News
Kogi: Gov Ododo Under Fire For Appointing Ali Bello As CoS Despite N3bn Fraud Case
The new Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, has come under fire for appointing Ali Bello, a nephew of former Governor Yahaya Bello, as Chief of Staff.
The new Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, has come under fire for appointing Ali Bello, a nephew of former Governor Yahaya Bello, as Chief of Staff.
Upon Ododo’s swearing-in as the 6th democratic Governor of Kogi State on Saturday, he announced his Chief of Staff and other key appointments.
Ali Bello is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged N3 billion money laundering.
The case with suit number No ABJ/CR/573/2022 is holding before Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Ali Bello’s co-defendants in the case are Abba Adauda, Yakubu Siyaka Adabenege, Iyada Sadat and the Kogi First Lady, Rashida Bello, who is currently at large.
However, many netizens, especially on X, criticised Ododo’s choice of Chief of Staff.
@DejiAdesogan wrote, “This same Ali Bello, Nephew to Former Gov Yahaya Bello is the Newly Appointed Chief of Staff (COS) to the Newly Sworn-In Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo. EFCC what’s the update on his case?”
@AGINAS wrote, “The Joseph of our time. From Prison to Palace. A looter continua.”
@scientistelochi wrote, “They have turned Kogi state into family business. They will all share the proceeds.”
@hillaryoo wrote, “Kogi has been pocketed.”
@aai_austin wrote, “A convict in February 2023. A chief of staff in January 2024. Is the Lord not working wonders?Kogi state? EFCC has turned a blind eye because his name is not Emefiele”.
@lawrenceOkoropg:
The same person docked for N3bn Fraud by the EFCC in Feb 2023 was appointed Chief of Staff to the Kogi State government 12 months later. Yet many are wasting in jail for doing nothing.
@firstladyship:
Kogi state is the Wild West & the weakest link in Nigeria. They are the ones I pity the most. Yahaya Bello’s nephew, who has a case file with the EFCC, is now the chief of staff. The politicians are why the Naira will continue to crash against other currencies.
News
How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
News
Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
News
Your Second Coming Was A Chance To Avoid These Political Mistakes – Fayose To Fubara
Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, says the second coming to office of the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, after the elapsing of the state of emergency should have made him better.
Fayose’s remarks come as the Rivers State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara as of January 8, 2026.
Speaking in an interview on ‘Politics Today’, a programme on Channels Television on Friday, Fayose said he was removed as governor and went to exile but became a better person upon his return.
Fayose said that President Bola Tinubu hates ingratitude just like any other person else does.
The former Ekiti governor also dismissed the claim that what is happening in Rivers state is politics taken too far.
According to him, the constitution provides rules of engagement for every politician, stressing that it is when one gets out of the rule that he begins to look for public sympathy.
“The coming back of Governor Fubara should have made him a better person .If you made a mistake the first time, the second time you are not supposed to go through that route.
“Politics is a power game. Nobody solves political game for you. With due respect, let me tell you. Fubara is the one enjoying the office of the governor of Rivers state. It’s not the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
“Some people are saying it’s about Tinubu’s election. No! Because Tinubu’s election will come first, don’t forget that. Both Wike and Fubara will all work for Tinubu. Two weeks after, there will be an election for Rivers state,” he said.
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