had so far refused to yield to calls for him to appoint knowledgeable individuals to his cabinet,” the source said. “That’s why he’s making all these blunders which are unnecessary, to be honest.”

But Mr. Bello rejected the claim that his policy will violate the Constitution.

Gbenga Olorunpomi, a media adviser to the governor, said the state had become too fragile of late.

“Without any doubt, the people of Kogi State know that the governor encourages free speech. In fact, he recently held a meeting some labour union leaders in Lokoja during which they freely expressed themselves,” Mr. Olorunpomi told PREMIUM TIMES by telephone Monday afternoon. “No one disturbed them from speaking despite how offensive some of their comments were towards the governor.”

“It’s a very fragile situation in the state right now,” Mr. Olorunpomi said. “The state has borders with at least nine states and we’ve been experiencing a lot of cross-border crimes and many are linked to false information.”

“You’re free to express yourself, but don’t put people’s lives in danger because of that. And we will only pay out the N500, 000 after successful arrest and prosecution of suspects based on the information provided by a good citizen.”

Mr. Olorunpomi said the identities of whistleblowers will be kept strictly confidential.

 

Source: Premium Times

Kogi State Government introduces Whistle Blower Policy with immediate effect.

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As part of its probity and accountability mandate, the Bello-led Kogi State Government has promised a cash reward of five hundred thousand naira to any person with useful information that will lead to the arrest of criminals and people who spread false Information capable of disrupting public peace.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mrs Petra Akinti Onyegbule, today in Lokoja said the move is aimed at consolidating the security efforts of the present administration in the State and ensuring peace and harmonious relationship amongst the good people of Kogi.

The statement noted that Governor Yahaya Bello administration is out to ensure the reduction of crime and criminality in the State and to also curb the attitude of some politically sponsored persons who spread false information against the government with a view to causing disquiet and rancour amongst the citizenry.

According to the statement, every information given will be treated with utmost confidentiality and called on the people to comply as the issue of security is the collective responsibility of everyone and vigilance should remain our watchword. The State government therefore enjoins everyone to muster their efforts at sustaining the peace and security currently experienced in the State by their continued cooperation.

“Kogi State is now a haven for Boko Haram” – Governor Bello

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Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi on Tuesday said that following the losses suffered by Boko Haram in the north-east, its fleeing members had found a haven in his state.

Mr. Bello made the disclosure in Abuja while speaking at the seventh edition of the National Security Seminar entitled: “Consolidating on the Gains of Counter Terrorism Operations in Nigeria.”

He, however, warned that the insurgents had chosen a wrong place because he was ready to collaborate with the military to rout them out of the state.

“Kogi is now a haven for Boko Haram, because many of them have relocated to my state.

“Just last night, four high profile Boko Haram members were arrested in Kogi by the military.

“I want to assure them that they have chosen a wrong place to relocate, because we will never allow them.

“We will work together with the armed forces to consolidate on the victory and gains recorded in the North-East,’’ he said.

The governor commended the military for their efforts at “technically defeating’’ the insurgents in the north-east, and underscored the need to consolidate on the victory to avoid a relapse.

Mr. Bello said the government had actually done a lot in safeguarding lives and property and in reclaiming the territorial integrity of the country.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, said that for the nation to consolidate on the gains of counter terrorism operations, national security agencies must work in synergy.

Mr. Abubakar also appealed to the government to look into and implement several suggestions made by experts at previous security seminars held in the country.

He said it was high time the government developed the political will to implement suggestions proffered by experts to prevent making security seminars mere talk shows.

Meanwhile, Jonathan Temlong, the President, Alumni Association of National Defence College, described terrorism as a global threat that had affected over 65 million globally.

The brigadier general commended the armed forces for the victory recorded against the Boko Haram, but emphasised the need to brace up and consolidate on the exploit in order to put a final end to the threat.

The seminar is jointly organised by the National Defence College of Nigeria, the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Alumni Association of National Defence College.

 

Source: NAN

Kogi governor presents N174.9 billion budget for 2017

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Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi on Thursday presented an Appropriation Bill of N174.9 billion to the state House of Assembly for deliberation and approval for the 2017 fiscal year.

Presenting the budget on the floor of the House at a special session in Lokoja, Mr. Bello said the budget was made up of N58.5 billion (33.47 per cent) Recurrent Expenditure and N116.3 (66.53 per cent) Capital Expenditure.

