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

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

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]

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JOY AS SHEBABY SPARKS PREGNANCY SPECULATION YEARS AFTER MARRIAGE

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JOY AS SHEBABY SPARKS PREGNANCY SPECULATION YEARS AFTER MARRIAGE

 

Popular Nigerian actress, singer and dancer, Seyi Ariyo, popularly known as Shebaby, has stirred reactions on social media following speculations that she is expecting a child years after getting married.

 

The development has generated excitement among fans and colleagues, especially on Instagram where many have continued to flood her page with congratulatory messages and prayers.

 

While some admirers celebrated the actress and prayed that her joy would be permanent, others pointed to a viral video currently making rounds online, where several entertainers, among them Oyita, a close friend, Tawa Ajisefinni, Seyi Ẹdun, Bukky Fagbuyi, and a host of others including Olú Maintain, were seen rejoicing and congratulating her.

 

Although Shebaby is already a mother with a grown daughter, the latest development has continued to attract attention within the entertainment industry and among her followers.

 

Before now, the London-based entertainer had built a strong reputation for herself in both music and acting. She has released several songs and also worked alongside notable Fuji star Wasiu Alabi Pasuma and other respected entertainers in the industry.

 

In the movie sector, Shebaby is also regarded as a household name. Sources close to the actress revealed that she is currently working on a new project titled Father Forgive Me.

 

Fans and colleagues have continued to pray for the actress, wishing her safe delivery and more happiness in her home.

 

#Shebaby #SeyiAriyo #EntertainmentNews #Nollywood #Pasuma #Olumaintain #CelebrityNews

JOY AS SHEBABY SPARKS PREGNANCY SPECULATION YEARS AFTER MARRIAGE

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Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda: General Buratai Remains Loyal, Rebuffs Misinformation – Engr Hassan

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Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda: General Buratai Remains Loyal, Rebuffs Misinformation – Engr Hassan

Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda: General Buratai Remains Loyal, Rebuffs Misinformation – Engr Hassan

 

Supporters of former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusuf Buratai, have dismissed claims circulating on social media alleging that the retired army general is working against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

 

In a statement issued on Friday by Engr. Hassan Mohammed, Sarkin Yakin Garkuwan Keffi, the former Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin was described as a committed statesman who remains loyal to constituted authority and dedicated to Nigeria’s unity and stability.

Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda: General Buratai Remains Loyal, Rebuffs Misinformation – Engr Hassan

The statement noted that Buratai, who served as Chief of Army Staff and later as ambassador, had throughout his career demonstrated discipline, professionalism and respect for constitutional authority.
According to Mohammed, the retired lieutenant general has consistently expressed support for the Tinubu administration and its Renewed Hope agenda, particularly in the areas of national security, youth empowerment and national cohesion.

 

He said, “Gen. Buratai remains a committed Nigerian statesman who has always placed national interest above personal politics.”
The statement further described reports linking Buratai to alleged anti-government activities as “baseless, politically motivated and aimed at creating unnecessary division.”

Mohammed urged Nigerians to disregard what he called attempts at blackmail and misinformation, insisting that Buratai’s public record and engagements reflect his continued support for the current administration.

“His actions and public record speak louder than online rumours,” the statement added.
The supporters also called on the public to remain focused on issues that promote national development and unity rather than social media speculation.

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General Buratai Backs Son’s Political Ambition, Calls For Greater Youth Inclusion In Governance

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General Buratai Backs Son’s Political Ambition, Calls For Greater Youth Inclusion In Governance

 

Former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusuf Buratai, has urged Nigerians to support young people in pursuing their dreams and taking active roles in politics, as he publicly endorsed the political ambition of his son, Tukur Buratai Jnr.

Buratai, a former Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, made the call in a statement shared on his verified Facebook page, where he expressed support for his son’s decision to contest for the Biu Constituency seat in the Borno State House of Assembly under the platform of the All Progressives Congress⁠�.

According to the retired military chief, Nigeria’s future depends largely on its youthful population, stressing that excluding young people from governance and leadership would hinder national growth and development.

He noted that Nigerian youths should not merely be regarded as leaders of tomorrow, but as active contributors and solution providers capable of shaping the country’s future today.

Buratai further emphasized the need to create opportunities and an enabling environment for young Nigerians to thrive politically, economically, and socially, describing youth inclusion as critical to nation-building.

The endorsement of Captain Buratai Jnr, a pilot, is being viewed by political observers as a symbolic transfer of leadership ideals, discipline, and patriotism from one generation to another.

His candidacy is also expected to inject youthful energy and fresh perspectives into legislative representation in Biu Constituency ahead of future political contests.

As preparations gradually begin towards the next electoral cycle, Buratai’s message is likely to resonate among young Nigerians seeking greater participation in governance and public service.

 

General Buratai Backs Son’s Political Ambition, Calls For Greater Youth Inclusion In Governance

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