By YJ ITOPA
On the heels of the recent onslaught of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the youth and student wing of Odu Akowe Network has described the development as a needless distraction for the administration of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
In a press conference by the group in Lokoja, Kogi State capital on Tuesday, its spokesman, Noah Agada, noted that the enthronement of President Tinubu offered a ray of hope and renewed expectations for the teeming youths of the country as aptly encapsulated in the renewed hope agenda of the administration, noting however that the present onslaught against one of them in the person of Ex- Governor Bello, is an unacceptable assault on youths in the country.
Agada also reiterated that, “the activities of the EFFC as regards Kogi State in the recent weeks and months are constantly hindering the peace and development of the state” adding that it is “impeding on the focus of the Ododo administration, therefore, hampering the progress of the state.”
The group therefore called on the President to call the anti-graft agency to order and order them to refrain from distracting him (President Tinubu ) and Governor Ododo.
The group further remarked that, “the constant scrutiny of the past administration by the EFFC, masterminded by persons who are out to settle scores for personal political gains with the intent to persecute rather than prosecute the former Governor, is hindering the present administration from being purposeful and effective; urging therefore that, “let’s prioritise the future and development of our state.”
It recalled some of the salient achievements of the former Governor to state and national development, pointing out that he was at the forefront of the 2023 Presidential Election.
“Even after losing his bid for the presidency, he wore the garment of sportsman, campaigned for the APC, leading the youth structure to galvanise support for this government.
“If this is how loyalty and stewardship is rewarded, it is a direct signal to us that there is no reward system. This is because from all indications, former Governor Bello is being paid in a negative manner in spite of having contributed handsomely to the victory of the APC in the 2023 general elections”, the group averred.
The group further acknowledged the fact that as a youthful Governor, he had an undetached relationship with youth and student bodies across the country and also did a lot to empower women.
Also, the group recalled that while serving as Governor, Bello prioritised education and ensured that all tertiary institutions owned by the state, run uninterrupted academic calendar just as he gave priority to healthcare delivery, building state-of-the-art medical facilities across the state.
With the aforementioned in mind, the group urged the President and other critical stakeholders to wade in and halt the unprofessional conduct of the anti-graft agency against the former Governor.
It reminded the President that, “he who is silent in the face of oppression is an accomplice to oppression”, stressing that what should be paramount is how to attract development to the state, rather than allowing the anti-graft agency continue to harass the citizens and distract the present administration in the state.
It noted with concern that it was time to “shift focus from investigation to innovation and progress, adding that what is required now more than ever, is how to implement business-attraction programmes in order to create a more prosperous future for the country and its citizens.
While expressing implicit confidence in the President to positively turnaround the fortunes of the country, it described what the EFFC is doing as shadow-chasing and depletion of the country’s hard-earned resources.
On the country’s 64th anniversary, the group prayed that the milestone should inspire the citizens to work towards a brighter future, fostering peace, justice and prosperity for all.