He said the total budget package for 2017 tagged; “’Budget of New Direction’’’ was N74.8 billion or (74.8 per cent) above the N99.998 billion appropriated for 2016.

The governor said the budget was based on estimated recurrent revenue of N81.666 billion and estimated Capital Receipt of N93:185 making up the N174.851 billion.

The estimated revenue of N81.666 billion according to him consists of N32.181 billion from internal sources; N35.3 billion as the state’s share from the Federation Account; N8.08 billion from Value Added Tax (VAT), N2.2 billion from Exchange Differentials and N3.8 billion from Budget Augmentation.

The estimated capital receipt of N93.185, he explained, comprised N63.185 billion Capital Receipt analysis by economic and N30 billion as aid and grants.

Mr. Bello said the 2017 budget was prepared in line with Domesticated National Chart of Account, Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Muti-Year Budget Framework (MYBF) which outlined key initiatives, assumptions and expected achievements of MDAs.

The governor described the budget as a balanced one as “Our total estimated revenue (Recurrent revenue and capital receipts) and our total estimated expenditure (Recurrent and capital) stand at N174, 851,544,523.’’

Mr. Bello noted that the specific fiscal objective of his administration and the state was effective allocation of scarce resources to identified critical programmes and objectives.

Earlier, Speaker of the House, Umar Imam, said the house would strive through its committees to give the budget accelerated consideration to ensure the dividends of democracy to the people of the state.

OPINION: Kogi State Governor Bello Going Astray – By Adewale Giwa

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If Nigerians did not protest against the anti-social media law sponsored by Bala Ibn Na’allah, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress from Kebbi State that made the Senate throw out the bill into the dustbin, Yahaya Bello, Kogi State governor, would have been one of Nigeria’s toughest governors towards journalists. One would have thought that being the youngest governor in Nigeria, is his age pushing him presently to be going astray?

 

 

Bello was recently quoted in a broadcast to have vowed to deal with any journalist writing or publishing negative stories against his government. Can somebody say the governor is fulfilling his promise to suppress the media in the state by embarking on the arrest of a journalist? What the governor should focus on is how to ensure he delivers the good governance to Kogi people having looked at his mates who are not fortunate to be governor at his age.

 

 

In case Yahaya Bello fails to study Nigerian constitution before becoming the governor, Barrister Mohammed Ibrahim, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in the state should kindly educate and call the governor to order. Why I embark on this piece is to speak out against the continued detention of a publisher of one community-based newspaper in Kogi State, Mr. Friday Ogungbemi by men of Department of State Services, DSS in Kogi State who was alleged to have published a negative story against Bello’s government on November 23- December 15, 2016 edition of the magazine.

 

 

Ogungbemi was later arrested and he is currently spending 6 days in the custody of the state officials of DSS. Despite protest and letters written by the state chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to Hon. Bello, the governor has turned a deaf ear to it by ensuring Ogungbemi suffers for the offense he had committed. In the said publication, Ogungbemi was said to have focused on the Chief of Staff to the governor of Kogi State, Edward Onoja. The article had criticized Onoja, describing him as overzealous and acting as if he was the governor of the state.

 

 

Let me quickly urge Mr. Bellow to read and internalize chapter four of the 1999 constitution of Nigeria, which gives liberty to freedom of expression. The young Kogi State governor should not have allowed himself to be misled by sycophants, considering the factor that led to his emergence as governor of Kogi State.

 

 

Being the former President of Kogi Youth Arise Forum, one must surely know that the governor was once a realist and fighter. In case Bello has forgotten history, he should be reminded that journalists contributed immensely to his victory.

 

 

Also, with the teeming support from youths across the state to lead Kogi into a brighter future, Bello presented himself to vie for the position of Governor in the gubernatorial election of 2015 under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). His mandate however came about after the death of Audu Abubakar, the winner of the 2015 Governorship elections who died of a heart attack shortly after the declaration of the election results announcing him the winner.

 

 

An appeal filed by James Faleke, the running mate to the deceased APC governorship candidate in Kogi State, Abubakar Audu, aimed at nullifying the adoption of Yahaya Bello as the APC candidate in the state’s governorship election, was dismissed by the Appeal Court at Abuja and Supreme Court respectively. With this, Bello should see himself as governor for all the people in Kogi State and stay away from what could dent his government image.

Kogi Government recalls suspended Head of Service, Perm Secs, others.

