An advocacy group based in Ebiraland has called on President Bola Tinubu and key security institutions to investigate statements allegedly made by former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello. The group, Advocacy for Peace, Justice and Order, Say No to Violence in Ebiraland, alleged that Bello encouraged the current Kogi state administration to arrest and prosecute opposition figures he described as 'political criminals'.
Group Condemns Remarks as Reckless and Inflammatory
The demand was made in a statement issued on Saturday, July 11, signed by the group's spokesperson, Alhaji O.A. Mamman. Mamman described the alleged remarks as reckless and capable of stoking political persecution and violence, adding that such language posed a direct threat to civil liberties, the rule of law, and Nigeria's democratic foundations. The statement read: 'Such rhetoric is reckless, inflammatory and capable of inciting political persecution and violence.'
Alleged History of Threats by Yahaya Bello
The group drew attention to a similar controversy from the period preceding the 2023 general elections. They alleged that Bello had at that time threatened to send those who opposed his political ambitions to a place where they would 'never see the light of the sun or the moon'. That statement was widely understood as a threat against political opponents, though it was never acted upon. Mamman said: 'By the grace of God, and through the vigilance of the people and relevant institutions, those threats were never carried out.'
Concerns Ahead of 2027 Elections
With the 2027 electoral cycle drawing closer, the advocacy group expressed concern that the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain was once again allegedly using provocative language to influence how opposition voices are treated in the state. The group directed its appeal to President Tinubu, Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu, the Department of State Services (DSS), Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi, and other relevant authorities, urging them to scrutinise Bello's remarks and prevent political disagreements from being weaponised against citizens.
Appeal to President Tinubu
The statement noted that Tinubu himself was once a leading opposition figure and should therefore recognise the vital role that opposition plays in sustaining democratic governance. The group stated: 'We urge the relevant security and constitutional authorities to treat these remarks with the seriousness they deserve and ensure that the rights of all citizens, irrespective of their political affiliations, are protected.'
Call for Monitoring by Civil Society and International Community
In the same vein, the organisation called on civil society bodies and the international community to closely monitor political developments in Kogi state. 'Nigeria's democracy must never be reduced to a system where dissent is criminalised or opposition is persecuted,' Mamman said, reiterating the group's commitment to defending the constitutional rights of every Nigerian to participate freely in the democratic process without fear of intimidation or political victimisation.
