Kogi guber poll: SDP accuses Yahaya Bello of sponsoring attacks on members

By Christiana Ekpa

The Social Democratic Party (SDP), has accused Governor Yahaya Bello of sponsoring attacks on its members ahead of the governorship election in Kogi State.
Addressing a press conference in Lokoja yesterday, the Director General, New Media, Muri/Sam Campaign Council, Isaiah Davies Ibele, appealed to President Bola Tinubu, security agencies and the international community to call Bello to order.
Noting that the security situation in Kogi State is getting out of hand, the SDP chieftain said, “Are we talking of percentage salaries our workers are collecting in Kogi State under Bello’s administration for more than seven years?
“He is using his Local Government Chairman to oppress and attack our supporters. The world should come to our aide because SDP cannot be intimidated by this wicked g overnment led by Governor Bello whose track records is bad leadership, thuggery, oppression and under performing.”
He challenged the APC governorship candidate, Usman Ahmed Ododo, to a live debate, insisting that Kogites have made up their mind to sack the ruling party.
Also speaking, an SDP leader, Sheikh Ibrahim, said,”We can no longer sleep with our two eyes closed. They are attacking and killing our supporters in Lokoja, Ankpa, Ugwolawo, Oforachi, Dekina Town, Umomi, Emewe Opada and other parts of Kogi East.
” The worst of Yahaya Bello is better than the successor he is bringing now. We are not in a banana republic. We can’t continue to leave in fear in our own state.
“A man who can’t pay salaries, secure his people and has made Lokoja the worst state capital is not fit to bring a candidate who will complicate Kogites problem.
“Election is not war. It is what you have and market. Kogites have decided that all what they want is Muritala Yakubu Ajaka.”
Responding to the allegations, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, noted that the government’s priority is protecting all the people of Kogi State, irrespective of political leanings.
He said, “Allegations without proof are as good as no allegations. As a government, our concern and responsibility is to create an enabling environment for all to pursue their normal businesses.
“The SDP is a nest of funny birds that cry by the pain of their losses rather than the action of anyone. We won’t glorify them and we won’t be dragged into their frivolities, gaping lies and lack of direction.