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Kogi State Government on Thursday recalled the state’s Head of Service, Moses Atakpa, and 102 Permanent Secretaries and Directors it placed on compulsory leave since February.

 

The state acting Head of Service , Hassanat Lawal, said in a statement in Lokoja said that their recall was ordered by the state governor, Yahaya Bello.

 

Mr. Lawal said the recall order also affected local government councils’ treasurers, cashiers, checkers, education secretaries, accountants and other categories of staff that were sent on compulsory leave between February and November.

 

The acting Head of Service, however, said that the recalled senior civil servants would not go back to their previous positions.

 

According to her, all the affected officers will be reporting in her office every day until further notice, but will, in the interim, help the government to formulate policies in strategic areas of governance.

 

Mr. Atakpa, the recalled Head of Service, thanked the governor for recalling him and his colleagues, saying that the action had clearly shown that the present administration was above pettiness and tribalism.

Lt Col Abu-Ali: Governor Bello Calls For Better Welfare for Nigerian Soldiers.

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The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has called on the Federal Government to pay greater attention to the welfare of Nigerian soldiers on active servive and families of fallen soldiers.

Gov. Bello made this call while on a condolence visit to the immediate family of the late Lt. Col Muhammad Abu Ali in Kaduna on Sunday, 20th November. He was accompanied  by the Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Imam Umar, where they both met with the widow of the deceased, Mrs Samira Abu Ali, and the three children.

Gov. Bello, while acknowledging the improvement in the welfare of soldiers, which has resulted in the increased morale of the rank and file and a decimation of insurgency in the North East, asked that military men and women be treated with respect and dignity as they continue to sacrifice their all for our peace and unity.

“We must give honour to whom it is due and our soldiers deserve the best of everything,” Gov. Bello said. “They give up their comfort, happiness and families just to keep the rest of us safe. They must be encouraged and I call on the Federal Government to make their welfare and that of the families of the soldiers that we lose top priority. No member of a soldier’s family should suffer financially when we they die.”

Lt. Col Muhammad Abu Ali was killed by Boko Haram insurgents on November 4 at Mallam Fatori in Borno State. He was 36 years old. Nigeria and Nigerians mourned him.

Gov. Bello was on a 2-week vacation when this unfortunate incident occurred. In a condolence message released by his Chief Press Secretary, Gov. Bello described  the late officer as one of modern Nigeria’s finest officers, who gave his all in service to his country paying the supreme price in the process. To this end,  a high powered state delegation led by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly was at the national funeral held in honour of the fallen officer and some of his colleagues.

On his return to Kogi State, the Governor paid a condolence visit on Brigadier General Abu Ali, the late soldier’s father, in his palace at Bassa-Nge.

While in Kaduna, Gov. Bello said the Kogi State Government will not only immortalise the late Lt. Col Muhammad Abu Ali but will also take the responsibility for the education of his three children up to university level.

To the officers and men of the Nigeria Armed Forces who are in danger zones, Gov. Bello said he appreciates their work. He is optimistic that given the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari to ending insurgency in Nigeria, Boko Haram threat will soon be a thing of the past. He therefore urged them to not lose hope adding that Nigerians acknowledge and appreciate their sacrifices and all they do for Nigeria.

Governor Yahaya Bello is not dead. Aide shares Photos of him in Dubai.

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There has been a growing concern over the whereabouts of Kogi state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, who hasn’t been seen in public in a while. Swirling rumors have it that the governor’s health is in critical condition, with some saying that he might have even passed on.

 

But now, new images have emerged of the governor looking fit and healthy in Dubai –squashing rumors of his death.

 

The governor was pictured with his aides in the UAE city this morning.

 

 

 

PRESS RELEASE: Governor Yahaya Bello is healthy, news of bad health untrue.

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For more than 2 weeks now, there has been some weird news making the rounds about the health of the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello. In a bit to get a clearer picture, Omojuwa.Com reached out to the governor to clear the purported news of his failing health. After getting in touch with the governor’s office, we received a press statement clearly defining the current state of the governor’s health.

In a press release signed by the DG Media and Publicity to the Governor of Kogi State, Fanwo Kingsley, the governor is in good health and doing just fine. It also further went to say that the rumour is a machinery of political enemies of Alhaji Yahaya Bello.

Below is the press release:

My attention has been drawn to the spurious rumour doing the round that there are concerns over the health of the Kogi State Governor, Alh. Yahaya Bello.

