Obiora Agbasimalo the Labour Party Governorship candidate in the 2021 Anambra Gubernatorial elections was abducted on 18th September 2021, less than a month before the Guber elections and has been missing for four years now.

Mr. Agbasimalo was abducted at Lilu, a community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, while on a campaign tour to Azhia, a neighboring community in the LGA.

Mr. Agbasimalo commanding so much attention from his people during the brief campaign era was tentamount to an overwhelming connection of love, respect and admiration from his people; which had set him on a roller-coaster for victory in the race.

It is however unfortunate that a man of such outstanding disposition, with crystal intentions to rejig politicking, putting the interest of his people as paramount could be obliterated without any strong resistance.

Mr Agbasimalo who had resigned from Zenith Bank where he had a burgeoned career of almost two decades to reborn the narratives in his state would meet such devastating waterloo.

I want to use this medium to first, stand in solidarity with his family in this trying period, his lovely wife and children, siblings and all members of his family, in optimism for this dark page of their lives to come to an end soonest.

Secondly, to appeal to all relevant agencies in this matter, the Police Force, SSS, Agunechemba, youth groups, town unions, the ongoing legal process, to etch into every closet, uncovering everyone involved in this sheer act of wickedness, for Justice to prevail; and reunite Mr Agbasimalo back to his family.

We can’t attest for sure his present condition, but together regardless of party affiliations or religious partitions, we can actually unison our resources to jettison this evil menace cinching it’s non occurrence ever again.

This and other seeming evil are perpetuated because the security of Nigerians are not placed on the cadre of National importance, hence the reoccurring prevalent trend of kidnaps, abduction, murder, assassination, theft and other inhumane crime.

The future of this nation beckons on us all to leave whatever partition we have behind, collectively to build a Nigeria where security is topmost priority; Nigerians are safe and can carry out their obligations without fear of harrasment or abduction – this we know is POssible.

Dr. Yunusa Tanko
Nation Coordinator
OBIDIENT Movement

By Yushau A. Shuaib

My first encounter with Usman Ododo occurred at PRNigeria Centre Abuja in February 2021, exactly four years ago, when he sought strategic communication supports for Governor Yahaya Bello’s aspirations. He portrayed a committed and loyal aide, yet I found it peculiar that he never mentioned his own political ambitions.
It was through our legal adviser, the now Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Yunus Abdulsalam, who accompanied him, that I learned Ododo was likely to be the anointed candidate of then-Governor Yahaya Bello.

At the time, I struggled to understand how Yahaya Bello—a charismatic and high-profile governor—could endorse someone who struck me as remarkably humble and reserved, lacking the typical boastfulness and vainglory associated with Nigerian politicians. As the Auditor General for Local Governments, Usman Ododo had never served as a flamboyant commissioner in a lucrative ministry or as the chief executive of a prominent state agency.
Despite his low political profile, I later learned that he had been quietly supporting philanthropic initiatives through various groups and individuals, benefiting communities across the state. Interestingly, these efforts were often perceived as coming from Yahaya Bello himself, likely due to Ododo’s evident admiration for the governor.

A few days later, I received an invitation from a respected media colleague to attend a press engagement with Governor Yahaya Bello.
This encounter later became the subject of my article, “Governor Yahaya Bello for President of Nigeria?” In it, I reflected on our earlier acquaintance when he served as a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member and was subsequently offered automatic employment at the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC). At the time, I served as Head of Press and Public Relations from 1999 to 2005.

I noticed Bello’s intense publicity push, especially regarding his controversial stance on the COVID-19 pandemic, which he infamously downplayed as a “glorified malaria.” He consistently defied safety measures, opposed vaccination efforts, and countered public health narratives—actions that attracted significant media attention, similar to former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Despite facing a barrage of criticisms from formidable opposition forces both within and outside the state, which often cast him as a controversial figure and undermined his notable strides and achievements in empowerment, revenue generation, infrastructure development, and other areas, Yahaya Bello as an achiever remains one of the most misunderstood governors of the Buhari era.

During the meeting, I informed Yahaya Bello of Usman Ododo’s support for his presidential aspirations. In response, the governor smiled and downplayed Ododo’s role, saying, “Watch out for that guy… he is a perfect candidate for the future.”

