…alleges assassination attempt
By Our Reporter
Following the controversy over the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, the Nigerian Youth for Good Governance has warned that nothing unpleasant should happen to the current governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo.
At a press conference in Abuja, the National Coordinator of the group, Comrade Amos Otu, called on the federal government to trigger a comprehensive and thorough investigation over alleged ‘assassination attempt’ on the Kogi Governor by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
He expressed concern over what he described as the frequent invasion of the residence of the governor in search of former governor Yahaya Bello. This action, according to him, is capable of causing violent confrontation if not for the mature way the governor is handling the issue.
Otu noted: “Therefore, we ask the Federal Government to call the EFCC to order. There are laid down procedures for tackling issues such as investigation of financial crimes on the part of politically exposed persons. Governor Yahaya Bello had already made himself available at the EFCC offices. One only wonders why he was not taken into custody there?
“We are hereby sounding a warning that nothing should ever happen to both Governor Ododo and Former Governor Bello. These are some of the fountain heads of Nigeria’s march to progress. Governor Bello stands innocent in the eyes of the law until proven otherwise before the court of law. Attempts by the EFCC to put a tar on him through the backhand, will not succeed.
“Also, Governor Ododo is a sitting governor who deserves to be treated with decorum and respect as constitutionally-guaranteed. Any intrusion, unauthorized access and coercive activities in or around wherever he is, amounts to a coup against the people of Kogi and indeed, Nigeria.
“The Nigerian Youth for Good Governance strongly condemn the alleged assassination attempt on Governor Ododo by operatives of the EFCC who stormed the Kogi Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja. This brazen act is unacceptable and threatens the peace and stability of our dear state.
“We are deeply concerned about the manner in which the EFCC operatives carried out this operation, allegedly firing gun shots sporadically in an attempt to arrest former Governor Yahaya Bello. This Gestapo-like tactic is not only an affront to democracy but also puts the lives of innocent citizens at risk.
“The Nigerian Youth for Good Governance demands an immediate investigation into this incident and call on the relevant authorities to ensure the safety and security of Governor Ododo and all citizens of Kogi State.
“We will not tolerate any action(s) that undermine the rule of law and democratic principles.”
The National Coordinator of the group further stressed that: “We have every reason to believe that those who are carrying out a proxy war against Governor Bello are out to strike his successor in office as well.
“The law provides for immunity for governors and the President, not just their personalities but also their dwelling places. But how many times have the EFCC invaded the Government House Lokoja as well as official residences belonging to the Kogi State Government in search of former Governor Bello?
“In all of these occasions, and with the benefit of hindsight, we think were assassination attempts, breached the sacred provisions of privacy and immunity of Governor Usman Ododo, as provided for in the 1999 constitution as amended.”