I want to state clearly here for the avoidance of doubt that the rumour lacks any iota of truth. It is a reflection of the depth the enemies of Kogi State have gone in their desperate angst against fate.

To put the record straight, the Governor is hale and hearty, healthy and unwavering in his vigour to make Kogi State the Confluence of Excellence.

I urge all Kogites of goodwill to discountenance the rumour as His Excellency will return from his two weeks break on the 12th of November, 2016.

Let me also thank the good people of Kogi State for their love and sense of solidarity.

Thanks and God bless Kogi State.

Signed: Fanwo Kingsley
DG Media and Publicity to the Governor of Kogi State

No Plan To Impeach Gov. Bello – Kogi PDP Lawmakers

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The members of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Kogi State House of Assembly said they had no agenda to impeach the Governor of the state, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.

 

The Majority Leader of the House, Mr Matthew Kolawole, said this during interview with newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday.
Kolawole said the concern of the members was to resolve the leadership crisis rocking the state assembly.

 

“The state governor is just like new born baby without sin. For what reason will anybody want to kill the baby.

“To me, the governor has not done anything wrong to us and none of us here is talking about impeachment of the governor at all”, he said.

 

Kolawole said it was baseless to say Mr James Faleke, the running mate to the late Prince Abubakar Audu in the Nov. 21 was sponsoring the crisis rocking the House.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), recalls that Audu, who contested the election on the platform of APC, died on Nov.22 before the result of the election was announced.

 

“If anybody is saying that Faleke is sponsoring us, he is misleading the public. Faleke is not part of this struggle.

“The struggle we have today is that we want to stabilise Kogi State House of Assembly as an independent arm of government”, he said.

 

On outcome of members’ meeting with the National Chairman of PDP, Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff, he said they agreed with the party’s directive that the status quo should remain.

 

“We have passed another vote of confidence on the leadership of the House under Speaker Momoh Jimoh-Lawal and all of us have signed.”

 

He added that Mr John Aba, one of the five members who had the intention to impeach Jimoh-Lawal was also present at the meeting.

 

He, however, said that Aba was yet to sign the resolution of the meeting adding that he stepped out after the meeting.

 

“So far so good, eleven of us here have signed. We are waiting for him to come back because the party has directed that we sign and he agreed.”

 

The majority leader said that maintaining status quo under the leadership of Jimoh-Lawal was temporary in order to resolve the crisis on ground.

 

He was optimistic that the House could not be rubber-stamped for allowing the Speaker and governor to come from the same zone of the state pending the time a new speaker would be elected.
According to Kolawole, even if Jimoh-Lawal resigns, the onus lies on the House to unanimously agree on the new speaker that will pilot the affairs of the House.

 

(NAN)

I Have No Hand In Kogi Assembly Crisis – Yahaya Bello

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Amid the crisis rocking the Kogi State House of Assembly, Governor Yahaya Bello, on Thursday, disassociated himself from the impeachment of the Speaker, Momoh Jimoh Lawal, noting that has never interfered in the affairs of the state legislature in line with his determination to promote the rule of law and strict adherence to separations of power.

 

In a statement by his Special Adviser (Media and Strategy), Abdulkarim Abdulmalik, the Governor said dragging his name to the crisis in the State House of Assembly is in the least, uncharitable.

 

His words: “The attention of the Governor of Kogi State, Alh. Yahaya Bello has been drawn to the spurious allegations by some group of legislators in the legislative arm of Kogi State to the effect that the Governor was the person stoking crisis in the Assembly.

 

“The Governor wishes to inform the general public that the Governor has never interfered in the affairs of the state legislature in line with his determination to promote the rule of law and strict adherence to separations of power.

 

“To drag the name of the Governor to the crisis in the Kogi State House of Assembly is in the least, uncharitable. The crisis in the House of Assembly predates the present administration in the state.

 

“It would be recalled that before the advent of the present administration, the Assembly crisis assumed a violent dimension when vehicles belonging to the different caucuses in the House were vandalized.

 

“The Governor urges all aggrieved parties in the Kogi State House of Assembly to close ranks and work in unity for the progress of the state. He also pledges continued collaboration with the legislative arm to actualize his dream of a better Kogi State.”

 

Credit : Vanguard

Yahaya Bello Fires All Perm Secs, Finance Directors In Kogi

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The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has directed all permanent secretaries and Directors of Finance in the state to proceed on compulsory leave with effect from Tuesday.

