By Abubakar Yunusa
A group under the auspices of ‘Concerned Citizens of EBIRALAND’ in Kogi Central Senatorial zone has rejected and strongly opposed the ambition and candidacy of former governor Yahaya Bello as the APC senatorial candidate in Kogi state.
Addressing journalists, Usman Musa Adabara, the leader of the group, said “we stand here today because we care deeply about the future of our state and the credibility of our democracy and our gathering is not motivated by hatred, personal attacks, or bitterness against any individual”.
According to Usman, “We are here to strongly express our opposition to the senatorial ambition of former Governor Yahaya Bello and to call on the APC leadership not to consider him for the Kogi Central Senatorial ticket”. “The protest before the public today is a call for conscience, accountability, and responsible leadership”.
Speaking further, Usman explained that, Yahaya Bello is surrounded by serious allegations, public distrust, and questions over his stewardship of Kogi State should not be rewarded with another opportunity to represent the people at the National Assembly.
“Kogi people deserve leaders with integrity, credibility, and respect for democratic processes”, he stressed.
Raising more concern, Usman said “The decision of former Governor Yahaya Bello to seek the senatorial ticket for Kogi Central has raised serious concerns among party members and ordinary citizens across the state”, as reports has it that, he allegedly avoided the APC screening process have deepened public suspicion and anger”.
Usman stated, “Screening is an important part of party democracy”, Every aspirant is expected to face the process openly and honestly, as avoiding such scrutiny damages public trust and creates the impression that some individuals believe they are above party rules and above accountability”. “Questions must also be asked about the moral burden surrounding his ambition at this time”.
“A former governor facing allegations and court matters connected to the handling of public funds should ordinarily focus on clearing his name before seeking another public office”.
“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has already taken legal action concerning allegations involving billions of naira meant for the people of Kogi State”. “Those issues remain matters of public concern and cannot simply be ignored because of political ambition”.
“The people of Kogi State endured eight difficult years under Yahaya Bello’s administration. Workers complained about unpaid salaries. Pensioners cried for relief, Young people struggled with unemployment and hardship, Communities across the state expected growth and development that never matched the enormous resources available to the government at the time, many citizens believe the state moved backwards during those years and such a record should not be rewarded with another opportunity to control public resources”, Usman emphasized.
Usman appeals to the conscience of the APC leadership to reject this ambition in the interest of justice, credibility, and the survival of the party in Kogi State and also call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the national leadership of the APC to carefully study the political mood in Kogi State, as anger against Yahaya Bello cuts across board in kogi central, because the people deserve leaders who will protect the people’s resources, defend the dignity of the state, and inspire confidence among the next generation.
Our message is simple and clear, the APC must not reward controversy, avoidable suspicion, and failed leadership with another public office. The future of Kogi State is too important for such a mistake to be repeated, he concluded.
