Yahaya Bello, Gov Ododo And EFCC Conundrum

Published

2 years ago

October 9, 2024

thecloudngr

By Enejo Shaibu

‘’Miraculous’’ was how many political observers termed Yahaya Bello’s ascent to the number one position in Kogi State from nowhere. It is the unique nobody to somebody tale which we see in Nollywood movies. But unlike in the movies where somebody who was nobody becomes a hero to all and lives happily ever after, Bello’s tale, after eight years in power, is anything but that. The man is not living a happy ever-after so far, with him being called to clear his name of numerous alleged corrupt acts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

I had held a hope that, given Bello’s ‘divine’ path to power in Kogi State where the Igbiras had played second fiddle to the Igalas since the creation of the state in 1991, there would be a positive development given the Igalas seeming ineptitude.

After the first emperor-like period of the late Prince Abubakar Audu, the people of the state (especially the Igalas) must have missed him so bad that after booting him out because of his imperiousness, voted for him to come back after 12 years of lacklustre performance by from Ibrahim idris and his in- law Idris wada consecutive governments. Apparently, Audu’s achievements in four years still stands heads and shoulders above 12 years of both Idrises. But the plan of the Igalas did not work and Yahaya Bello, an Igbira man, stepped in.

I had held a hope that maybe Bello would deliver the dividends of democracy to all in Kogi state irrespective of tribe, religion or whatsoever, given the manner in which he came to power. The only ‘’dividend of democracy,’’ and only achievement in my opinion after eight years of his rule, is to show the world that the Igala superiority when it comes to winning elections in Kogi state has become a myth. He demystified the Igala superiority complex and made it clear that the governorship of Kogi State is not the birth right of the Igala kingdom.

Other than the aforementioned, there is really nothing to point to in regards to achievement. The perks of office got to his head. Was it the age factor?

We all know a governor in Nigeria is powerful. The power exercised where there is no real check and balance corrupts absolutely. No doubt. We are all witnesses to the excesses of power displayed by different governors both military and civilian over the years. Apart from the military era when the likes of Yakubu Gowon and Murtala Muhammed wielded power when they were under 40, Bello became the youngest governor at 40 in modern times in Nigeria. He suddenly had raw power thrust upon him. As power tends to corrupt, Bello could not resist this tendency and like his fellow governors before him, became corrupt both in mind and action.

From his so called civil service verification exercise (which if had been done justly would have weeded out genuine ghost workers) to owing months of salaries (at a point paying percentages) when N19 billions was just sitting in sterling bank (kogi government denied it was theirs) to a general backwardness in the state where state thugs reigned supreme, to white lion slogans and at a point becoming Yusuf Buhari’s chaperone in Abuja and not even pretending he had a state to govern, Bello became so power drunk that his word was akin to the law in Kogi State.

But power is transient. It is either power leaves a man while the man is alive or he leaves power when he dies. There must be a parting of ways. In Nigeria, governorship power is but eight years maximum. There are other powers though. Senatorial power and presidential power for instances. Like Lord Acton said: ‘’Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.’’ Such power is addictive and having tasted it in one form, one will want to keep on tasting it. Bello knowing governorship power was coming to an end sought either of the aforementioned power. He tried and failed.

Tinubu got one and Natasha-Akpoti has denied him his preferred senatorial slot as there was a widespread belief that the plan was for his lackey who had won the initial election, before it was deemed a fraud, to resign at an appointed time and a by-election would have ushered Bello into the senate.

However, in directly, he has not let go of governorship power. He has, again, demystified the Igala superiority myth, by getting his kinsman, the current governor into power. The current governor is more or less being perceived as figurehead or a proxy as Bello is still in power figuratively.

His current saga with the EFCC where it seems like Governor Usman Ododo is joined at the hip with Bello shows that the former governor is still exercising power through Ododo. How else does one explain how Ododo hurriedly came to Bello’s rescue when he was about to be arrested by the EFCC in Abuja? Only someone with real power can prompt a sitting governor who was miles away to show up in that manner.

This brings us to the ride together, die together soundtrack of Bad Boys for life movie. This fits the unhealthy loyalty between Ododo and Bello. It is an interesting pair to watch. In Nigeria, out of ten of such pairings of loyalty, eight or nine are doomed. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Abdullahi Ganduje. Godwin Obaseki and Adams Oshiomhole. Obaseki and Philip Shaibu. Nyesom Wike and Fubara. Wike and Amaechi. Senator Olusola Saraki and Lawal. Adedibu and Ladoja. Bello and Smart Adeyemi. Bello and Dino Melaye, to mention but a few.

Yes without Bello, there won’t be Ododo as governor. As a result, he is forced to show solidarity to the man who made him. And I think he knows that when it comes to the ‘’dying together’’ part, he is expected to willingly accept the fate. Hmm! I pity him.

As he is riding with Bello, I hope (I hope too much) he knows that power could be out of his hand in the next three years and then he too will most likely face EFCC summons. And if power leaves him, most likely it could go back to the demystified Igalas or even a Dino who will definitely want their pound of flesh from Bello and Ododo by extension. It is not looking rosy at every turn for Ododo, given that his mandate as governor is supposedly for the people of Kogi State but as power corrupts, the mandate is now for Ododo to be used in helping Bello elude EFCC clutches.

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APFSPN Set To Host Inaugural Town Hall Meeting And Induct New Members

Published

9 hours ago

June 15, 2026

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APFSPN Set To Host Inaugural Town Hall Meeting And Induct New Members

……APFSPN Town Hall Meeting and Induction of New Members Set for June 17

The Association of Professional Food Service Providers of Nigeria (APFSPN) has announced plans to host its Inaugural Town Hall Meeting and New Members Induction Ceremony on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the Professor Wole Soyinka Centre for Arts and Culture, Iganmu, Lagos.

