Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yayaha Bello, has reportedly queried eight out of the nine Local Government Chairmen in the Eastern Senatorial District of the state due to their failure to secure victories for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in their respective areas during the recently concluded Governorship election.
The affected chairmen represent the local government areas of Omala, Ofu, Dekina, Ankpa, Olamaboro, Ibaji, Igalame/Odolu, and Idah. The query is said to have stemmed from a stakeholders’ meeting where the Governor expressed disappointment with the chairmen for not meeting the party’s expectations despite being mobilized for the election.
Governor Bello reportedly asked the chairmen to explain the reasons behind APC’s poor performance in their local government areas, despite receiving support, including transportation and logistics, from the party. The Governor is said to have expressed deep disappointment over allegations that the chairmen collected money from the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaib Abubarkar Audu, under the guise of “mobilization votes” but failed to deliver the expected results.
It was noted that the mobilization funds were allegedly diverted for personal use, and Governor Bello announced the intention to send a questionnaire to the chairmen, with a mandatory submission deadline by midday of the following Tuesday. While the tenure of the chairmen is set to expire on December 12, 2023, there are speculations that they may face removal before the specified date. There are also talks of a possible demand for the refund of mobilization funds collected before the election.
