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The world is full of all kinds of peddlers of falsehood but today, this part of the world witnessed a specie of a new breed of peddlers of falsehood that shame the very devil, the father of all lies and liars. These kind of peddlers of falsehood will haunt you down with lies and dare you to breath. Calls from various quarters have reached us seeking for explanations about story posted on "Kogireport.com" by one merchant and peddler of lies called Austin Okai and his minions. In a just one swipe without blinking eyes, they alleged a forms of lies beyond what you can possibly imagine under the sun. Starting from the overnight counting of ballots in the favor of their "boss", "importation" of thugs, disruption of the tribunal proceedings to the attack of Wada's vehicles and convoy. A whole lots of other shameless and unprintable lies were shamelessly made in the report. I don't have the kind of sue generis depravity of the peddlers to reproduce them

By Solomon Onuvaiye IT MUST be on record that His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello is the fountain of leadership equity in Nigeria. True to his inaugural speech, Governor Yahaya belongs to NO one and belongs to ALL. His breaking the jinx had translated to many facets. He is the first elected governor from the central of Kogi state. He's the first to execute successful power shift from the East. He is also the first to dash the juiciest and most security conscious appointment to a native far from his own. His benefactors disposition to such genuinty is one thing that should score GYB's confidence on his sole opinion. The chief of staff's hullabaloo may not die so easily if its translating into sentimental empowerment widening the gap we so desire to close. I hope his choice is so wise enough to fill the round holes with a round peg. Our amiable Governor is also undoubtedly a man of peace. What will you say of his flowing milk of words following the demolition of the sh

The political taxi of Kogi state was given to the Ebira, Igala, Okun, Nupe, Ogori, Magongo, Oworo and Eggan people on 27th August, 1991 by the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The first political driver of the state, Danladi Mohammed Zakari was employed by the federal government to drive over two million kogites to their destinations. Mr. Zakari drove the taxi for 6months before he handed it over to Late Prince Abubakar Audu in January, 1992. Prince Abubakar Audu being part of those who had advocated for the creation of Kogi state and a notable son of the soil, was invited to take over the taxi which he drove for less than two years before the federal government forced other drivers on us – Colonel Paul Omeruo (December, 9, 1993 – August, 22, 1996), Colonel Bzigu Afakirya (August 22, 1996 – August, 1998), Augustine Aniebo (August, 1998 – May, 1999). Because of the confidence Kogi people have on Audu driving skills, he was handed over the key of the taxi on May, 29, 1999. Audu drove the

B y Dr. Ozohu-Suleiman After the euphoria that greeted his emergence and eventual inauguration as governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello is gradually settling down to the business of governing the state. There is no doubt that Nigeria’s  youngest governor is taking on the enormous task of putting life to the long-held hopes and aspirations of the people of Kogi State for an inclusive government that will deliver socio-economic development to lift them out of the deprivation they have endured under the past administration. With high expectations birthed by the ‘new direction’ agenda in Kogi State, many in the state are waiting to taste the pudding as promised abundantly in the inaugural address of the governor.   Like the old maxim, the true test of a political leader is not how well he campaigned, but how effectively he is able to meet the responsibilities of the office. Although Bello’s emergence is widely seen as divinely ordained, nothing will make his time in Lugard

I must use this medium to first and foremost congratulate his excellency Alh. Yahaya Bello of his victory despite all hurdles surrounding the last gubernatorial election in Kogi state as it is written in the holy book that power belongs to God and he bestow on who he deem fit. I must commend his excellency for his first decision by reinstating the sacked LG chairmen in Kogi state following a judgement of the court of appeal ordering the reinstatement, its a good development for the nations rule of law in a sane Democratic settings. Considering the state of disrepair some public institutions in Kogi state have been from time past urgent attention and reformation is needed before the total collapse of the key governmental institution, and in carrying out this tedious task all hand must be on deck. In my last article I pointed out areas in which Kogi state has been relegated development wise due to the mismanagement of the previous administration. Kogi state is blessed with so many na

