Kogi Dep Gov Spills The Beans On Bello

By Funmi Olakunle

The Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Elder Simon Achuba has traced his problems with Governor Yahaya Bello to the perceived failures of the administration as he on Thursday alleged threats to his life and family by agents of the administration.

Speaking at a press conference in Lokoja, the deputy governor lamented that Governor Bello was yet to initiate and complete a single project in the state saying that his efforts to urge the governor unto good behaviour triggered the crisis between the two men.

He specifically pointed his problems to the governor’s chief of staff, Chief Edward Onoja who he said wants to replace him as deputy governor for the purpose of acquiring immunity to cover perceived illegalities committed.

Alleging that he had information that the governor had recruited gunmen to attack him, he said:

“I want the police, SSS, IGP to know that if anything should happen to me, my family and aides; the governor should be held responsible”

“My rift with the governor is nothing more than poor performance and some fighting between him and his perceived enemies.

“The governor threw caution, dialogue and persuasion away in some fights that are needless and avoidable.

“The second thing is the issue of salary. The governor got to a point that he sees civil servant as insignificant and I have to engage him on physical altercation.

“The third is the issue of infrastructural development in the state. Close to the end of four years, there is no single project one can point to that he started and was able to complete.

“I had been critical of past governments and now that it’s my turn I want people to give kudos to the administration. Look at the volume of money the state received as allocations without a tangible result “

Affirming that reconciliation between both men was no longer possible, he said:

“I visited the Presidency ten times within last year calling their attention to the situation and for them to intervene. Last week the President’s Chief of Staff called the governor for a meeting, but rather than a move for reconciliation, what I saw was a defence of their deeds. From the body language of the governor, it’s obvious he’s not ready for reconciliation. Latest Monday, legal tussle will ensue.”

Putting his problems at the doorstep of the Chief of Staff, Mr. Onoja, he said:

“My persecution is the handiwork of David Onoja who is looking for an office that will give him immunity from prosecution because of his many bad deeds.”

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