Intrigued, I began researching Ododo’s background. Born on January 1, 1978, in Okene, he pursued academics at the Federal Polytechnic Bida, where he earned both a National Diploma and a Higher National Diploma in Accounting, later obtaining a B.Sc. in Accounting (Forensic) from Achievers University, Owo. His professional trajectory included positions as Assistant Manager of Revenue at the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) and Finance Manager at the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN). In 2016, Governor Yahaya Bello appointed him Auditor General of Local Governments in Kogi State. His financial management and compliance expertise earned him memberships in esteemed organisations such as the Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM), the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.

While serving as Auditor General, Ododo was nominated as the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and subsequently won the 2024 governorship election at age 46.

A defining aspect of Ododo’s character is his unwavering loyalty, humility, and sincerity. His deep allegiance to Bello has drawn both admiration and criticism. Many believe Bello’s endorsement of Ododo was a calculated move intended to preserve his political legacy and influence within the state.

As governor, Usman Ododo has demonstrated remarkable loyalty to his predecessor, even going so far as to assist Bello in evading scrutiny and arrest, as reported. Ododo’s administration largely mirrors Bello’s policies, emphasizing strong alignment with his predecessor’s political interests.

In a nation where anointed candidates often turn against their benefactors, Ododo’s steadfast loyalty to Yahaya Bello stands out as exceptional. His readiness to confront federal agencies, such the Economic and Financial Commission (EFCC), raises questions about his priorities. This loyalty is not merely political; it appears personal and calculated, though it comes with risks of potential political isolation and damage to reputation.

Despite not being particularly outspoken or inclined to grant press interviews, Ododo has been quietly impacting the state through infrastructure development, reconciliation with opposition groups, and fostering peaceful coexistence.

A recent executive summary of a monthly PRNigeria media review on Kogi State highlights a mix of positive efforts, security challenges, and political developments. The report indicates that Ododo’s administration is commended for budgetary allocations, welfare initiatives, and infrastructural projects, although security threats and political controversies dominate public discourse. The report suggested that strengthening security, project implementation and judicious utilisation of resources and strategic media relations will be vital for sustaining positive public perception and effective governance.

Meanwhile, to gauge the sentiments of Kogi indigenes, I consulted Mojeed Dahiru, a respected public commentator and columnist from Okene. He commented, “Ododo has a peaceful disposition… he views himself as a governor for all, striving to build consensus among political leaders, ethnic groups, and religious communities, even engaging with the opposition.”

Similarly, I reached out to Haruna Abdullahi Haruspice, a renowned social media influencer and Igala chieftaincy titleholder, to gain insight into Ododo’s leadership style. While praising the governor, Haruspice noted that he demonstrates a humane approach to leadership, marked by remarkable humility, particularly in the face of adversity and hostile environments. Moreover, he highlighted Ododo’s promising prospects for ensuring equitable distribution of government interventions across the state.

An Abuja-based youth activist, Shuaibu Omoolowo, described Usman Ododo as a leader who has demonstrated the potential to steer Kogi State toward a prosperous future. He noted that while Ododo remains loyal to the former Governor, who continues to serve as a guiding figure in his career, Bello’s influence does not interfere with his decision-making, allowing him to take independent actions and lead with autonomy.

Despite the commendations, concerns persist regarding perceived favoritism or nepotism, especially in appointments and resource allocation from some quarters.

The pathway ahead for Governor Usman Ododo requires a careful balance between loyalty and the democratic ideals of accountability to the people of Kogi State.

Someone once posed a simple yet profound question that remains unanswered: “In loyalty to Yahaya Bello, what does Ododo really want?”

Yushau A. Shuaib is the author of An Encounter with the Spymaster.” yashuaib@yashuaib.com

By Fred Itua

Crusoe Osagie, the mouthpiece of Godwin Obaseki, has once again exposed himself as nothing more than a desperate liar scrambling to whitewash eight years of abject failure. His latest outburst against Governor Okpebholo is not just laughable—it is the last kick of a drowning man trying to defend a political disaster.

Let’s be clear: Obaseki’s reign was a catastrophic betrayal of the people of Edo State. And Osagie, his attack dog, is nothing but a paid town crier peddling falsehoods in broad daylight.

Who is Crusoe Osagie, and why should anyone take him seriously? The former head of government media, who was often evasive, too busy to engage with journalists except when money is involved, and rarely available to highlight the administration’s ‘achievements’, has suddenly found his voice. Now, he appears to be an attention seeker—a political opportunist in search of relevance.