It is not just today we heard that Simon is being tipped as Deputy to Yahaya Bello. Even the party consented to it some three weeks ago. We do not know why the issue was suspended. This type of report is part of the grand design and conspiracy to create hatred and animosity for the embattled Governor Yahaya Bello as if he is recalcitrant. Such use of hate adjectives as snubs, defies, etc in the Report are still part of the on going conspiracy to fight Yahaya Bello for no just cause other than hatred and animosity. Let it be placed on record that whether the Report is true or not, it is still the same fifth columnists that have been causing confusion in the political dispensation of Kogi state. So, it very easy for such fifth columnists to be hired for a fee so as to cause animosity and hatred among the ranks and files of the party caucus in their Report of so called happenings in Kogi state. Such fifth columnists are planted in our media and law profession who pretend to make th

By Bello Support Organization The statement by the Nigerian Labour Congress against the efforts of Kogi State Government at sanitizing the civil service, is the peak of recklessness and irresponsibility. The plight of Kogi workers was the first the Executive Governor faced on assumption of office. Over the last 24 hours, the Media Team of the Governor has been on top of its game, trying to enlighten the people that the decision to make staff verification a precondition for salary payment is meant at ensuring that genuine salaries are not deprived of their entitlement by ghost workers. Kogi State cannot continue to pay 2.8 billion on salaries to a workforce dotted by high number of ghost workers. I know that labour was instigated to attack the government by forces who are about to be exposed by the verification exercise.  The public should ask labour why they are afraid of identifying themselves before they take their salaries. We know the people who are aggrieved by the new syst

By Bello Support Organization The statement by the Nigerian Labour Congress against the efforts of Kogi State Government at sanitizing the civil service, is the peak of recklessness and irresponsibility. The plight of Kogi workers was the first the Executive Governor faced on assumption of office. Over the last 24 hours, the Media Team of the Governor has been on top of its game, trying to enlighten the people that the decision to make staff verification a precondition for salary payment is meant at ensuring that genuine salaries are not deprived of their entitlement by ghost workers. Kogi State cannot continue to pay 2.8 billion on salaries to a workforce dotted by high number of ghost workers. I know that labour was instigated to attack the government by forces who are about to be exposed by the verification exercise.  The public should ask labour why they are afraid of identifying themselves before they take their salaries. We know the people who are aggrieved by the new syst

Yahaya Bello, the executive Governor of Kogi State has been applauded for his gallantry take off and swift stroke against oppression and injustice by reversing the politically motivated sack of Local Government chairmen by the immediate past Governor, Capt. Idris Wada Rtd. This commendation was made by a foremost socio-political group; TeamAOA, in a cursory assessment of the progresses made by the new government. TeamAOA, a forum dedicated to the struggle for Ebira political emancipation  submitted that the reinstatement of these sacked LG chairmen is a master-stroke of Valor which has again deepened our trust in the leadership of Yahaya Bello. In a statement issued by the General Secretary of TeamAOA, Moon Onimisi Bakar, the group posited that the reinstatement of the sacked chairmen is an strong indication that the government of Yahaya Bello will give no tolerance to injustice and Executive high handedness. "This is a first step into positive leadership. A step in the right

By Abdulrazaq Mamman Oganya All praises be to God almighty the most high, the most compassionate and the merciful. Thank you for this unimaginable miracle. You are indeed the custodian of life, time, hours and events. While I congratulate the newest and youngest governor ALh. Yahaya Adoza Bello, Atei azi anebira and good people of Kogi State in general. Its also very worthy to reflect on our past on this journey in order to learn for the future. This is what is refer to as "Planning" in administrative management and of course as the golden rule says "when you fail to plan, you are planning to fail". The quest for POWER-SHIFT has occupied the front burner for close to two decades now, most particularly after the expiration of Prince Abubakar Audu's first tenure. There are many causes to this agitation. This includes lack of freedom and choice to determine our destiny even at local level. We have had funny scenario where the former governor came all the way t

