The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has made serious allegations against Governor Yahaya Bello, accusing him of sponsoring attacks on its members in the lead-up to the Kogi State governorship election.
Muritala Yakubu Ajaka, the SDP flagbearer, is considered to be one of the frontrunners in the governorship race, as reported by Media Talk Africa.
A Plea for Intervention
During a press conference held in Lokoja on Wednesday, Isaiah Davies Ibele, the Director General of the Muri/Sam Campaign Council’s New Media department, appealed to President Bola Tinubu, security agencies, and the international community to intervene and call Governor Bello to order.
Ibele expressed concern about the worsening security situation in Kogi State, stating, “We cannot ignore the issues of the percentage of salaries our workers have been receiving under Bello’s administration for over seven years. He is using his Local Government Chairman to oppress and attack our supporters. SDP cannot be intimidated by this wicked government led by Governor Bello, known for his track record of bad leadership, thuggery, oppression, and underperformance.”
A Challenge for the Opposition
Ibele further challenged the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Usman Ahmed Ododo, to a live debate. He claimed that the people of Kogi State have already made up their minds to remove the ruling party from power.
Adding to the SDP’s grievances, Sheikh Ibrahim, a prominent party member, stated, “We can no longer sleep soundly. Our supporters are being attacked and killed in various parts of Kogi East, including Lokoja, Ankpa, Ugwolawo, Oforachi, Dekina Town, Umomi, and Emewe Opada. The successor that Yahaya Bello is endorsing now is worse than him. We refuse to live in fear within our own state. Kogites have made it clear that all they want is Muritala Yakubu Ajaka.”
Government’s Response
Responding to the allegations, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting all the people of the state, regardless of their political affiliations.
Fanwo stated, “Allegations without proof hold no weight. As a government, our priority is providing a conducive environment for everyone to go about their business. The SDP is a collection of sore losers who are simply lamenting their failures rather than focusing on constructive action. We will not entertain their baseless claims, their blatant lies, or their lack of direction.”
As the Kogi State gubernatorial election draws near, the accusations and counter-accusations between political parties continue to escalate. The people of Kogi will ultimately decide the fate of the state, casting their votes in the hopes of securing a more prosperous and peaceful future.
