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Ajaka hails EFCC for arresting Ex-Kogi governor, Yayaha Bello over alleged fraud, corruption
Governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), in the 2023 Kogi State Gubernatorial Election, Alhaji Murtala Yakubu Ajaka, has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), for taking a bold and commendable step by arresting and detaining the former Governor of the State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, over alleged fraud and corruption committed during his tenure from January 2016 to January 2024.
Alhaji Ajaka, in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday said that the decisive action of the anti-graft agency was a significant move towards ensuring accountability and justice, which the people of Kogi State have long deserved.
To ensure that the effort yields meaningful results, he said, the EFCC must intensify its investigation to uncover solid and irrefutable evidence that will not only sustain prosecution but also ensure a watertight case.
According to the SDP governorship candidate, “This investigation should include, interrogating Local Government Chairmen who served under Yahaya Bello’s administration and facilitated his access to local government funds.
“Summoning members of the Kogi State House of Assembly, particularly its leadership, to account for their roles in approving loans that were allegedly misappropriated during Bello’s administration.
“Investigating Yahaya Bello’s financial worth before assuming office in 2016 by obtaining his asset declaration records from the Code of Conduct Bureau. This will reveal any discrepancies and provide clarity on his sudden accumulation of wealth”, he added.
Ajaka also urged the EFCC to avoid any actions that may trivialise the critical case, adding that, the earlier drama involving the declaration of Yahaya Bello wanted, followed by his unchallenged appearance at the EFCC headquarters without arrest, has already raised public scepticism.
The statement reads in parts, “This time, the EFCC must reassure Kogites of its sincerity and determination by conducting a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation.
“Additionally, the EFCC must address rumours emanating from Yahaya Bello’s camp suggesting that a deal for his immediate release was struck before his arrest. Such claims, if left unrefuted, could seriously undermine public confidence in the credibility of this investigation”.
He said, the ultimate expectation of the people of Kogi State is the recovery of the hundreds of billions allegedly stolen during Yahaya Bello’s administration.
Ajaka said, the funds must be returned to the state’s coffers and redirected to critical developmental projects that will improve the lives of Kogi citizens.
As a true son of Kogi State and a firm believer in justice and good governance, Ajaka said, he is ready to support the EFCC, along with other committed Kogites, in its investigation by providing solid evidence where necessary.
The effort, he said, is not just about holding Yahaya Bello accountable; it is about restoring the dignity and securing the future of the state and emphasised that the case transcends ethnicity or tribal considerations.
“The people of Kogi State, Okun, Ebira, Igala, and other tribes, are united in their demand for justice. This unity underscores a shared aspiration for transparency, fairness, and good governance.
“I urge the EFCC to act diligently and with integrity, bearing in mind that the eyes of all Kogites and indeed Nigerians are watching closely. Justice for Kogi State must not be compromised. This moment provides an opportunity to set a historic precedent for accountability and the rule of law”, he said and noted that Kogites will ensure that the resources of the State are used for the betterment of its people, not for personal enrichment.
A Zamfara-based group, Zamfara Concerned Citizens, has called on Governor Dauda Lawal to cease blaming his predecessor, Bello Matawalle, for the state’s challenges and focus on delivering on his 2023 campaign promises.
The group also urged Matawalle, now Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, to contest the 2027 governorship election, citing his efforts in tackling insecurity nationwide.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the group’s publicity secretary, Aliyah Dan-Musa, accused Governor Lawal of failing to address critical issues such as hunger, poverty, and healthcare in Zamfara.
“Dauda has failed the mandate entrusted to him by the good people of Zamfara,” Dan-Musa said.
“Instead of fulfilling his promises, he is looking for someone to blame, and Dr Bello Matawalle is his target.”
The group claimed that Lawal’s administration has run out of ideas and is resorting to scapegoating Matawalle to deflect from its shortcomings.
They further criticised the governor for allegedly squandering state resources on international trips with family and associates, rather than tackling the state’s pressing needs.
Zamfara Concerned Citizens called on residents to reject Lawal in the 2027 governorship election, accusing him of betraying the trust of the electorate.
“The governor has not done anything to address this ugly situation,” Dan-Musa stated, pointing to ongoing economic and social challenges in the state.
The group praised Matawalle’s tenure as governor from 2019 to 2023 and his current role as Minister of State for Defence, where they claim he has made significant strides in reducing insecurity across Nigeria.
“We have seen what he has done in Nigeria by reducing insecurity, and we are happy with what he is doing,” Dan-Musa said.
They urged Matawalle to run for governor in 2027, expressing confidence that his leadership would restore stability and attract investment to Zamfara.
“Zamfara will be much better and safer where civil servants will be smiling again and no more half salary,” the statement read.
The Commander of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Maj.-Gen. Folusho Oyinlola, has decried the influx of large number of cattle into Barkin Ladi Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State.
Oyinlola, who doubles as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba, near Jos, said this on Tuesday during an engagement with stakeholders in Barkin Ladi.
He noted that the influx of the cattle was constituting a major security threat to the locality and the state in general.
According to him, the isolated attacks, farm destruction, and other illegal activities are as a result of the unhealthy development.
“I must express the concerns of security agencies about recent developments in parts of Barkin Ladi.
“There is a growing unease about the influx of large number of cattle into farming communities.
“While the movement of livestock in Barkin Ladi and indeed Pateau in general is not unusual, the scale and timings of this new influx raise legitimate security concerns.
“Unfortunately, this development has already resulted in adverse outcomes, including farm destructions, isolated attacks, and attacks on livestock.
“The impact of this action on food security, economic stability, and social harmony cannot be over emphasised,” he said.
The commander, who also expressed deep concerns over the recent killings in the locality, called on the stakeholders to unite and fashion out ways to end the violence.
He, however, promised to fish out the perpetrators of the heinous crime, who would be made to face the full wrath of the law.
Oyinlola explained that the stakeholders’ engagement was aimed at ensuring a successful and peaceful farming season in the locality.
“The faming season is already ongoing, and for many families, this is a period for securing their livelihood.
“Therefore, any disruption of farming activities now will have dire consequences for the rest of the year and beyond.
“To this end, this engagement is convened to hear from you, all stakeholders, to listen to your concerns,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the meeting had in attendance heads of security agencies, government officials, traditional and religious leaders, among others.(NAN)
The Catholic Church’s cardinals issued an urgent appeal for peace on Tuesday, one day before they retreat into the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope.
In a joint statement, they called on all warring parties worldwide to “achieve a lasting ceasefire as soon as possible.”
The statement, released by the Vatican, said the cardinals note “with regret” that there has been no “progress in promoting peace processes in Ukraine, the Middle East and many other parts of the world.”
On the contrary, they said, attacks have intensified, especially against the civilian population.
The cardinals called for ceasefires “without preconditions and without further delay” in order to negotiate “the peace long desired by the affected populations and the whole world.”
They also appealed to believers, asking them to intensify their prayers for a just and lasting peace.
The statement was delivered during the General Congregation of the College of Cardinals, the last meeting of the cardinals before the start of the conclave.
Starting on Wednesday, eligible cardinals under the age of 80 are to vote to elect a successor to pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday at the age of 88.