Former Governor Yahaya Bello’s recent handover of power to his ‘protege’ Mr. Ododo Ahmed Usman as the governor of Kogi State stands as a testament to the depths of corruption and manipulation in Nigerian politics. This transfer of power, facilitated by one of the most controversial and manipulated elections in the country’s history, serves as a glaring example of Bello’s willingness to exploit and undermine the democratic process for his own gain.
The election, which saw an unprecedented voter turnout of 99.9% in the Okene local government, is a clear indication of the fraudulent tactics employed by Bello and his cronies. Such an astronomical turnout, combined with a total number of votes that surpassed the combined total of 15 other local governments, can only be described as nothing short of magical – magical in the sense of being utterly preposterous and fraudulent.
Furthermore, reports of officials and APC party members being caught with pre-filled results sheets in favour of the Ododo GYB candidate before the commencement of the election in several local governments in Kogi central, only serve to highlight the extent of the manipulation and corruption that has become synonymous with Bello’s political machinations. This blatant disregard for the principles of free and fair elections is a slap in the face of democracy and a betrayal of the trust placed in elected officials to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.
The actions of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in response to the election further underscore the flagrant abuse of power and the erosion of democratic norms. INEC’s decision to suspend the election and promise swift action, only to reverse course and announce the same election results after a mere 24 hours, reeks of complicity and casts a dark shadow over the credibility of the electoral commission. This sequence of events is nothing short of magical – a twisted illusion that exposes the hollowness of Nigeria’s electoral watchdog and the contempt with which it treats the Nigerian people.
Yahaya Bello’s habitual manipulation of the system and his shameless disregard for the rule of law are not only an affront to the people of Kogi State but to all Nigerians who cherish the principles of democracy and good governance. His actions serve as a chilling reminder of the pervasive culture of corruption and impunity that continues to plague the Nigerian political landscape.
It is imperative that the citizens of Kogi State and Nigeria at large rise up and condemn in the strongest terms the subversion of their democratic rights and the hijacking of their political destiny by unscrupulous individuals like Yahaya Bello. The future of the nation cannot be held captive by those who seek to exploit the system for their own selfish ends.
The recent events following the sham election in Kogi State serve as a distressing testament to the flagrant disregard for the rule of law and the descent into lawlessness under the leadership of Yahaya Bello. The orchestrated protests led by Bello’s sponsored thugs and faceless groups, which culminated in the violent attack on the election tribunal and the cowardly assault on the secretary to the tribunal, represent a new low in the annals of Nigerian politics.
The brazen act of forcibly retrieving and destroying the petitions submitted to the tribunal, coupled with the physical assault on tribunal officials, is not only an affront to the principles of justice but a direct assault on the democratic rights of the people of Kogi State. Bello’s contempt for due process and the impartial adjudication of electoral disputes reeks of tyranny and autocracy, and serves as a stark reminder of the erosion of democratic values in Nigeria.
The subsequent accusations leveled against the tribunal, alleging the late receipt of petitions from opposition and petitioners, only serve to highlight the audacious attempts by Bello and his cohorts to manipulate the narrative and subvert the course of justice. Such baseless accusations and the resort to thuggery and violence to achieve their aims expose the depths to which Bello and his allies are willing to sink in order to maintain their stranglehold on power.
The wanton destruction of tribunal materials and the brazen attack on the residence of the INEC resident commissioner, who refused to yield to their unlawful demands, is a clear demonstration of the lawlessness and impunity that has come to define Kogi State under Bello’s rule. The international community and the entire nation cannot help but view Kogi State with dismay and concern, as the actions of Bello’s regime paint a grim picture of a state held captive by the forces of thuggery and intimidation.
The world is witnessing the unraveling of the rule of law and the subversion of democratic institutions in Kogi State, and the implications are deeply troubling. The erosion of trust in the electoral process, the stifling of dissent, and the violent suppression of opposition voices are not only an indictment of Bello’s leadership but a stain on the collective conscience of Nigeria.
It is imperative that the people of Kogi State and all well-meaning Nigerians rise up against this tyranny and refuse to be cowed by the tactics of intimidation and violence employed by Bello and his cohorts. The future of the state and the nation as a whole cannot be held hostage by the whims of a few power-hungry individuals who are bent on perpetuating their reign through brute force and thuggery.
The latest maneuvers by Yahaya Bello to thwart the efforts of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from carrying out its mandate represent a troubling escalation in the erosion of accountability and the rule of law in Nigeria. Bello’s recruitment of faceless groups and the shameless defense mounted by the Kogi State Government to shield him from accountability for alleged financial impropriety is a clear affront to the principles of justice and the authority of law enforcement agencies.
The audacious threats issued by purported groups such as “Kogi in Diaspora” and “Concerned Citizens” to shut down the EFCC should it dare to invite Bello for questioning are nothing short of an open challenge to the rule of law. Bello’s brazen attempts to cloak himself in impunity and evade scrutiny by leveraging these shadowy organizations is a direct assault on the integrity of Nigeria’s law enforcement and anti-corruption efforts.
The complicity of the Kogi State Government in shielding Bello from accountability, while vehemently denying any financial impropriety under his administration, further underscores the depth of the rot that has taken hold in the state. The coordinated efforts to obstruct the work of the EFCC and the blatant disregard for the due process of law represent a dangerous trend that undermines the very fabric of justice and accountability in Nigeria.
The implications of allowing Bello’s rogue behavior to go unchecked are dire and far-reaching. If the government at the center fails to take decisive action to uphold the rule of law and ensure accountability for all, it sets a dangerous precedent that threatens the very foundation of justice in the country. Allowing individuals like Yahaya Bello to operate above the law sends a chilling message that no one is beyond reproach, and that the powerful can act with impunity, free from the constraints of accountability.
The world cannot stand idly by as the rule of law is trampled upon and justice is held hostage by those who seek to evade scrutiny and accountability. The continued defiance of law enforcement agencies and the shameless manipulation of the system by individuals like Bello must be met with unwavering resolve and a steadfast commitment to upholding the principles of justice and transparency.
The actions of Yahaya Bello and his cohorts represent a direct threat to the rule of law and the integrity of Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts. It is incumbent upon the government at the center to demonstrate its commitment to justice and accountability by holding all individuals, regardless of their status or influence, to the same standards of scrutiny and accountability. The future of the country depends on its ability to uphold the rule of law and ensure that justice prevails, without fear or favour.
*An oped* by Mr. S.B. Ojobi
Cheshire , United Kingdom
08/February/2024