- Says his immunity has expired
The House of Representatives candidate for Dekina/Bassa in the just-concluded 2023 elections, Usman Okai Austin, has urged the Kogi State government to cease defending the state’s former governor, Yahaya Bello, over the diversion of state funds.
He also called on Bello to stop evading the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), stating that it’s time for the White Lion to demonstrate its lion spirit and special characteristics, or has the lion turned weak?
Okai, in response to a statement attributed to the State Commissioner of Information, Kingsley Fanwo, expressed that it’s improper for the state government to speak on behalf of Yahaya Bello, who is now an ordinary citizen like himself, Okada riders, wheelbarrow pushers, or any other hustlers from Kogi State.
In a statement shared with journalists in Abuja, the advocate of good governance remarked, “Lions are known for their bravery, strong hearts, and capacity to withstand any threat. The White Lion of Kogi’s inability to face his own foes is a grave concern to me.”
He emphasized that the government must realize that Bello’s immunity has expired, making him an ordinary man now.
He noted that previously, the former Governor behaved as if he was the ruler of all, referring to himself as the White Lion, symbolizing the unique king of the jungle. By implication, Kogi state was a jungle under the failed former Governor, but a true king of the jungle must possess unique and special attributes.
Speaking on the rumors of the former Governor’s unofficial office in Lugard House (Kogi Govt. House), at the popular presidential lodge, he pointed out that the lodge, built by Governor Ibrahim Idris for presidential visits to the state, is currently occupied by the former governor.
“Yahaya Bello is aware of the crimes and grievances of the people of Kogi State, including the workers, teachers, pensioners, local government, and state government workers. Bello should remember that blackmailing the EFCC and Kogites calling for an audit of his eight years of maladministration, fraud, and intentional errors will not guarantee him a safe landing.
“Yahaya Bello, as the White Lion, should not be limited to election rigging and fraudulent diversion of workers’ salaries, but should demonstrate the lion spirit by visiting his popular house in Zone 4, Abuja, and welcoming his neighbors to share the story of a governor’s life.
“Perhaps Yahaya Bello’s neighbors are interested in befriending the former Governor and hearing his story firsthand, rather than being harassed by numerous sirens and large convoys, wondering why their former Governor is still hidden away in one room in the Presidential Lodge in Lugard House,” he said.