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Meet the Gladiators of Kogi/Bayelsa Guber Election

Published

7 years ago

November 16, 2019

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

As the race for who rules Kogi and Bayelsa for the next four years kicks off, The Boss takes a peep into the world of the contestants. We serve you hot the very details of the men and women who wish to occupy the number positions of the two states. Enjoy:

YAHAYA BELLO

Yahya Adoza Bello is the incumbent governor of Kogi State who was thrust unto the position by fate. He was declared winner of the 2015 Kogi gubernatorial election after he was chosen on the platform of the All Progressives Congress as the replacement for the late Abubakar Audu who originally won the election but died before the result was declared.

Born on June 18, 1975 in Okene, Kwara State, Bello is not only the youngest governor in Nigeria, he is also the youngest of six children. He started his early education at LGEA Primary School, Agassa in Okene LGA in 1984 where he first manifested his leadership qualities leading to his appointment as a class prefect of class two and later the school Head Boy in class six.

After his elementary education, he attended Agassa Community Secondary School, Anyava, Agassa-Okene for his secondary education and obtained his JSSCE and SSCE certificates from Government Secondary School, Suleja-Niger State in 1994.

He was admitted to Kaduna State Polytechnic Zaria in 1995 and obtained an Accounting degree from Ahmadu Bello University ABU Zaria in 1999. Yahaya Bello further enrolled for a Masters program in Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria where he obtained Masters in Business Administration (MBA) in 2002. Bello became a chartered fellow of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria in 2004. He is a seasoned businessman.

Having served four years as the executive governor of Kogi State, Bello is seen by many as a failure; not a true representative of the much clamoured ‘not too young to run’ campaign. His administration has been characterised by unpopular policies, incessant political rivalries not forgetting backlog of debts owed the state’s workforce. It is also said that his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is aware of his many faults, and that necessitated the governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai kneeling before the people of Kogi to beg for forgiveness on his behalf at his campaign ground.

He is presumed to be the well beloved of President Muhammadu Buhari, and that singularly and allegedly presented him the ticket to run for a second term in office. Bello has faced serious opposition especially from the SDP candidate, and except for power of incumbency, his chances of retaining the governorship seat is very slim.

MUSA WADA

One of Nigeria’s foremost engineers, Engr. Musa Wada, PhD, FNIS was born on May 17 into the family of Alhaji Wada; a family deeply attached to Moslem values in Odu, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State. His mother Hajia Awawo hails from Idah Local Government Area of Kogi State.

He began his education at LGEA Primary School, Okura-Olafia before attending Government Secondary School, Dekina, and thereafter proceeded to the School of Basic Studies at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

He had his first degree B.Sc in Building from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and his second degree M.Sc in Transport from Ogun State University (now Olabisi Onabanjo University). He also obtained a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Civil Engineering from the Federal University of Technology, Akure and a doctorate degree (PhD) in Environmental Science from the University of Calabar, Nigeria. He practically traversed the length and breath of the country in search of formal education.

His a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Shipping as well as a Member of many professional bodies including the Nigerian Society of Engineers and Institute of Building. He is an Officer of Igala Kingdom (OIK).

He worked with the Engineering Division of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and rose to become the Chief Port Engineer, Tin-Can Island Port between 2004 and 2007, in charge of general monitoring, overseeing and maintenance of the Tin-Can Island Port facilities and equipment. His zeal for all round performance catapulted him to a position where he was saddled with the responsibility of overseeing the Capital Project of NPA Headquarters as a Principal Manager, Capital Project of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Headquarters in Lagos.

Wada is the younger brother of a former governor of Kogi State and may likely ride on the goodwill of his family to victory. He is contesting on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

NATASHA AKPOTI

Natasha Hadiza Akpoti was born on December 9, 1979. She was educated variously at the University of Abuja and obtained a law degree. She also attended the University of Dundee.

An astute legal practitioner, Natasha also comes around as a determined politician who seems to know what she wants. She also is the Founder of Builders Hub Impact Investment Program and the only woman in the list of contenders for the Kogi government house.

Earlier in 2019, she ran for the post of Kogi Central Senatorial District seat under the Social Democratic Party, the same party she is representing in the governorship election.

Without a care of whose ox is gored, Akpoti calls a spade a spade, and will not spare anyone whose stock and trade is to take advantage of the gullibility of fellow Nigerians. In 2016, she exposed how information was withheld from Nigerians concerning the Ajaokuta Steel Complex as well as those supposedly sitting on the completion of the project.