This is the same man who, in 2016, swore on his ancestors’ grave that Senator Adams Oshiomhole’s vision must be sustained through Obaseki. The same Osagie who, in 2020, turned around and called Oshiomhole all sort of unprintable names. Today, he is singing another tune because he has lost relevance.

Let’s break down the nonsense Osagie is laboring hard to sell.

1. Why is Obaseki Afraid of an Audit?

If Obaseki has nothing to hide, why is he so terrified of assets verification? Why is Osagie screaming like a guilty child caught stealing meat from the pot? Governor Okpebholo is simply asking for a review of how Edo’s assets were handled. But instead of providing facts, Osagie is jumping like a rattled rat.

We all know why.

The so-called “private-sector investments” were nothing but a front for Obaseki and his cronies to grab State assets. Lands meant for the public were cornered by friends of government under the guise of development projects.

The Benin Central Hospital was not just shut down—it was looted and converted for Obaseki’s selfish ambitions. What exactly is Obaseki hiding? Crusoe Osagie, go and tell your boss that no amount of wailing will stop the truth from coming out.

2. Osagie, You Want to Talk About Governance? Let’s Talk!

Osagie claimed that Okpebholo has failed in 90 days. Did he forget that his boss, Obaseki, spent his first tenure blaming Oshiomhole for everything under the sun? It took Obaseki two years to build a single road, yet Osagie wants us to judge Okpebholo in three months?

Obaseki spent eight years running Edo like a private empire, disrespecting elders, sidelining lawmakers, and fighting everyone.

Under Obaseki, public servants were treated like slaves—civil servants went years without promotions, and pensioners were left to die in frustration. Yet Osagie wants us to clap for failure. Never!

3. Benin Central Hospital: A Monument to Obaseki’s Wickedness

Osagie had the audacity to justify the destruction of the Benin Central Hospital. According to him, a renowned, historic hospital was shut down so that Obaseki could build a museum. A museum!

So, in Obaseki’s mind, tourists are more important than sick Edo citizens? Instead of fixing the health sector, he turned hospitals into political projects for his godless agenda.

Stella Obasanjo Hospital was underfunded, yet Osagie wants us to believe that Edo’s healthcare improved? This is pure wickedness. And only a soulless propagandist like Crusoe Osagie would dare to justify it.

4. Edo’s Debt Crisis: The Lies and the Facts

Crusoe assumed Edo people have forgotten? Let’s talk about the debt mess that his boss left behind.

Edo’s debt skyrocketed under Obaseki because he accessed reckless loans under the guise of investments. The State’s revenue remained stagnant, meaning Obaseki was borrowing money with no plan to pay it back.

Osagie wants us to believe that currency fluctuations are to blame? Then why are other States managing their finances better? Obaseki left Edo drowning in debt, and you think we will let that slide?

5. Radisson Hotel Scam—A National Disgrace

We have not forgotten about the Radisson Hotel scandal. Obaseki dubiously accessed State funds, built a hotel, and then handed it to “private investors.” Who are these investors? What process was used in selecting these briefcase investors? Why was Obaseki in a dubious hurry in the twilight of his satanic administration to conclude the hostile sell-off?

This was another well-orchestrated heist. But Edo people are watching.

6. The Betrayal of Edo Youths

Since Osagie loves to talk about governance, let’s talk about how his boss betrayed Edo youths.

He promised jobs, but delivered mass unemployment—the so-called EdoJobs program was a joke. He destroyed transport unions, leaving thousands of young people stranded without work. He turned Edo into a land of suffering while his own family and friends enjoyed State resources.

What legacy are you defending, Osagie? The legacy of hunger, hardship, and hopelessness?

Crusoe Osagie is nothing but an irresponsible, shameless and a political jobber trying to remain relevant. Known among journalists in Edo State as a petty tyrant who turned the Government House Press Unit into his personal estate, and used government powers to suppress and oppress them, his rant against Okpebholo is not about Edo—it is about his desperation to keep eating from Obaseki’s stolen wealth.

But Edo people have moved on. The era of lies is over. The era of propaganda is over. The era of deception is over and never again will Edo State experience an Obaseki nor Edo Journalists come in contact with an Osagie Crusoe – the sadist, kleptomaniac attack dog of a failed governor

*Crusoe can cry from now till 2027, but Obaseki’s legacy remains what it is: a complete disaster.*

*Fred Itua is the Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor.*