‘’You Can’t Question EFCC’’ – Kogi Assembly Blasted For Demanding EFCC Boss’ Removal

Published

2 years ago

September 24, 2024

thecloudngr

‘’You Can’t Question EFCC’’ – Kogi Assembly Blasted For Demanding EFCC Boss’ Removal—-Thecloudngr reports that the Kogi state house of assembly has been blasted by lawyers, right activities and others for demanding for the removal of Ola Olukoyede as the chairman of of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over attempts to arrest Yahaya Bello, a former governor of Kogi state.

According to the lawyers, Kogi assembly has no constitutional right to question the activities of EFCC especially for the fact that it has to do with the interest of the state and within the jurisdiction of the agency’s statutory provisions.

One of the lawyers, Maduka Onwukeme made it known that the assembly’s resolutions are not binding on the anti-graft agency.

knocked the assembly for not focusing on the greater good of the state but instead, are after protecting their former governor.

He said: “Well legally, the value of this resolution is less than the value of the paper it is written on.

“We operate a federal system of government with clear separation of powers of the organs of government but also different levels of government.

“The EFCC is an agency created by the National Assembly and hence their activities cannot be questioned by the Kogi State House of Assembly.

“Their resolutions are not binding on the EFCC or any agency not created by a law of the Kogi State House of Assembly.

“The lawmakers should concentrate their attention on legislative matters that affect the people of Kogi State and not this wild goose chase.”

Another lawyer and rights activist, Chijioke Ifenkwe described the whole situation as theatrical.

“The Kogi State House of Assembly ordinarily should be interested in the recovery of state funds but apparently they are more interested in protecting their former governor”, he said.

A social critic, Chief Gani Kayode Balogun, popularly called GKB described the whole scenario as sad development.

He knocked the legislators, for calling for the removal of the EFCC boss, noted that the state House of Assembly lack constitutional power to make such calls.

GKB also faulted the former Kogi governor, Bello for turning his invitation by EFCC to theatrical.

According to him, Yahaya Bello was not the first governor that would be invited by the anti-graft agency for questioning and he will not be the last.

He cautioned the former governor to stop making mockery of the system and face reality by honouring the invitation extended to him.

It is worthy of note that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC is prosecuting Yahaya Bello alongside his Ali Bello, Dauda Suleiman and Abdulsalam Hudu on 19-count charges bordering on money laundering to the tune of N80, 246, 470,089.88k (Eight Billion, Two Hundred and Forty-six Million, Four Hundred and Seventy Thousand and Eighty-nine Naira, Eighty-eighty Kobo).

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Lagos 2027: Governor Sanwo-Olu Endorses Obafemi Hamzat as APC Aspirant

Published

4 weeks ago

April 28, 2026

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Lagos 2027: Governor Sanwo-Olu Endorses Obafemi Hamzat as APC Aspirant—-Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has thrown his weight behind his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, as his preferred successor for the 2027 governorship election—an early move that is already stirring quiet conversations within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The endorsement did not come in the open. Instead, it followed a closed-door meeting at Lagos House, Marina, where Hamzat reportedly informed key stakeholders of his intention to run. Present at the gathering were members of the State Executive Council, party leaders, and influential figures within the Governor’s Advisory Council.

Among those in attendance were former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, and former senator Ganiyu Solomon—names that signal the weight of the political bloc involved in the discussions.

Speaking afterwards, Sanwo-Olu described the decision as “unanimous,” framing it as a consensus among party stakeholders. But the speed and timing of the endorsement—well ahead of party primaries—have raised eyebrows about how firmly the succession plan may already be taking shape behind the scenes.

“We just received Mr Deputy… to inform us of his intention,” the governor said, adding that those present agreed he is “fit and well-prepared” for the role.

Sanwo-Olu leaned heavily on Hamzat’s track record and their long-standing working relationship, portraying him as a loyal and capable hand ready to take over. He went further, suggesting that Hamzat has effectively been groomed for the position from the outset.

“This is a deputy governor that is worth a governor from day one,” he said.

In a remark that may further fuel speculation, the governor also referenced President Bola Tinubu’s enduring influence in Lagos politics, hinting that the current development could be part of a longer-term political vision.

Observers note that describing the gathering as a “family meeting” may reflect the tightly knit nature of decision-making within the state’s political structure—where major alignments are often settled before they reach the public stage.

While Hamzat has long been regarded as a key player in Lagos politics, the early endorsement positions him more clearly at the centre of succession discussions, even before a formal campaign has begun.

With more than a year to go before party primaries, the move is already reshaping conversations within the APC, where control of Lagos—Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre—remains one of the most strategic political prizes.

Whether this early alignment holds or faces internal pushback in the months ahead is a question many party watchers are now quietly asking

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2027 Elections: Atiku Abubakar Backs Consensus Candidate for African Democratic Congress, Keeps Primaries as Option

Published

1 month ago

April 16, 2026

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2027 Elections: Atiku Abubakar Backs Consensus Candidate for African Democratic Congress, Keeps Primaries as Option—-Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar says the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will prioritise a consensus approach in selecting its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, but may conduct primaries if internal talks fail.

Speaking on a prime-time programme on Arise TV, Atiku explained that party leaders are working to avoid internal disputes by rallying around a single candidate through dialogue and agreement.

He expressed confidence that stakeholders would reach a common ground, noting that experienced politicians within the party understand the importance of unity.

According to him, the ADC is focused on strengthening Nigeria’s democracy, with members committed to managing differences without causing division.

Atiku also reiterated his willingness to support whoever emerges as the party’s flagbearer, regardless of the selection method.

He further stated that he is open to stepping aside for any aspirant, including Peter Obi, if they emerge as the preferred choice, emphasizing that unity within the party remains the top priority ahead of the 2027 elections.

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