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.