CALL FOR EBIRA SUMMIT: ANEBIRA(KOGI CENTRAL) BEFORE WE LOOSE IT ALL IN THE EUPHORIA OF CELEBRATIONS . Let me start by congratulating the good but traumatised people of Kogi State and especially the other two zones(Central and West) whose dream has just been approved by God, on the swearing in and inauguration of Alh. Yahaya Bello and a new govt. I pray that God gives this young man, sound health and the wisdom to drive d process of governance in what has come to be described as a mini Nigeria, Kogi state. History has shown from almost all facets of life that "those who fail to plan, only plan to fail". Successive regimes in the state fail to achieve so much because they were ushered in without plans, most of this leaders were drafted into d race and they hv no clear cut vision, no wonder their score card was not only below average but abysmal. I believe that as a citizen and a student of Leadership, I owe it as a responsibility to contribute however little to the developme

By Jude Salawu On August 29, 2015 Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El–Rufai, who served as returning officer at the All Progressives Congress governorship primary election in Kogi State surprised many people at the Confluence Stadium in the state capital Lokoja by casting lots to determine contestants’ identities using numbers rather than names because, as he reasoned, the low level of literacy among party delegates would occasion confusion if aspirants’ names were used by voters to select their choice while voting. The late Abubakar Audu was given the first choice on account of his being an elder in the party. Audu picked number seven. About ten other contestants picked in turns before Governor-elect, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, was given the chance to make his pick. And he picked Number One! Thereafter the election went on smoothly and a winner declared in the early hours of Sunday the 30th of November. Abubakar Audu had won and Yahaya Bello came second. Shortly after Audu’s vi

By Basit Imam Dankudi The Inauguration Events for Governor Elect Alhaji Adoza Yahaya Bello. The 4th Executive Governor of Kogi State. My warmest greetings to Ebira Opete, Ebira Etuno, Ebira Agatu, Ebira Toto, to all our great ancestors and all our brothers and Sisters, the Igalas, the Okuns and all other stakeholders in Kogi State and beyond. Once again, I great you all. This victory we are about to celebrate is a victory for all Kogi people. Alhaji Adoza Yahaya Bello's victory is ordained by God almighty and anointed. His success is for all Kogites regardless of tribe, religion, ethnicity, sex or race. By his own words: I will run an inclusive government where everyone is a partner in the democratic process of our state. As we prepare for this historic event, I wish to appeal to everyone to make this event a pageant one, for peace and security. We want everyone to participate with love and compassion to make it the best in the history of the state. It is time to extend ha

By comrade Abubakar I kunaiye. I have always asked myself this simple question about the Asiwaju of Africa, Bola Ahmed Tinubu based on his unique political achievements: why upon all his visibly appreciable political achievements some disgruntled elements still cast aspersion against him? Thank God, the few years I have spent in South-West Nigeria today have given me the true knowledge about the kind of a personality that Asiwaju Tinubu is made of. Someone who so much believes in mentoring the younger ones, improving the living standard of his people and transforming his community progressively, ought to be eulogized and appreciated. Anything short of that may be seen as an act of ingratitude. Despite his shortcomings as a human being, Asiwaju Tinubu has made a lot of impacts on our socio-political lives in this country; several lawmakers, commissioners, heads of various MDAs, ministers, state governors, vice president and to a reasonable extent, the president of the federal republi

By Eneye Mohammed Ametinigo Indeed, it has become a tread in Nigeria for losers in elections to play on primordial sentiments so as to make things difficult for the winners in such elections. While claiming to be working for their sectional group, the primordial leaders are actually using the unsuspecting public as cannon fodder. Ebira people voted for APC in Kogi Guber poll despite that late Audu was the standard bearer. When the law saw AYB as successor upon his untimely demise; Igalas saw the development utterly unacceptable, and opportunity to distract the divinely and constitutional benefit of the of the mandate of AYB. Some Igalas hit upon the propaganda stunt of all sorts. The Okuns who comfortably accepted slot no 2 having displaced Ebira to the no 3 are now seeing Hon James Faleke as the "golden boy" to benefits the feat of APC in Kogi Guber poll. The collaboration of some Igalas and some Okuns are merely following the footsteps of the 'devil' who was envi

