Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yayaha Bello, has issued queries to eight out of the nine Local Government Chairmen in the Eastern Senatorial District of the state. This action comes in response to their inability to secure victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in any local government during the recently concluded Governorship election.
The affected chairmen represent Omala, Ofu, Dekina, Ankpa, Olamaboro, Ibaji, Igalame/Odolu, and Idah local government areas. The governor raised these concerns during a stakeholders’ meeting held last week after the election, expressing his disappointment with the chairmen for not meeting the party’s expectations despite being mobilized for the task.
Governor Bello demanded explanations from the chairmen regarding the poor performance of the APC in their respective areas, despite being provided with transportation and logistical support. Sources at the event revealed that the Governor accused the chairmen of collecting undisclosed sums of money from the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaib Abubarkar Audu, under the guise of “mobilization votes.” This was in addition to the substantial funds given to them at the Government House before the election.
Highlighting the severity of the situation, Bello emphasized that the mobilization funds appeared to have been misappropriated, with little impact on the election outcome. He reportedly announced that a questionnaire would be sent to the chairmen, and they were required to submit their responses by midday on Tuesday.
While the chairmen’s official tenure is set to expire on December 12, 2023, there are indications that they may face dismissal before this date. Speculations also suggest the possibility of them being compelled to refund the mobilization funds they received prior to the election.