Yahaya Bello Denies Link with Anti-Tinubu Protests

The Media Office of the immediate-past governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has denied claims linking him to the ongoing #Endbadgovernance protests across the country. A statement issued on Wednesday and signed by Michael Ohiare refuted the allegations, describing them as part of a plot by some individuals to frame Bello. The statement, provided to newsmen in Lokoja, read, “We have uncovered a high-wired plan by some disgruntled enemies of the nation and persons on the ‘Project Bring Down Yahaya Bello’, to frame him up as one of the sponsors of the #Endbadgovernance protests across the country. “We wouldn’t have bothered to respond to a clout-chasing criminal, blackmailer, and blackmail pawn, a hired gun in the hands of some unpatriotic Nigerians, who published a fake, malicious, and unintelligent report about an imaginary involvement of His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, in the ongoing protests across the country.

But it is pertinent to respond to the tirades of falsehood by the writer because it borders on national security. Our resolve is further strengthened by the condemnable act of some protesters displaying the flags of other nations.” The statement labeled the claim as “reckless and irresponsible malicious,” and emphasized that the former governor has been a dedicated patriot, contributing to the unity and prosperity of Nigeria. It highlighted Bello’s role in mediating between northern food transporters and their southern counterparts, which helped avert a potential crisis.

“It was Bello who acted swiftly to resolve a major problem between the North and the South, which would have caused a major crisis in Nigeria. That move earned him so much commendation by leaders of the country at that time,” the statement said. The Media Office also praised Bello’s support for President Bola Tinubu, recalling his significant role in the 2023 presidential election and his opposition to the naira redesign policy. “Yahaya Bello mobilised residents of Kogi to deliver victory for President Tinubu. During the presidential election, he also mobilised the youth of the nation as the APC Youth Mobilisation Committee Chairman, because of his faith in the leadership capacity of Mr President,” the statement added. The statement concluded with a note on Bello’s current situation, noting that his whereabouts are unknown since the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission declared him wanted over an alleged N80.2 billion fraud. Despite Bello’s position as a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress and ally of President Tinubu, there is no record of intervention or protection from Tinubu regarding the criminal case.