*A REJOINDER BY THE ASSOCIATION OF PATRIOTS FOR PEACE, UNITY & PROSPERITY OF KOGI EAST (ASSPUPP)*
*PRESS RELEASE
Date: 18th May, 2024
*A REJOINDER BY THE ASSOCIATION OF PATRIOTS FOR PEACE, UNITY & PROSPERITY OF KOGI EAST (ASSPUPP)*
*A response to the Self-Styled Kogi East APC Stakeholders: An ill-timed & Misguided Appraisal of corrupt politicians*
The Association wishes to first lend its voice to the ongoing national advocacy in solidarity with the Economic & Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over its continued diligent prosecution of politically exposed corrupt officials at all levels of governance and with particular reference to Kogi State’s ex-Governor, Alh. Yahaya Adoza Bello.
Our commendation also goes to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi SAN, whose office made an official press release detesting the resistance to the attempt of the EFCC to arrest FGYB, orchestrated by his killer squads who obstructed the EFCC during the enforcement of a valid court warrant of arrest instrument obtained against FGYB. We thank and appreciate the chief law officer of the federation for his prompt and ethical response and interpretation of the position of the law as it concerns resisting arrest by a lawful agent of a state like EFCC. Such an official response has further proven to Nigerians of the resolute determination of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for the rule of law.
Indeed we further resolve to stand by the anti-graft Agency towards the sensitization and education of citizens on the importance of the commission in the quest to rid Nigeria of all cases of corruption and money laundering which has hitherto impoverished the majority of citizens.
Conscious of the fact that no man in his right frame of mine and who understand the dire consequences and calamities that has befallen our nation occasioned by corruption of the political elites and their foreign collaborators would support the working of this God given commission except hypocrites and beneficiaries of proceeds of corruption, we have unanimously resolved to condemn the purported recent press release by a group of expired and outdated APC elders from Kogi East giving kudos and praises to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo in his empty voyage of 100 days in office with nothing tangible to show as an indicator of performance going forward.
Members of the so-called Eastern stakeholders of APC had at various times visited former President Mohammadu Buhari and the then National Chairman of the APC Alh. Abdullahi Adamu in Abuja similarly made a press released concerning the tyranny of the past governor and his massive political persecutions and killings of his own people and a need for the President to call him to order. We are amazed that as to what is now leading this said purported vote of confidence on former Governor Yahaya Bello, whose corruption allegation has dominated media space both within and outside the shores of Nigeria today.
How on earth will the same shameless, visionless and self seeking political stakeholders from the East deny what is already in the public domain regarding how the same FGYB allegedly paid $720,000 in advance as fees for five of his children from the coffers of the Kogi State Government. The American International School Abuja have already returned the sum to EFCC for safe custody pending the final forfeiture to the state government. What then is the moral justification for the said solidarity for the former governor and the fictitious vote of confidence on a governor that has just commenced work. This is hypocritical indeed.
Our Association hereby unequivocally condemns the press statement by this group, identifying itself as the *”Kogi East APC Stakeholders.”* We denounce them in strong terms and without reservation declare that their intention is an exercises in futility, as Kogites especially the most marginalized Kogi Eastern people are united in support of the ongoing investigation of the former Governor of Kogi state and his cronies.
At a time when the people of Kogi State await judicial resolution, it is highly inappropriate to attempt to sway public opinions or overheat the policy just for their selfish interest with premature and politically motivated statements having got mobilized financially by their paid masters.
The tribunal’s impending decision demands sobriety and respect for the judicial process, not grandstanding by vested interests such as the so called elders of a Political party that has brought so much hunger, starvation and stagnation to our dear lives.
Moreover, the premature vote of confidence passed on Governor Usman Ododo’s four-month-old administration raises significant concerns. In a tenure that is yet to substantiate its impact, the governor’s accomplishments are disappointingly superficial, centering around visits to the National Security Adviser, hosting courtesy calls, and personal hometown visits. This hardly constitutes the robust and transformative leadership the people of Kogi State and our heros past envisaged for our dear state.
The people of Kogi East have spoken decisively through their votes, reflecting a broad discontent with the APC’s governance under Yahaya Bello due to the level of marginalization and dehumanizing posture of ( FGYB) whose was marked by a reign of terror, with lives and properties of his perceived political enemies in Kogi East brought to rubbles and many lives of his own tribal men and women missing till today.
The alienation of our people, the lack of inclusion in significant State Ministries, and the exclusion from leadership roles in the three state-owned universities stand as glaring examples of systemic neglect and marginalization of Kogi East Igala/Bassa speaking people who remain the leading majority in the current kogi state equation.
The recent election was indeed a referendum on this dismal legacy, and the results speak volumes. The people of Kogi East have made it clear that they reject the politics of exclusion and terror. They demand governance that is inclusive, participatory and just and this never happened throughout the eight years of political brigandage under (FGYB)’s watch.
In view of the above, we call for a renewed commitment to peace, unity of purpose, and prosperity for all of Kogi East irespective of religions and political interests.
Let all hands be on deck in anticipation of the tribunal’s judgment with patience, respect, and let work together towards a secured future where all citizens are valued and included in the state’s governance process committed to the equitable development of all regions within the State.
This is our ultimate goal towards a prosperous and united Kogi state.
Finally, to *the so-called Kogi East APC stakeholders, we say this rather than attempting to manipulate public perception, it would serve you better to engage in genuine introspection.* Understand the reasons for your poor performance, which are not far-fetched.
Recognize the legitimate grievances of the people of Kogi East, who have been sidelined and victimized under the previous tyrant that value non except him and his family and tribal men and women at the detriment of other regions of Kogi State.
Signed:
Director,
Information, Research and Documentation