 

The Head of Service, Moses Atakpa, who issues the directive on behalf of the governor, asked all the affected officials should hand over the affairs of their various ministries to the personnel director s of the ministries.

 
Also, the state’s Accountant General was relieved of his duty, while his deputy was asked to proceed on a 30-day compulsory leave.

 
At the Local Government level all DGs, education secretaries are to proceed on compulsory leave.

 

Atakpa, however, said all those in acting capacity were excluded from this directive.

 

The Governor explained that the move was aimed at repositioning the state for effective growth.

 

Credit : Punch

Kogi Gov., Yahaya Bello, Nominates Deputy

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Following the refusal of Hon. James Faleke to be running mate to the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the governor has finally appointed Hon. Simon Achuba as his deputy.

Achuba, a former deputy speaker of the state House of Assembly, was a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before he defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) few weeks to state governorship election.

It was reliably gathered yesterday that the governor has sent his name to the state assembly for confirmation next Wednesday when the assembly would sit.

Forwarding of the name of Achuba to the state assembly brings to rest the insinuation in some parts of the state that some people were jostling for the number two position as the governor was yet to choose one out of them since he has the prerogative to appoint somebody he can work with.

The letter of appointment of Achuba signed by the governor and forwarded to the state assembly read in part: “In line with the provision of section 186 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999) as amended, I have the pleasure to forward herewith the name of Hon. Simon Achuba for approval of appointment as the deputy governor of Kogi State.

“Achuba hails from Ibaji Local Government Area of the state and was a two-time member of the assembly (1999 to 2007) wherein he was deputy speaker of the assembly during his second tenure (2003 to 2007).

“In view of the above, it will be highly appreciated if the request is treated and approved with utmost speed to pave way for his assumption of office.”

Sources further hinted that the state assembly, upon receiving the letter, fixed February 10 for the confirmation as deputy governor of the name forwarded to it.

Credit: Thisday

APC Constitutes Committee To Replace Faleke As Bello’s Deputy

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Ahead of today’s inauguration of Alhaji Yahaya Bello as the governor of Kogi State, All Progressive Congress, APC, has raised a committee to find replacement for the unwilling deputy- governor elect , Mr. James Abiodun Faleke.

 

 

Similarly, APC leaders from Kogi East have distanced themselves from media reports endorsing one Gowon Usman Egbunu as Deputy Governor, claiming the purported endorsement was forged.

 

 

This came as chieftain of APC, Mr. Joe Igbokwe, said the inauguration of Alhaji Bello as the governor of Kogi State, was an aberration that would be addressed by the Supreme Court in the fullness of time.

 

 

The Committee, “Kogi West committee for selection of Deputy governor”, is expected to submit its report to the party’s national secretariat within the week.

 

 

It was gathered however that the committee has penciled down Mrs. Justina Abanida, Dr David Atte and Mr. Kola Bamisaye, for consideration.

 

 

 

According to reports by Vanguard, the Committee headed by Mr. Samuel Mogbole narrowed the list from initial seven to the three based on their political strength and contributions to the party in time past.

 

 

Mrs. Abanida who hails from Egbe, Yagba West local government, is a prominent politician and was Attorney- General of the state between 1994 and 1996.

 

 

Dr Atte on his part, was once the Commissioner for Education in the defunct Kwara State, and hails from Itakete-Ide in Mopamuro Local Government area of the state.

 

 

Though not much is known in the political scene about Bamisaye until now, but works at the National Assembly commission in Abuja.

 

 

In a related development, A cross section of APC leaders from Kogi East told Vanguard that the purported endorsement of Egbunu was not a part of the resolution of the meeting of the Kogi East caucus.

 

 

Some of the leaders who confirmed to Vanguard that they never discussed the Deputy Governorship issue nor endorsed anyone. Those who spoke were Sule Amodu, Yahaya Meyanga, Peter Akasakowa, Friday Adejoh and Jubril Usman.

According to them, a purported endorsement clause was smuggled into their resolutions by perceived “self-serving politicians.”

 

 

 

Meanwhile, Igbokwe, who is the Publicity Secretary of the party in Lagos State, while speaking in his personal capacity on his Facebook page, described Bello as an interloper, who was foisted on the state by vested interests.

