***Urges anti-graft agency to ensure justice in the corruption probe

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate in the 2023 Kogi State gubernatorial election, Alhaji Murtala Yakubu Ajaka, has praised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for arresting former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello over alleged corruption during his administration from 2016 to 2024.

Ajaka described the EFCC’s action as a bold step toward justice and accountability, urging the commission to conduct a comprehensive investigation.
He recommended probing local government officials, members of the Kogi State House of Assembly, and Yahaya Bello’s asset declarations to ensure a strong case.

He also warned against any potential deals for Bello’s release, emphasizing that Kogi citizens demand transparency and justice. Ajaka underscored the need to recover stolen funds for the state’s development and highlighted the unity among Kogi’s diverse ethnic groups in seeking justice.
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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, emphasizing 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.

END

A pro-democracy group, THE CITIZENS, has expressed its appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to tackling Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.
The group, during a press conference in Abuja on Monday, commended the federal government, as well as the judiciary, for their support in strengthening democracy.
They specifically highlighted the recent judicial pronouncements affirming the financial autonomy of local governments and the legal status of key anti-corruption agencies such as the EFCC, ICPC, and NFIU.
In their statement, the group condemned the actions of certain individuals, believed to be paid agents, who have been attempting to tarnish the reputation of key figures in the current administration.
They expressed particular support for Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, commending his diligence and loyalty to President Tinubu.

The statement reads in part: “We urge the federal government to consider amending our laws to control the spread of false information, cyber-bullying, and criminal defamation of character through both print and social media channels. These activities could disrupt public peace.”

The group also expressed concern over the campaign of calumny aimed at high-ranking officials like the National Security Adviser (NSA), Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister.
They believe this smear campaign is driven by political interests ahead of the 2027 General Elections, with figures like Jackson Ude identified as key players in this effort.

Femi Gbajabiamila was particularly praised for his longstanding commitment to integrity and due process. The group pointed to his rejection of the National Honours Award as a symbolic act to advocate for prioritizing the welfare of Nigerians, following in the footsteps of other notable figures such as Chinua Achebe and Prof.
Alele-Williams. Additionally, they highlighted Gbajabiamila’s leadership in the 2007 Movement within the House of Representatives, which helped defeat the controversial Third-Term Agenda.

In their assessment, Gbajabiamila’s integrity and impeccable character make him one of Nigeria’s finest legislators. The group expressed its readiness to support the government in ensuring the country’s progress.

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of THE CITIZENS, Nnanna Raphael Igbokwe, also voiced strong support for Gbajabiamila, stating that the attacks against him were orchestrated by mercantile agents who opposed his stance on defining consensus candidates in the 2022 Electoral Act.
Igbokwe noted that Gbajabiamila’s firm stance on democratic principles, which insisted that candidates should emerge through primaries rather than subjective decisions, was a clear demonstration of his dedication to democracy.

Other members of the Board of Trustees of THE CITIZENS present at the press conference included Dr. Ibrahim Olaifa, Hon. Lawal Abubakar, Hon. Matthew Omeghara, and Dr. Elijah Auta.

In closing, the group reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the government at all levels, with a focus

The Obidient Movement, led by Dr. Yunusa Tanko, has issued a press statement condemning the circulation of false social media posts attributed to Senator Datti-Baba Ahmed. The fabricated posts, which have gone viral, are described as part of a deliberate smear campaign aimed at damaging the Senator’s reputation.

The movement clarified that Senator Datti-Baba Ahmed does not operate any social media accounts, making all attributed posts entirely baseless. During a recent press conference, the Senator unequivocally dissociated himself from these claims and urged the public to disregard them.

“This is a targeted attempt to tarnish the Senator’s image and credibility,” Dr. Tanko stated.

The Obidient Movement has called on its supporters and the public to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing the issue. They urged people to ignore, counter, and report the false posts whenever they appear.

The statement concluded with an appeal for continued support and collaboration in combating misinformation, reinforcing the movement’s commitment to truth and integrity.