At a joint press conference held at the IBB NUJ Conference Center in Minna on Wednesday, the Northern Youth Movement for Good Governance & Democratic Values and the North Central Progressives Voice described the accusations as baseless, lacking logic, and politically motivated.
The controversy began when certain blogs reported that the Northern Ethnic Youth Group Assembly (NEYGA) had urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene in what they described as Governor Ododo’s interference with the EFCC’s investigation.
These reports alleged that Governor Ododo had been protecting former Governor Yahaya Bello, who is purportedly wanted by the EFCC.
According to these claims, Ododo used his immunity to shield Bello and lobbied influential figures in Abuja to secure his protection.
NEYGA’s spokesperson, Ibrahim Dan-Musa, accused Governor Ododo of abusing his powers to shield Bello.
The statement further alleged that during the Sallah celebrations in Okene, Governor Ododo’s convoy facilitated Bello’s return and departure from his hiding place at the government house.
The NEYGA statement revealed various alleged crimes committed during Bello’s tenure, including abductions and misappropriation of state resources.
Reacting to these allegations, the Northern Youth Movement for Good Governance & Democratic Values and the North Central Progressive Voice held a press conference to refute the claims.
Alhaji Abubakar Mansur Muhammed and Comrade Maji Idris Chachanga, spokesmen for the coalition, labeled the news as “fake and unfounded,” stating that the reports were a product of opposition party propaganda aimed at discrediting Governor Ododo following their defeat in the recent gubernatorial elections.
Muhammed and Chachanga stated that their coalition, recognized as the authoritative voice of the northern region’s stakeholders and elders, had recently conducted consultations across northern states.
They affirmed substantial support for Yahaya Bello, whom they described as a dedicated leader who has significantly contributed to the development of Kogi and the northern region.
The coalition urged Nigerians to disregard what they termed “fake news by a faceless group” propagated by opposition blogs.
They stated that all recognized socio-political groups in the North stood firmly behind Bello and Ododo.
The coalition appealed to President Tinubu to investigate the alleged harassment of Bello by the EFCC, suggesting that the accusations were politically motivated.
They lauded Bello for laying a solid foundation for Kogi and for his substantial contributions to the region’s development.
The coalition reiterated their commitment to supporting leaders who prioritize the welfare of their citizens and uphold transparency and accountability.
They stated the importance of unity and vigilance in the fight against corruption, expressing unwavering support for the EFCC’s efforts to combat corruption but warned against allowing political motivations to undermine these efforts.
The groups vowed to continue monitoring the situation in Kogi closely and called on the people of Kogi State to reject politicians who prioritize personal interests over public welfare.
As the debate continues, the contrasting narratives from NEYGA and the Northern coalition reflect the deep political divisions in Kogi.
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