 

 

 

He contended that it was wrong for the national and state chapter of the APC to choose Bello as a replacement for the late Prince Abubakar Audu, claiming the former’s loyalty to

Kogi APC In Dilemma Over Faleke’s Rejection Of Deputy Governorship

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Political kingpins in Kogi State have gone back to the drawing board to reconfigure the state’s political positions following the final decision of the state’s Deputy Governor-elect, Hon. James Faleke to absent himself at next week’s inauguration ceremony.

 

The governor-elect, Alhaji Yahaya Bello and chieftains of the All Progressives Congress, APC, are at a cross roads over the push by stakeholders from the Igala speaking Kogi East district for the office of deputy governor to be zoned to them on the grounds that as the largest senatorial district they cannot be left out of the first two positions in the state.

 

Bello is from Kogi Central while Faleke is from Kogi West.

 

 

Vanguard was reliably informed by sources close to Faleke on the final decision not to partake in the inauguration ceremony scheduled for January 27.

 
“As far as we are concerned, Faleke is not the Deputy Governor-Elect to Alh. Bello, but the late Prince Abubakar Audu who won the governorship election before he died. Faleke is the only person who is qualified to inherit Audu’s votes because the ticket was a joint property.

 

“We are not bothered about plans for inauguration because it has no impact on us. Let them do their inauguration while we pursue our case in court. At the end of the day, the law will determine the rightful occupant of Lugard House,” they said.

 

The sources also informed that Faleke has no plans of disrupting the inauguration, saying, “as a man of peace, our principal has confidence in the judiciary to resolve the Kogi impasse.”

 

Given the determination of Faleke to abstain himself, the party it was gathered has commenced the search for a replacement for the office of deputy governor.

 

 

Credit : Vanguard

Yahaya Bello Sets Up Inauguration Committee

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In preparation to the January 27, 2016 inauguration of his administration in Kogi, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello the Kogi State Governor-elect, has constituted a three- man coordinating team for his inauguration come, January 27, 2016.

The team is Chaired by Distinguished Senator Dino Melaye. The other two members are Hon. Suleiman Kokori-Abdul and Hon. Benjamin Ikani Okolo.

The committees was inaugurated at 2pm prompt on Thursday, 7th January at Reverton Hotels, Lokoja by the Chairman, Senator Dino Melaye.

The Committee will be expected to coordinate all activities towards the effective take-off of the incoming administration.

Lokoja, the state capital has been witnessing a beehive of activities to usher in a new administration in the state.

Credit: Vanguard

I Will Not Be Available For Swearing In With Bello, says Faleke

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The All Progressives Congress’ (APC) deputy governorship candidate in Kogi, Mr Abiodun Faleke, says he will not make himself available for swearing in with Alhaji Yahaya Bello on January 27, 2016.
Faleke stated this at a meeting of APC stakeholders in Kogi West Senatorial District in Kabba, Kogi State on Monday
He explained that this was in furtherance of his earlier letter to the national leadership of the party not to work with Bello, then governorship candidate.
Faleke, who was reacting to resolutions reached at the meeting that he should pursue the legal option to a logical conclusion, held that the Audu/Faleke ticket remained intact and unchanged.
“I will not disappoint Prince Abubakar Audu. I, James Abiodun Faleke will not be there for the swearing in if we don’t finish the case before the Jan. 27, 2016.
“Nobody consulted me before making me a deputy to Bello. Bello too did not consult me. I have made my position known to the party leadership on this. I am not ready to betray and disappoint Prince Abubakar Audu”, he said.
He exonerated President Mohammadu Buahri from the crisis, saying that Buhari he knows cannot be a party to injustice and outright violation of the rule of law.
Faleke warned the leadership of the party against setting it on a path of destruction through impunity and injustice, adding that they should learn from what happened to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

 
He said the present struggle was a complex one and beyond him, saying that it was about emancipation of the people and the future of the state.
While asking the people not to fight or castigate anybody over the development, Faleke said those who are fighting in 2015 for positions in 2019 were trying God.
“People are fighting for 2019 in 2015. Are they God? What is happening is beyond hunan imagination’’, he said.
He warned members and supporters of the party against fighting or castigating anybody, saying that those behind the plot were only working to actualise God’s plan and the ultimate liberation of the state from the jaws of poverty and under-development.
“I am a marathoner, no matter how bumpy and rough the road is, we shall get there’’, he said.
According to him, the constitutional crisis created by the sudden death of Audu, when finally resolved will enrich the country’s democracy.
He thanked the Igalas for their support and resolve to defend the mandate with their blood and assured them that their efforts will not be in vain.