The landmark event, themed “The Business Behind the Plate,” is expected to bring together stakeholders across Nigeria’s food service ecosystem, including caterers, restaurant owners, event food service providers, culinary professionals, food entrepreneurs, policymakers, and development partners to discuss the future of the industry and strengthen professional collaboration.

Speaking at a media briefing ahead of the event, the newly elected President of APFSPN, Mr. Tobi Fletcher, said the Association was established to address the longstanding absence of structure, institutional support, and unified representation within Nigeria’s rapidly growing food service industry.

According to him, despite being one of the most vibrant sectors of the economy, the food service industry has operated for too long without a coordinated voice capable of driving standards, recognition, and sustainable growth.

“APFSPN exists to professionalise the food service industry. We exist to give caterers, food vendors, restaurant owners, event food service providers, and every professional who works behind the plate a platform for growth, recognition, and collective strength.” — Tobi Fletcher, President, APFSPN

He explained that the theme of the event, “The Business Behind the Plate,” reflects the economic realities and entrepreneurial ecosystem surrounding food service delivery in Nigeria.

“Behind every plate of food served at an event, in a restaurant, or at a corporate function, there is a business, a dream, and a livelihood. More importantly, over 90 percent of our members are women who wake up every day to build sustainable businesses and contribute meaningfully to the economy. APFSPN is here to ensure that these businesses are supported, protected, and celebrated.” — Tobi Fletcher, President, APFSPN

Also speaking at the press briefing, the Vice President of APFSPN, Mrs. Ibidunni Layade, emphasised the Association’s commitment to capacity building and the welfare of its members. She noted that APFSPN is not merely a professional body but a support system designed to elevate the standards of food service delivery across Nigeria.

“Our members are the backbone of Nigeria’s hospitality and events industry. What APFSPN offers is a structured pathway for them to access training, mentorship, business development resources, and a community that understands their unique challenges. This Town Hall Meeting is the beginning of that journey — a space where every food service professional can have a voice and be heard.” — Ibidunni Layade, Vice President, APFSPN

Mrs. Layade further stated that the induction of new members at the event underscores the Association’s rapid growth and the hunger within the industry for formal recognition and collective representation.

The Events Director of APFSPN, Ms. Temi Adelana, took the media through the programme of events for the Town Hall Meeting. She outlined a carefully curated agenda designed to combine ceremony, knowledge sharing, and networking.

“The event will commence at 9:00 AM with the arrival and registration of guests, followed by the opening ceremony, the presidential address, the keynote by our Guest Speaker, and the formal induction of new members. We have also incorporated panel discussions, an exhibition showcase featuring food service businesses, and structured networking sessions to ensure that every attendee leaves with tangible value and new connections.” — Temi Adelana, Events Director, APFSPN

Ms. Adelana added that the choice of the Professor Wole Soyinka Centre for Arts and Culture as the venue reflects the Association’s desire to position the food service industry within the broader narrative of Nigerian creativity, culture, and enterprise.

The event will also feature the formal induction of new members, reinforcing the Association’s commitment to building a professional body dedicated to excellence, ethics, innovation, and capacity development in Nigeria’s food service sector.

In further demonstration of the growing relevance of the Association, APFSPN disclosed that the event will attract international delegations and representatives from the Canadian Trade Commission and the Italian Trade Agency.

The Guest Speaker for the event is Former Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed; Aare (Dr.) Abisoye Fagade, DG/CEO of NIHOTOUR, while the Special Guest of Honour is High Chief Lai Labode, Aare Ona of Egbaland, and other top dignitaries.

With over 500 food service professionals and stakeholders expected in attendance, the event is positioned to become a defining moment for the industry and a launchpad for stronger institutional engagement.

Calling on the media to amplify the industry’s story, Fletcher described the gathering as more than an event.

“You are not merely covering an event; you are witnessing the beginning of a movement. We urge the media to help tell the story of the women and men who feed this nation and an industry that is ready to be recognised and taken seriously.” — Tobi Fletcher, President, APFSPN

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21-Year-Old Woman Dies After Staff Allegedly Forget Safety Rope During Brazil Bridge Jump (VIDEO)

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2 days ago

June 14, 2026

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21-Year-Old Woman Dies After Staff Allegedly Forget Safety Rope During Brazil Bridge Jump (VIDEO)—-Tragic rope-jump accident in São Paulo leaves young woman dead as authorities detain six people and launch an investigation into safety failures.

A 21-year-old woman has died after being launched from a bridge during a rope-jump activity without being attached to the required safety rope in the Brazilian city of Limeira, São Paulo state. The victim, identified as Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas, fell approximately 40 metres after staff allegedly failed to secure her safety equipment before the jump.

The fatal incident occurred at the Ponte do Esqueleto trail, a popular destination for adventure sports enthusiasts. Video footage circulating on social media reportedly shows instructors carrying the woman to the jump platform before releasing her. Moments later, witnesses can be heard shouting that the rope had not been attached.

Emergency responders, including firefighters and paramedics, rushed to the scene but were unable to save her. She was pronounced dead at the site of the accident. Authorities say witness statements indicate a critical safety lapse may have occurred before the jump.

https://thecloudngr.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Rapid_Report_-_JUST_IN_21-year-old_dies_after_workers_forget_to_attach_safety_rope_6ZjVfu.mp4?_=1

Brazilian police detained six individuals connected to the operation as investigators began examining the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Reports indicate that some workers attempted to leave the area following the incident before being located by authorities.

The companies linked to the rope-jump operation have come under intense scrutiny as officials investigate potential negligence and safety protocol violations. The case has reignited debate over safety standards in Brazil’s growing extreme-sports industry.

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