Yahaya Bello: End of an unnecessary drama, caging the “White Lion”

BY TUNDE NASIRU

And it came to pass that on the day of Our Lord, Tuesday, November 26, 2024 the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Belo, earlier declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), was arrested and detained by the Commission at its headquarters in Abuja.

The EFCC and Bello have engaged in a cat and mouse game in which the former Governor could be rightly described as the “drama king”. Several count sittings were shunned by Bello and all efforts to bring him to answer questions about the allegations of fraudulent activities during his eight years spell as the Governor of Kogi State proved abortive. He was constantly under the protection of his successor and cousin, Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State.

On September 18, 2024, the dramatic Bello arrived the headquarters of the EFCC alongside Usman Ododo for what could be described as photo-ops. Ododo came in with the full complements of his security aides and convoy. The EFCC, sensing that Ododo was using his constitutional immunity to cover Bello, helplessly refrained from arresting him. On that day, Bello was like groundnuts in a glass bottle and EFCC watched without being able to pick him.

Before and after the September 18 “executive visitation” by Bello, the EFCC has gone to courts to express its inability to bring or drag Bello to court and this has led to two separate courts issuing summons for his arrest; the basis on which he was declared wanted.

It was indeed a serious battle between the EFCC and Bello in the court of law, court of public opinion and on the streets. Understandably, Yahaya had a huge war chest to prosecute the ‘war’. The media was repleted with emergency commentators, analysts and opinion writers, opinionated features and slanted editorials; while so-called activists took to the streets of Abuja and Lagos to protest in condemnation of EFCC and in support of Yahaya Bello. In fact, there was a time that it was reported in the media that “five thousand lawyers protested”in support of Bello. No one knew who did the enumeration. Though some senior lawyers said those protesters were not lawyers!

Not done yet, the Kogi State government instituted a suit at the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the EFCC and other agencies saddled with investigating corruption cases.

Not a few believed that the EFCC was actually the target of the suit initiated by Kogi State and later joined by about 17 other state governments; and that it was in the interest of Yahaya Bello.
While many states later hurriedly withdrew from the controversial case at the Supreme Court, Bello’s Kogi and others stuck to their guns until the Supreme Court finally threw out the case ignominiously as lacking in merit .

What has left people bewildered was why Yahaya Bello will have to go through this unnecessary route, which is nothing more than time buying. Or did he need the delay tactics to be able to perfect some, if not all, of his records of defence?

While Yahaya Bello was evading the court and boxing the air on who and who was responsible for his ordeal with the EFCC, other former governors like Yahaya and former Ministers of the Federal Republic were invited or arrested by the EFCC. The concerned politically exposed persons honoured the EFCC and were interrogated and granted administrative bails. Some of them are currently facing trials at the law courts.

However, it was noticeable that after the Supreme Court judgement, which did not favour Yahaya Bello and his ilks, the attacks on the EFCC in the media reduced drastically. However, people still asked: “Where was Yahaya Bello?” “How many Heads had Yahaya Bello?” “Why will a man who prided himself as “white lion” be so scared stiff on an ordinary invitation by an Eagle?” “For how long will the “white lion” be able to hide?” One of the judges handling one of the cases against Yahaya Bello by the EFCC was once reported to have said: “EFCC’s invitation was not death sentence”. After all, the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Another drama like part two of the Nigerian home video, was going to be staged earlier today at the same EFCC Car Park at the headquarters of the Commission when Yahaya Bello drove in with some vehicles. However, the drama did not pass the opening scene when it was instantly cut short as the Chief Security Officer of the EFFC, perhaps sensing that Governor Usman Ododo who has been shielding Bello with his immunity was, this time around, not in the entourage, quickly arrested the wanted former Governor and took him into custody.

Now that the “White Lion” has been caught and caged, his counsel along with the 5,000 lawyers that reportedly protested in his support in Abuja should dust their books and meet Bello as he finally and inevitably keeps his date at the court.

Tunde Nasiru, an Abuja based social policy advocate, sent this piece via [email protected]

Meet Genesis, an Exceptional and Humble Prophet Who Eats with Labourers on a Bare Floor
…Dominion City Grounds now has a Multimillion Permanent Stage Built inside it

~By Oluwaseun Fabiyi

What makes Israel Oladele, widely known as Genesis, a uniquely exceptional small but mighty prophet, distinct from his peers?