In a 2016 interview with Kogi Reports, she described herself as follows:

“I am a lawyer, an MBA professional, social entrepreneur and the founder of Builders Hub Impact Investment Program. My father is from Okehi Local Government Area in Kogi State while my mother is a Ukrainian. I have three male siblings and three amazing children. I had my elementary education at Christ the King Nursery and Primary School, Okene and my junior secondary at Government Girls Unity Secondary School, Oboroke, both in Kogi state. Senior Secondary in Federal Government College Idoani, Ondo State; where I was the Head Girl. I obtained my Bachelor of Law from the University of Abuja, attended Nigerian Law school, Abuja and was called to the bar in 2005. Worked for a few years as a legal counsel at Brass LNG Lagos before proceeding to the United Kingdom for my MBA in Oil and Gas management and LLM Petroleum Law and Policies. I have an insatiable appetite for acquiring knowledge and thus, attended a number of international professional courses. However, of all my life achievements, nothing is dearer to me than my desire to impact socio-economically in the lives of poor and ordinary people.”

Akpoti in the run off to the election has put the major contestants on their toes, unleashing one fiery statement after another, suggesting she is not a candidate to toil with. Notwithstanding, it is only the sympathy of the people that can possible see her make a headway in the contest of winner takes all.

DOUYE DIRI

Douye Diri has been a seasoned administrator and prolific politician who has managed to remain in the corridors of power. He is the senator representing Bayelsa Central Senatorial District 9th National Assembly and is aiming to take over the state from Seriake Dickson under the umbrella of the PDP.

Diri, who was described as the best lawmaker in effective advocacy holds a Bachelors of Education in Political Science which he obtained in 1990 after a gaining a national Certificate in Education in 1985.

His pedigree in the political and general career landscape include

MEMBER REPRESENTING YENAGOA/KOLOKUMA-OPOKUMA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY 2015-2019

PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE SECRETARY TO THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF BAYELSA STATE 2013

DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF TO THE GOVERNOR OF BAYELSA STATE 2012

MEMBER GOVERNING COUNCIL UNIVERSITY OF MAIDUGURI 2008-2012

HONOURABLE COMMISSIONER FOR YOUTHS AND SPORTS 2006-2007

EXECUTIVE SECRETARY CENTRE FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT 2000-2002

DAVID LYON

He was born on December 20, 1970 into the family of Mr. and Mrs. Arukubu Lyon Ekpeke of Abebiri family of Eubiri compound, Olugbobiri Community in Olodiama clan of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.

He attended Saint Gabriel’s State School Olugbobiri, from 1978 to 1983, and community secondary school, Olugbobiri, from 1984 to 1988 before proceeding to Rivers State College of Education, where he bagged the National Certificate of Education (NCE).

Lyon is a seasoned technocrat who sits on the board of several conglomerates. He is known to have been doing so since he was a foreman with Western Company Ltd.

A shrewd businessman with matching acumen, Lyon has been able to stay afloat in the complex oil and gas industry, servicing diverse oil and gas multinational companies.

Lyon’s disqualification from the governorship race and consequent reinstatement may have jolted him a little, abut his entrepreneurial sojourn which faces ups and downs on a daily basis will likely see him through. More so, even as APC seems to be gaining ground in the oil rich state.

Featured

Fake Agency Scandal: NDC Demands Gbajabiamila’s Sack

Published

1 day ago

July 3, 2026

Eric

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately remove his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, over allegations linking him to an alleged multi-billion-naira corruption scandal involving a purported non-existent government agency, the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).

In a statement issued on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the opposition party described the allegations as grave and said Gbajabiamila’s continued stay in office could compromise any credible investigation into the matter.

The NDC’s demand follows allegations made by Prince Mathew Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claims to be the Director-General of the PFIPC, an agency the Presidency has publicly denied exists.

According to the party, the allegations raise serious concerns about transparency, accountability and integrity within the Tinubu administration.

The NDC alleged that despite the Presidency’s denial of the agency’s existence, the PFIPC purportedly secured budgetary allocations in the 2026 Appropriation Act and opened a domiciliary account, a Pound Sterling account and a Treasury Single Account (TSA) domiciled with the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The party questioned how an agency described as non-existent could allegedly establish multiple high-level government financial accounts without official approval or the required documentation.

It also called on the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation to explain whether forged documents were used in processing the accounts.

The statement further alleged that the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation approved 314 staff positions for the purported agency, describing the development as another issue requiring urgent explanation.

According to the NDC, the allegations also include claims that Gbajabiamila demanded 48 per cent of the agency’s take-off grant, reportedly valued at N27.39 billion, a request Adeyemi allegedly rejected.

The party also cited Adeyemi’s claim that he secured his appointment through the Chief of Staff after allegedly paying N600 million, of which N400 million was allegedly paid through proxies, while N200 million remained outstanding.

It said the alleged unpaid balance reportedly contributed to the Presidency’s subsequent denial of the agency’s existence.

The NDC further alleged that the claims point to a wider pattern of institutional corruption, including the alleged sale of public appointments.

The party also linked the controversy to the death of Babatunde Tanimola, whom it described as an intermediary between Adeyemi and the Chief of Staff.

According to the statement, Tanimola reportedly died in a fire incident at a hotel in Utako, Abuja, on October 22, 2025, a day after the police reportedly received a petition from the Chief of Staff.

