Opinion
Deposition of 3 Monarchs: Bello’s Acting Like An emperor, His Understanding Of Democracy is Reduced- Usman Okai Austin
In the heart of Kogi State, a saga unfolds as an illegal dethronement sends shockwaves through the community, orchestrated by none other than the controversial figure, Yahaya Bello. Once a symbol of authority, the deposed king finds himself entangled in a web of political maneuvering and power play.
Yesterday, Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State deposed three traditional rulers and suspended another.
Top on the list of deposed kings were the Ohimege of Kotonkarfe, Isa Koto; and the Olu of Mango, Sam Bola.
In Koto, former commissioner for Water Resources, Salih Akawu, was announced as the new Ohimege of Koto, while Ibrahim Gambo Makaifi (4th) was announced as the new Maigari of Lokoja and Tijani Anaje as the new Ohinoyi of Egbira land.
The Onu-Ife, Boniface Musa in Abejukolo area of Omala Council area was suspended indefinitely.
The deposed kings were banished to Niger state.
Bello said, “Having followed through our Traditional and Chieftaincy Laws, Rules, and Regulations, and all the due processes, we have come to the following resolutions.”
The dethronement, shrouded in secrecy, raises questions about the autonomy of traditional institutions and the influence of political figures. Witnesses speak of clandestine meetings, closed-door discussions, and the sudden disappearance of the king’s regalia, marking the abrupt end of an era that had endured for generations.
Yahaya Bello’s involvement in this unprecedented move sparks debates about the blurred lines between politics and traditional leadership. Critics argue that the king’s removal is a blatant violation of cultural norms and an attempt to consolidate political power. Supporters, on the other hand, claim it is a necessary step to align traditional institutions with the government’s vision for progress.
As the community grapples with the aftermath, murmurs of resistance emerge. Locals express concern over the potential erosion of cultural identity and the destabilizing impact on the region’s social fabric. Activists rally for the restoration of the ousted king, advocating for justice and the preservation of indigenous traditions.
The story of the illegal dethronement in Kogi State serves as a stark reminder of the intricate interplay between politics and tradition. It sheds light on the vulnerability of age-old institutions in the face of modern political ambitions and prompts reflection on the delicate balance required to sustain the cultural tapestry that binds communities together.
The aforementioned king was dethroned and banished because they supported the opposition during the Governorship election in the last election. I believe there should be freedoms of speech and freedom of political affiliation.
Why Governor Bello is using his political power to subject everybody to his will. I believe these deposed kings should not sit and watch Yahaya Bello, the state governor, go free because similar things happened in Kano recently.
In November 30, 2021, the Federal High Court, Abuja, declared the banishment of deposed Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi, from Kano State as unlawful and unconstitutional.
Delivering judgment in Mr. Sanusi’s suit, the judge, Anwuli Chikere, awarded N10 million compensation to him and against the respondents comprising the police, the State Security Service (SSS), and the Attorney-General of Kano State.
She also ordered them to tender a public apology to him in two national dailies.
The judge declared that the former emir had the right to live anywhere, including Kano State, as enshrined in the country’s constitution.
From the above judgment, I believe that deposed kings can approach court to get justice.
Usman Okai Austin ,Writes from Abuja
Ken Nnamani, a former president of the senate, says he did not beg Elisha Abbo, a former senator representing Adamawa north, on behalf of any judge after the ex-lawmaker lost his election case in court.
In October 2023, the court of appeal sacked Abbo and declared Amos Yohanna, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the winner of the Adamawa north senatorial election.
Appearing on Channels Television on Wednesday, Abbo said he was a victim of “miscarriage of justice”.
The former senator said Nnamani pleaded with him on behalf of a judge after he lost his election case in 2023.
Reacting in a statement, the former senate president described Abbo’s claim as “blatant lies”.
“My greatest surprise was to hear him state that Senator Ken Nnamani visited him to plead with him on behalf of a judge for the miscarriage of justice. This statement is a blatant lie. I do not know how Senator Abbo can boldly fabricate an event that never happened to buttress his allegation of judicial miscarriage against him,” he said.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I have never visited Senator Elisha Abbo at his house or anywhere. Up to this moment, I do not know where he lives. I have never discussed with him about his case, or any case pending or decided by any court of law in Nigeria.
“The only time I met with him was when he visited me in my house. It was more of a social visit by him. At this meeting, we never discussed his case or any case. I recall that when the matter of his political career came up, I advised him to avoid controversies as a young politician.
“The statements Senator Abbo made regarding me and his case are all fabrications. I believe I have had a sterling and distinguished public service career. I am determined to maintain my integrity and commitment to excellence till the end of my life.”
Heineken Lokpobiri, minister of state for petroleum resources, says the federal government plans to commence implementing the drill-or-drop provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Section 94 of the PIA gives operators a period of three years to begin oil production or relinquish the assets to the federal government.
Speaking during the Cross Industry Group (CIG) meeting held on Tuesday in Florence, Italy, Lokpobiri said it is in the best interest of the country that all inactive wells go to work.
He said the federal government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has provided every necessary incentive to ensure international oil companies (IOCs) in Nigeria run smoothly and profitably.
“Now, it is imperative for these industry players to match the government’s efforts with increased investment by announcing final investment decisions (FIDs),” he said.
Furthermore, Lokpobiri discussed “the challenges, expectations, and measures to enhance the sector’s contributions towards domestic energy needs and regional expansion across Sub-Saharan Africa”.
He emphasised that while IOCs have highlighted engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors as a challenge, “EPCs will not come unless they see strong commitments from industry players”.
“The government has done its part to provide the requisite and investment-friendly fiscals, the ball is now in the court of the IOCs and other operators to make strategic investment decisions that will drive increased production and sustainability in the sector,” he said.
“We must also recognise that domestic crude supply is essential to national energy security. The best solution to this challenge lies in increasing production, which will ensure a balance between domestic supply obligations and external commitments.”
The minister further urged industry players to explore collaborative measures, such as shared resources for contiguous assets and the release of underutilised assets to operators ready to invest in production.
The Progressive Students Movement (PSM), a leading Pan-African student body, has commended the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in Ogun State under Commissioner of Police (CP) Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, for its commitment to security and community engagement.
In a statement released on Thursday, the President of PSM Nigeria, Comrade Ambassador Okereafor Bestman, highlighted the CP’s efforts in strengthening collaboration between the police, stakeholders, and other security agencies to maintain peace and stability in the state.
“It is worthy of note that CP Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, has further fostered a harmonious working synergy between the police, stakeholders, and other security agents aimed at ensuring peace and tranquility in Ogun State,” Okereafor said.
The student leader expressed confidence in CP Ogunlowo’s leadership, stating that Ogun State is on track to becoming one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria under his administration.
He also praised the professionalism and dedication of the Ogun State Police Command in tackling crime, regardless of its scale.
Additionally, PSM acknowledged the Ogun State government’s continued support for security agencies, particularly in providing mobility and logistics to enhance their operational efficiency.
The commendation comes at a time when security remains a top priority for residents and authorities in the state, with ongoing efforts to curb crime and ensure public safety.