By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
Prominent writer and analyst Comrade Abdul Mohammed Lawal has raised critical questions regarding the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and its focus on Kogi State.
“Kogi State is already more dramatic than the average Kogite would prefer, but I wonder why the EFCC has chosen it as their stage. They appear to be following a script that serves vested interests, keeping the state’s name in the media spotlight and subjecting it to a media trial,” he stated.
“Have they lost their way in fulfilling their duties, or do the interests they aim to protect overshadow those of the sovereign Nigerian state? Is it merely a matter of keeping the ‘confluence state’ in focus, or is there a motive to tarnish the image of His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, to satisfy these interests?”
Lawal elaborated on the complexity of Kogi’s political landscape, saying, “The beauty of being a Kogite is that only a Kogite can truly understand the joy it brings, even in challenging times. Only someone who looks beyond our divisions can narrate the leadership journey of this remarkable state. Emotions and ethnic divides shape political engagement, but who can blame a diverse society structured like Nigeria itself? This complexity is part of the region’s trials and triumphs.”
“Kogi State was formed from a successful union of diverse interests, reaching a compromise to protect collective rather than individual ambitions, despite the understanding that benefits might not be equally shared. The Igala tribe of Kogi East experienced the most significant joy, having transitioned from a minority in the old Benue State to the majority among majorities.”
“The Igalas finally assumed leadership positions they had long sought but had been denied due to Tiv dominance in the old Benue. This leadership began with the short-lived civilian governance from 1991 to 1992 and continued into the 4th Republic, with notable governors such as Prince Abubakar Audu (1999–2003), Alhaji Ibrahim Idris (2003–2012), and Captain Idris Wada (2012–2016).”
“In 2016, Alhaji Yahaya Bello’s rise marked a significant shift, breaking the old order. What began as a deep loss for Kogi East transformed into an opportunity for Kogi Central to experience governance.”
“Bello’s tenure as the first non-Eastern Kogite governor brought both progress and challenges. It empowered youths and women and diminished the ethnic consciousness that had long dominated Kogi politics. However, it also stirred resentment from those accustomed to the old order, who believed their interests needed protection before anyone else could lead the state.”
“The recent actions of the EFCC against Bello may indicate a larger narrative of political interference. Beneath the legal charges lie struggles for power and personal interests at both state and federal levels. While the EFCC is tasked with combating corruption, it operates within a political climate that can influence its investigations. The timing and intensity of their actions against Bello have raised suspicions of political factions using the agency to settle scores.”
“Bello’s administration has inspired hope among minority groups, such as the Idomas and Igedes of Benue State, showing that they too can challenge the status quo in their regions. However, these groups must realize that the ethnic complexities in their states may present even greater challenges than those faced in Kogi.”
“Bello’s foray into national politics posed a threat to his detractors, especially those who believe former Kogi governors should remain just that—former. Throughout his eight years as governor, Bello emerged as a formidable force within the All Progressives Congress (APC), actively engaging in internal battles and establishing himself as a rising star in the North Central geopolitical zone.”
“There is a long-standing misconception about the North Central zone, often viewed as ‘not northern enough’ due to its ethnic diversity and religious tolerance. This perception stifles the region’s political talent, as their northern counterparts fear evolution. Yet, to the average Southern Nigerian, a North Central individual is regarded as a core Northerner, enjoying northern privileges. This dichotomy complicates the EFCC’s case against Bello.”
“The Igalas may mistakenly believe they are at odds with Bello’s political ideology, but they must recognize that many leading the charge are beneficiaries of the very system they now oppose. Kogi belongs to all of us, and these former allies turned foes are no more Igala than the average villager.”
“It is disheartening that the current EFCC chairman, a long-serving legal practitioner, has allowed the interests of a few to compromise the agency’s integrity. This was evident when an EFCC lawyer manipulated emotions in Bello’s case while simultaneously working on the 2023 Kogi gubernatorial tribunal case for the opposition. They referred to it as ‘killing two birds with one stone,’ but did this strategy damage the agency’s credibility?”
“The situation has been a regrettable display—from the siege on Bello’s Zone 4 residence without a warrant to protracted legal battles, culminating in a recent incident where a voluntarily declared wanted man was interrogated, only to be told to leave. That same night, EFCC operatives attempted to arrest him at Kogi House in Asokoro. Who are these paymasters, and who is advising the EFCC?”
“Dear Mr. Chairman, you may not come from a state where ethnic superiority defines politics, nor have you witnessed someone breaking free from it. But what the scriptwriters didn’t tell you is that the resilient Kogi spirit, embodied by His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, doesn’t break. These trials will only strengthen him as a politician, preparing him for national roles.”
“Though you may not hail from a disadvantaged geopolitical zone, every light from North Central must not be extinguished prematurely. The son of an average man from Agassa, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, will continue to carry that light forward.”