He has demonstrated another deposit of humility, publicly portraying his humble beginnings without regard for his societal status

Without a shadow of doubt, Prophet Genesis personified the doctrine and standard of Jesus Christ during His time on earth. Jesus socialized and dined with common people, including the Pharisees who disparaged and condemned His preaching

It is hard to envision this humble man of God, Prophet Genesis, taking his walk down to the Dominion City grounds for a leisurely stroll

This occurred shortly after the midweek Tuesday service, which drew over 3000 attendees to the Genesis Global headquarters located at Duro Ishola Street off Egbado road Dalemo Alakuko Street Lagos

A large-scale multimillion project is clearly being constructed at the Dominion City site, which Prophet Genesis wanted to tour with several disciples and international visitors

It has been observed that a permanent 7ft by 80 by 40 stage for Hallel nights of praise and Harvest of turning point is being erected and constructed, and is expected to be ready for use prior to the Harvest of turning point

Seeing the humble prophet of God eating swallow with labourers on the bare floor was remarkable and unexpected, as it is a humble act many Nigerian men of God would not ordinarily undertake

Prophet Genesis ensured that he ate with over 30 site labourers, laughing and playing with them, and afterwards, he wholeheartedly prayed with them

Prophet Genesis still deeply appreciates his humble beginnings, which involved working as a bus conductor in Lagos. This experience has shaped his philosophy of life, which is characterized by humility, love, and a commitment to uplifting all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances

What distinguishes the small body big engine Genesis among his contemporaries in Christendom? He just demonstrated again.

Oluwaseun Fabiyi a seasoned journalist based in Lagos

Fuji Music Unites : Saheed Osupa’s Call For Peace And Respect (Video)

In the wake of our recent article tracing the rich history of Fuji music and its pioneering figures, significant reactions have emerged within the Fuji community. Notably, videos from two of Fuji music’s most respected artists, K1 De Ultimate and Saheed Osupa, have surfaced, each echoing a powerful call for unity and peace within the genre.

*K1 De Ultimate’s Call for Unity*
K1 De Ultimate, a legendary figure in the Fuji music world, recently released a heartfelt video in which he acknowledged the leadership role of Ayinla Kollington. Known for his titles as the Oluomo of Lagos and Mayegun of Yorubaland, K1’s words carry significant weight. In the video, he passionately called for peace within the Fuji industry, emphasizing the importance of unity among Fuji musicians.

K1 De Ultimate extended his respects to a host of fellow Fuji artists, including Saheed Osupa, Pasuma Wonder, Taye Currency, Also Sefiu, Obesere, Malaika, Adéwálé Ayuba, Sir Shina Akanni, and many others, both living and passed on. This gesture of homage underscores the deep respect and camaraderie that exists within the Fuji community. By expressing gratitude and reiterating his leadership position, K1 De Ultimate has set a tone of reconciliation and collective appreciation for the contributions of all Fuji artists.

*Saheed Osupa’s Message of Love and Respect*
In a similar vein, Saheed Osupa, another prominent Fuji musician, released a video where he offered sage advice to the Fuji world. In his characteristically poetic style, Osupa eulogized the founders of the Fuji music genre, expressing his profound love and respect for them, particularly Ayinla Kollington. His message resonated with the theme of unity, as he called upon all Fuji musicians to come together as one.

Osupa’s video concluded with a powerful statement: “Thank you everybody, no more war.” These words serve as a poignant reminder of the need for harmony and mutual respect within the Fuji music industry. His call to action encourages Fuji artists to put aside any differences and focus on their shared passion for music and cultural heritage.

*A Unified Fuji Music Community*
The messages from K1 De Ultimate and Saheed Osupa highlight the importance of recognizing and honoring the legacy of Fuji music’s pioneers while fostering a spirit of unity and peace among contemporary artists. It is essential for the Fuji community, especially the younger generation, to understand and appreciate the contributions of those who paved the way for the genre’s success.

As we look to the future of Fuji music, let us embrace the call for peace and collaboration. By doing so, we ensure that the rich history and cultural significance of Fuji music continue to inspire and unite fans and musicians alike. Together, we can preserve the legacy of Fuji music and create a harmonious future for this vibrant genre.

Watch Video Here;

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMhvXPbtE/

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMhvXPbtE/

Fuji mi, Fuji mi, the source—let us always remember and honor the unity that makes Fuji music so special.