EFCC Allegations: Yahaya Bello Publicly Summoned To Appear In Court

The former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has been publicly ordered not appear in court by the Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Abuja.

Justice Maryann E. Anenih had issued the summon on October 3, 2024, and directed that the summon on Yahaya Bello who has declined court appearances in another matter involving him and the EFCC be public summoned through publication of the court summon in the newspapers, pasting at his last known address and pasting at a prominent place within the court premises.

The summons reads in part;
“You are hereby summoned to appear before the Federal Capital Territory High Court of Justice (High Court No. 3) sitting at Maitama on the 14th day of November 2024 at the hour of 9.00am to answer the said complainant.”
The EFCC has accused Yahaya Bello of violating Section 311 of the Penal Code Law, Cap. 89 Laws of Northern Nigeria 1963, which deals with criminal breach of trust and is punishable under Section 312.

EFCC, through its counsel, DR. Kemi Pinheiro SAN had applied to Justice Emeka Nwite for bench warrant to compel the appearance of the former Kogi governor in court with the respect to the allegations of fraud and financial mismanagement.

The court summons Hammett was punished in some national newspapers today in keeping with the order of Justice Annenih.

Applauding Rep. Abubakar Bichi’s Legislative Efforts

By Dominic Ejeh

The people of Bichi Federal Constituency in Kano State can look upon the accomplishments of their representative, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar Bichi, with immense pride. His contributions to their constituency, the state, and Nigeria at large have been both remarkable and impactful.

Nicknamed “Shine your Eyes,” the humble legislator was born on October 2, 1981, in Hagagawa village, Bichi town, the administrative seat of Bichi Local Government and the Bichi Emirate Council. His vision and commitment to democratic principles have set him apart as one of the leading figures of his generation. A champion of transparency and accountability, Rt. Hon. Bichi has earned a reputation as a transformative leader and a symbol of national unity.

While many legislators focus solely on their legislative duties—law-making, oversight, and appropriation—Rt. Hon. Bichi goes beyond these roles. Through his political acumen, he has broken barriers and extended his reach, bringing development not only to his constituency but also to other parts of the country. His dedication to using his personal resources and influence to uplift lives is a testament to his commitment to public service.

One of his most notable achievements is the asphalting of major roads in his constituency, which has greatly improved transportation and boosted the movement of goods, services, and agricultural produce. This infrastructural development underscores the effectiveness of a truly dedicated leader.

In education, Rt. Hon. Bichi has ensured that nearly all public schools in his constituency have well-equipped, conducive classrooms, fostering a better learning environment for students. He believes in empowering the youth while also taking care of the elderly, acknowledging that the future of every community depends on its young people, guided by the wisdom of its elders. His efforts include providing healthcare and resources for the elderly, further highlighting his inclusive leadership approach.

A forward-thinking leader, Rt. Hon. Bichi is not only focused on addressing current needs but also on leaving a lasting legacy. Among his various initiatives, his focus on agriculture has been transformative. By providing timely agricultural inputs, he has positioned his constituency as an agricultural hub, promoting food security and economic development.

Napoleon Bonaparte once said, “Ability is of little account without opportunity.” Rt. Hon. Bichi embodies this belief by empowering the youth through programs that advance skills, foster entrepreneurship, and create job opportunities. His initiatives have helped constituents build businesses and secure employment in government agencies. These efforts have opened avenues for personal and professional growth, making Bichi Federal Constituency a model of progress.

One of his hallmark programs is the annual scholarship scheme, which provides free education to tertiary students in his constituency. Over 10,000 beneficiaries have received this life-changing support, enhancing their intellectual capacities and opening doors to a brighter future.

Thanks to his pragmatic leadership, Bichi Federal Constituency has become a benchmark for others. His emphasis on human capital development, job creation, and wealth redistribution has improved social services and youth empowerment, setting a standard for national development.

In recognition of his achievements, Rt. Hon. Bichi has held key leadership roles, including Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, and Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Character. His extensive knowledge of Nigeria and his ability to foster unity have enabled him to oversee several federal road projects, including the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road, Kano Light Rail project, and the Eko Bridge.

In the realm of law-making, Rt. Hon. Bichi has made significant contributions, including sponsoring the Bill for the Establishment of the University of Medicine and Health Sciences in Bichi, as well as the Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation (Establishment) Bill, 2021. He has been honored with numerous awards, including the 2024 Reps of the Year Award by the Democracy Heroes Award Africa, in recognition of his contributions to democratic values and community development.

A proud successor to a lineage of public servants, Rt. Hon. Bichi is the son of a former member of the Kano State House of Assembly and the Sarakuwa of Bichi. He received his early education at Hagagawa Primary School, Bichi, and went on to attend Government Junior Secondary School, Bichi, and Dawakin Tofa Science College, where he earned his Senior Secondary School Certificate. He later traveled abroad to further his education, earning a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master of Science in Energy Management from the New York Institute of Technology.

As we reflect on the achievements of this remarkable leader, we join the people of Bichi Federal Constituency in celebrating the life and legacy of Rt. Hon. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar Bichi on his birthday.

Ejeh wrote this piece from NOUN, Abuja.

Suspended Alimosho LG boss, vice clash over control of office

Reportedly, there was tension at the Alimosho Local Government Area secretariat as the council’s suspended Chairman and his Vice Chairman, Messrs Jelili Sulaimon and Akinpelu Johnson, yesterday, clashed over the control of the office.

The Lagos State House of Assembly, on Monday, suspended Sulaimon from office following alleged misconduct.

The lawmakers further instructed the Manager and Treasurer of the council to recognise the Vice Chairman and accord him all the support to make him work effectively.

But the embattled LG chairman, yesterday, defied the suspension order by the Lagos State House of Assembly.

The Vice Chairman had received an appointment letter to take over from the embattled council boss.

The council boss in a video was seen resuming at the council secretariat in Alimosho and being welcomed by a crowd in a show of solidarity.

According to a source, Suleiman and Johnson could not have access to the office of the chairman as it was locked.

It was gathered that a few minutes later the two left the premises to an undisclosed destination.

4 out of 7 councillors deny VC’s suspension

Meanwhile, four out of the seven councillors in the council have denounced the purported suspension of Johnson by their three colleagues.

The councillors, in a statement by the Deputy Leader, Mojisola Ayeni (Ward D), Saheed Adejoke (Ward C), Rasheed Semiu (Ward E) and Elizabeth Fashina (Ward F), commended the House of Assembly for intervening, while urging stakeholders in the council to go about their activities.

The statement, titled ‘Illegal Suspension of  Akinpelu Ibrahim Johnson, Vice Chairman Alimosho Local Government,’ reads in part: “We, the undersigned legislators from Alimosho Local Government, officially dissociate ourselves from the staged managed and illegal suspension of Mr Akinpelu Johnson, the Vice Chairman of Alimosho Local Government.

“We condemn the purported suspension of the Vice Chairman by minority legislators, who acted on instructions of the validly suspended Chairman.

“We would like to emphasize that at no time was the Vice Chairman suspended hence our readiness to support him going forward with the administration of the Local Government.”