 

 

Credit : PM News

PHOTONEWS: Faleke Vows To Go To Court As Yahaya Bello Emerges APC Flag Bearer In Kogi

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Abiodun Faleke, the running mate to late Prince Abubakar Audu in the November 21 governorship election in Kogi State has vowed to challenge the decision of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to pick Yahaya Bello as the replacement for Audu in court.

Abiodun Faleke vows to go to court

Abiodun Faleke vows to go to court

This followed the deadlock at the meeting of the APC held in Abuja on Monday to resolve the Kogi state crisis.

Faleke, who described the meeting as a “mere briefing”, said he would seek legal redress against the nomination of Yahaya Bello as the party’s governorship candidate.

 

Faleke also distanced himself from the supplementary election scheduled to take place on December 5.

 

“We met for more than two hours, but we discovered that the meeting was a mere briefing,” he said.

 

“The party told us that they have nominated Alhaji Yahaya Bello as the substituted Kogi governorship candidate. But we told them that, that was not acceptable.

 

“I have submitted a letter to the party that I will not be paired with Yahaya Bello because, I am governor-elect.

 

“I will not be part of the election, and because I have pulled out it will be null and void.

 

“We are going to challenge the decision of the party in court. I am not a deputy governor to anybody. They party took the decision and just invited us.”

 

See more photos below …

 

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Kogi: APC Officially Presents Yahaya Bello To Replace Late Audu After Long Hours Of Meeting

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The National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress has unveiled Alh. Yahaya Bello, popularly known as Fair Plus as the replacement for the late Prince Abubakar Audu. It would be recalled that Alh. Yahaya Bello was runner-up in the APC governorship primaries.

Unveiling Bello at the National Headquarters of the party in Abuja, Monday after about 3 hours of meeting, the national chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie Oyegun urged party leaders and stakeholders to accept the decision of the party leadership and ensure the party become victorious in Saturday’s supplementary poll.

The party also announced that Hon James Abiodun Faleke will be Bello’s running mate but the former Chairman of Ikeja Local Government Area rejected the offer.

Credit: Vanguard

Yahaya Bello Fills Nomination Form As APC Candidate For Kogi Poll

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has given its Kogi State governorship nomination form to its new candidate, Mr. Yahaya Bello, to fill.

The development may have foreclosed the consideration of any other candidate as the party’s standard bearer.

Bello filled the form, which was signed by a Commissioner of Oath. It was returned to the APC National Secretariat.

It was learnt that the form was attached to the letter of nomination, which the National Chairman of APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, sent to INEC on Friday.

The party retained Hon. James Abiodun Faleke as running mate – a position Faleke rejected, insisting on the mandate the people gave the late Abubakar Audu/Faleke ticket.

Credit: Nation

Kogi APC Lawmakers Insist On Audu’s Son, Threaten To Impeach Any Other Candidate

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Lawmakers on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Kogi, on Friday threatened to impeach any candidate chosen to replace the late flag bearer, Prince Abubakar Audu.

 

Some of the lawmakers, who were at the party’s secretariat in Abuja, told newsmen that their wish was that Mohammed Audu be given the mandate of his late father.

 

Mr Momoh Rabiu, who spoke on behalf of the lawmakers, said: “Based on our discussion, we have taken a decision and taken our resolution to the national chairman.

 

“We are overwhelmed by the response from them, but we are still waiting for a safe landing so that Kogi will not be doomed.

 

“We told the national chairman that on no account should anybody be smuggled in to occupy that position which we worked for in conjunction with the late Audu, without who there would be no APC in Kogi state today.

 

“We presented to the national leadership, Prince Mohammed Audu to replace his late father.

 

“It is not because he is the first son, but try him, he is very intelligent and equal to the task. With him, we will have the Kogi of our dream.”

 

Rabiu said the decision to replace the late Audu with his son was taken because of the commitment of the late flag-bearer and because the lawmakers do not Kogi to continue to be ruled by the PDP.

 

Insisting that their threat to remove any candidate that emerged from the proposed primary was no threat but a fact, Rabiu appealed to the APC leadership to respect their wish.

 

“We are the legislators and have told the national chairman our position that in any case anybody emerges contrary to what we present to them, we know the best way to remove him.

