In a tumultuous political landscape, Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State finds himself in the eye of a storm as his reign is marred by controversy, allegations of poor governance, and divisive tactics.
According to Comrade Usman Austin Okai, ” the governor’s determined efforts to position a kinsman as his successor have raised eyebrows, even as his popularity wanes due to a track record of governance issues and a heavy-handed approach to politics”.
He said, “Governor Bello’s tenure has been marked by a series of setbacks, including a perceived betrayal of close political allies, an air of arrogance, allegations of corruption, and a harsh stance towards political opponents.
His policies have particularly targeted the Igala majority tribe, fostering an atmosphere of division and discord in Kogi State.
His divisive style of governance has left Kogi State deeply polarized, with ethnic cleavages becoming more pronounced”
He added, “Notably, Governor Bello’s own ethnic clan, the Ebirra, has not been immune to his controversial use of political power.
The reinstatement of Senator Natasha Akpoti and other kinsmen bears witness to this fact.
Bello’s ascent to power in Kogi State was tainted by allegations of electoral misconduct, violence, intimidation, and corruption.
His disregard for democratic norms and institutions has been a source of concern for many.
His actions have even extended to encroaching on religious and traditional institutions, eroding their sacred status.
The governor’s political empire, built on a foundation of violence, corruption, repression, and arrogance, now appears to be unraveling. With the loss of his political mentor, former President Muhammad Buhari, and his wife Aisha, his national political base has suffered a significant blow.
Additionally, his strained relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu within the APC primary elections has left him in a precarious position.
Furthermore, President Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring free, fair, and credible elections in upcoming off-season gubernatorial elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi States has added a new layer of complexity to Governor Bello’s political calculations.
His past reliance on political violence and corrupt practices in electoral processes may no longer be tenable.
Recent clashes between Governor Bello’s security aides and the Nigerian Military, an institution he previously leveraged for political gain, have further eroded his standing.
Now, he finds himself isolated and attempting to scapegoat prominent Igala individuals through spurious petitions and social media campaigns.
Despite these efforts, Governor Bello’s reputation is well-known, and his actions have not gone unnoticed by the public.
The Igala intelligentsia, and some personal from the west, senior civil servants, retired generals, and high-ranking security officials targeted by his campaigns are individuals of integrity and patriotism, both locally and internationally.
The legacy of Governor Yahaya Bello’s rule in Kogi State may be fraught with controversy and division.
However, the majority of Kogites take solace in the prospect of his imminent departure from power and a diminished political influence, both within the state and on the national stage.
The self-imposed emperor’s time in the spotlight may soon come to an end, leaving Kogi State to move forward and heal”.
