Police arrested Funsho Olumoko, who is often described as “brother” to James Faleke
Governor Yahaya Bello has stated categorically that he has no hand in the arrest of the suspect
He stressed that the uncivilised conduct of some anti-people elements would not derail the new direction of his administration
Bello stressed that the uncivilised conduct of some anti-people
elements would not derail the new direction of his administration.
Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state has stated categorically that he has no hand in the arrest of suspects in Ekinrin Adde.
There was tension in the state after the police arrested Funsho Olumoko, a former chairman of Ijumu local government area.
Olumoko is often described as “brother” to James Faleke, the running
mate to late Abubakar Audu in the 2015 Kogi governorship election.
Briefing journalists on Monday, March 21, the former chairman
criticized Bello and raised his voice against the visit of governor’s
wife to the community.
Next day, police officers allegedly stormed Olumoko’s residence,
harassed his 95-year-old father and 70-year-old mother, before taking
him to an unknown destination.
In a swift reaction, Bello accused his opponents of dragging his name into the issue, The Cable reports.
The statement made by Kingsley Fanwo, the governor’s chief press secretary, read in part:
“The attention of the Kogi state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has
been drawn to some spurious allegations of complicity in the arrest of
some suspected hoodlums by the police at Ekinrin Adde.
“We wish to set the record straight here that the role of protecting
lives and properties is the task of security agencies. They have the
constitutional right to protect the citizens of the country.
“The puerile attempt at parrying the ignominy of anti-development
agents through blame shifting will not hold waters under the present
administration in the state. Politics is over. It is high time we
embraced development.
“In as much as we would not want to be drawn to the unfortunate
circumstances surrounding the destruction of government properties in
the area, we urge citizens of our dear state to stay clear of attempts
at bringing the state into chaos.”
The governor stressed that the uncivilised conduct of some
anti-people elements would not derail the new direction of his
administration aimed at lifting the standards of living of the
citizenry.