By Abdulkareem Gaminana The struggle for power equation ,power rotation or whatever nomenclature you choose to call it has been on for as long as Kogi state is in existence. This struggle is as a result of uneven distribution of resources , lopsided appointment to favour a particular axis of the state , underdevelopment of other parts of the state and so on. The events that culminate in the eventual election of Alhaji Yahaya Bello of APC as the Governor of Kogi state is an act of God and we pray Allah to forgive Prince Abubakar Audu and accept his soul into paradise (Ameen ). There has been series of agitation from many quarters as to the rightful owner of the APC ticket vis-a-vis the Governorship seat. While Hon Abiodun Faleke  has exercise his rights by going to court via tribunal, we expect him to obey party supremacy on the long run and tow the line of honour. Gov Wada too has gone to the tribunal which is expected (he came second in the election and he's still hungry for p

By Fortune Omuya Ebira as a nation had moved tremendously over the the years toward a positive direction. Once upon a time Kogi Central  was labelled a war zone, brothers facing themselves with guns and machetes. Town waging war against town, leaders against leaders. Religion against religion and schools against schools. Citizens against police and armies molesting our women. From the shackles of disgrace to the avalanche of God's amazing Grace. Ebira suddenly had become the most peaceful region in Kogi State. A God own region. We have moved from shooting at each others arrows of hatred and wickedness. And today in unity we live. Today we have compassion for each others and even the prodigal sons and daughters are returning. We have changed from seeing ourselves as Ezi Odumi, Ezi idu, Ezi ehete, ezi omoye or ezi uka and so on and so forth but ONE EBIRA. We are neither Christians nor Muslims but on Nation. We are neither Ihima nor Okene but ONE EBIRA. We may be scattered abroad b

By Hussein Obaro The sudden and untimely demise of Prince Abubakar Audu just when he was about clinching the peoples mandate has without doubt opened up potentials for political gladiators to inherit the votes freely given to the APC and its late gubernatorial candidate at the November 21st election. Its no longer news that the Igala dominated eastern senatorial district of the state has ruled the state since its creation in August 27, 1991, using their population to continue to recycle their own in power. Not even the various protests, agitations and struggles for power rotation or what was tagged power shift has been able to get the Igalas to bend or consider on their quest and resolve to continue on their oligarchic pursuit of Igala agenda. In a bid not to shoot itself on the foot by giving the opposition political parties a legal lapse to capitalize on at the election tribunal after the elections, the APC decided to heed the advice of their legal experts by considering the outcom

By Kabir Omolori Since the news filtered the air on the endorsement of Alhaji Yahaya Bello, popularly known as Fair Plus, some uninformed detractors and political foes have tended to promote hatred, animosity, jealousy and baseless innuendo against the endorsement. Indeed, these negative traits are expected from people who have clinched to power for years and do not expect, as a result of selfishness and avarice, that one day, such power would be surrendered willingly or unwillingly. It should be understood that for any one to be governor of any state, one must undergo some rudiments or processes ranging from expression of interest, participating in primary election to confirm or determine candidate before being endorsed by party as candidate to face others in the secondary election. The late Prince Abubakar Audu and Alhaji Yahaya Bello expressed their interest, collected and submitted nomination forms and participated in the keenly contested primary. The result of the primary clearl

Dr. Tom Adaba A recent interview allegedly granted by Kogi State Governor, Captain Idris Wada quoted him as saying that there is no marginalization of any group in his State. We would not want to believe that he said so. But if for any reason he did, we wish to serve this as a freshener. Perhaps it may be necessary to define marginalization and cite a few, among the innumerable and outrageous instances of abuse of power and office in the name of marginalization by Governor Wada and his predecessors in a series of nepotic Igala governance.