 

“It is not a threat, but we told them that we have no intention of washing our dirty linen in public.

 

“Removing somebody is just a two minutes job for us as lawmakers in the state. We want the change we worked for and we want Kogi to be part of the moving train.

 

“We are not asking Faleke to stay away from the ticket. We equally worked with him during the campaigns.

 

“What we are saying is that it should be Mohammed Audu/Faleke ticket. The two of them must work together,” he said.

 

The national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has however chosen Alhaji Yahaya Bello (Fair Plus) as the party’s new candidate for Kogi State governorship supplementary election slated for next week Saturday.

 

Bello, who came second in the August 29, 2015 party primaries, will replace the late Prince Abubakar Audu on the APC ticket after the demise of the latter on Sunday, November 22, 2015 at the peak of the collation of the election results.

 

While the late Audu polled 1,109 votes to defeat 26 other aspirants who contested with him, Bello polled 702 votes to become Audu’s closest challenger in the keenly contested governorship primary election which was adjudged free and fair.

 

APC Picks Yahaya Bello As Audu’s Replacement

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After extensive consultations, the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday submitted the name of Yahaya Bello as the party’s new candidate for Kogi governorship supplementary poll.
Bello replaces Prince Abubakar Audu, who died last weekend after leading the poll with 41,000.
It was also learnt that the APC has retained Hon. James Abiodun Faleke as the party’s deputy governorship candidate.

Mohammed Audu, the son of the late governorship candidate, was dumped by the party because the party felt that fielding him might vitiate the entire governorship poll in the state.

But the people of Kogi West were mounting pressure on Faleke yesterday not to accept the nomination of Bello.

Although they asked Faleke to withdraw from the race, the deputy governorship candidate was yet to make up his mind on the next step at press time.

 

Investigation revealed that APC leaders, with the backing of some forces in the Presidency, opted for Bello because he came second in the party’s primaries behind Audu.

 

It was also gathered that the APC leaders felt there was no way Mohammed Audu could be fielded as a compromise candidate since he was not a candidate in the primaries.

 

A top source in APC said: “Our leaders met and after consultations reached a conclusion on the choice of Yahaya Bello from Kogi Central as the party’s governorship candidate to substitute the late Prince Abubakar Audu.

 

“The leaders arrived at the conclusion because Bello was second to Audu at the validly conducted governorship primaries of the party. Instead of running into crisis with fresh primaries, the party opted to dust up the result of the previous one which was witnessed by INEC.

 

“A letter, signed by the National Chairman of APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, on the choice of Bello has been submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday.”

 

Asked of other factors behind the choice of Bello, the top APC leader said: “Our leaders bought into the idea that Faleke is strange to the politics of the state, having had most of his political career in Lagos. They felt it is better for him to learn the ropes in the state before becoming a governor.

 

“They also argued that the choice of Bello will ensure power shift in the state and since the Ebiras were behind Audu, it won’t be difficult to foster understanding between Kogi East and Kogi Central Senatorial Districts.

 

“Do not forget that Kogi East had already produced the minister from the state.

 

“Another important factor is that some of the 91 polling units where elections were cancelled are in Kogi Central, and it will be easier to mobilize the electorate in the district to get the required votes to defeat the PDP candidate, Governor Idris Wada.

“There was also some conspiracy behind the refusal of the ticket for Faleke. Some presidency forces stamped their feet that he must not be allowed to step into Audu’s shoes because of internal power struggles in APC.

“I won’t give you names but the forced were more powerful than Oyegun and other NWC members.”

On the dumping of Mohammed Audu, the source said: “Our leaders were guided by Section 141 of the Electoral Act. If we choose him, the entire election will be voided.

“The section says: ‘An election tribunal or court shall not under any circumstance declare any person a winner at an election in which such a person has not fully participated in all the stages of such election.

“We love the Audus but we cannot take such a big risk. If Wada and PDP go to court, they will win against Mohammed Audu.”

As press time, there was pressure on Faleke by the people of Kogi West to opt out of the race.

A different source said: “There are many options open to Faleke but the people of Kogi West want him to withdraw from the race. If Yahaya Bello gets the ticket, he might be reduced to a dummy deputy governor.

“Unless Faleke can fight his cause in court and claim his mandate, he will be frustrated as a deputy governor. If he quits, the party will have justification for bringing Mohammed Audu and Kogi West will be politically alienated.”

 

Credit : Sahara Reporters