The NDC also referenced Adeyemi’s claims that he survived multiple assassination attempts, including an attack along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway on September 7, 2025, and alleged that certain individuals within government are plotting to eliminate him.

Against the backdrop of the allegations, the party demanded the immediate removal of Gbajabiamila to allow what it described as a full and impartial investigation.

It also called on President Tinubu to establish an independent investigative panel to examine the alleged operations of the PFIPC, including its budgetary allocations, financial transactions, account openings and staff recruitment.

The NDC further urged investigators to probe the circumstances surrounding Tanimola’s death and the alleged assassination attempts on Adeyemi, while recommending that Adeyemi be granted witness protection.

The party also demanded that the Chief of Staff produce all official documents signed since assuming office for forensic examination.

In addition, it called for the questioning of officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation over their alleged roles in the matter.

The opposition party also urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Nigeria Police Force to commence what it described as a thorough investigation without fear or favour.

“The NDC will not accept the usual tactic of issuing a mere defensive press release from the Presidency as a deflective ploy. Nigerians deserve to know the truth through a transparent process that promotes fairness and justice,” the statement said.

The Presidency has previously maintained that the PFIPC is not a recognised government agency.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Presidency nor Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila had responded to the fresh allegations contained in the NDC statement.

Featured

Glo-sponsored African Voices Features Former CNN Anchor, Isha Sesay

Published

1 day ago

July 3, 2026

Eric

Accomplished journalist and former Cable News Network (CNN) International anchor, Isha Sesay, will this week return to the studios of the global news network, not as an interviewer, but as the subject of its celebrated 30-minute magazine programme, African Voices, sponsored by telecommunications giant, Globacom.

The episode will shine a spotlight on the remarkable journey of the distinguished broadcaster whose career has traversed some of the most influential corridors of international journalism.

The 50-year-old British-Sierra Leonean media personality, born on January 6, 1976, rose to prominence through an illustrious career at CNN, which she joined as a news anchor in 2005 after distinguished stints with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and Sky News. Over the years, Sesay became one of the most recognisable and respected faces in global television news, bringing clarity and composure to some of the world’s most consequential stories.

An alumna of Trinity College, Cambridge, United Kingdom, Sesay steadily carved a distinctive niche for herself in broadcast journalism. In 2009, she became the host of the inaugural edition of International Desk, CNN’s weekly news programme, further cementing her reputation as a journalist of substance and international standing.

Her career afforded her the opportunity to engage with numerous eminent personalities, including former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and his successor, the late President Umaru Yar’Adua, among other notable global figures.

Sesay also contributed to Anderson Cooper 360° as presenter of the 360 Bulletin, a role she assumed on January 17, 2011. Subsequently, she was reassigned as anchor of another flagship news programme, CNN NewsCenter, continuing a professional trajectory that reflected both versatility and excellence.

Beyond the newsroom, Sesay has demonstrated a deep commitment to social impact. In 2014, she launched her educational and humanitarian non-profit advocacy initiative for the African girl-child. The organisation, aptly named Women Everywhere Can Lead, has since provided educational support and empowerment opportunities aimed at nurturing a new generation of female leaders across the continent.

More recently, Sesay captured public attention with her personal journey into motherhood, welcoming her first child through In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) as a single mother. Her experience has resonated with many women around the world, adding another compelling chapter to a life story already rich in courage, resilience and inspiration.

On this edition of African Voices, Sesay will share insights into her distinguished career, her enduring advocacy for girls’ education and empowerment, as well as her new and deeply personal adventure into motherhood. The programme will air on Saturday at 7.30am.

Repeat broadcasts will follow at 11.00am on the same day, while additional screenings are scheduled for Sunday at 3.30am and 6.00pm. Further rebroadcasts will air on Monday at 3.00am and 5.45pm, and on Tuesday at 5.45 pm, with the same time belt continuing into the following week until Monday at 3.00am

Featured

President Tinubu Addresses Wife, Remi, As ‘Iya Alakara’

Published

1 day ago

July 3, 2026

Eric

President Bola Tinubu drew laughter at the Presidential Press Corps Dinner on Thursday, after playfully referring to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu as “Iya Alakara”, a Yoruba phrase meaning “the woman who sells bean cakes”

The light-hearted moment happened during the inaugural dinner at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja as the President welcomed guests.

Addressing the audience, Tinubu said: “Good evening, gentlemen of the press, ladies and gentlemen, my dear wife, the First Lady, Iya Alakara.”

The audience laughed as the First Lady smiled.

The remark referred to recent online reactions to comments made by Oluremi Tinubu about small businesses.

At a recent event under the Renewed Hope Initiative, she encouraged women to consider small businesses such as selling akara, roasted corn and kuli-kuli, saying they need little start-up capital.

Her comments sparked debate on social media, with some Nigerians saying the advice did not reflect the country’s current economic situation.

Responding to the criticism days later, the First Lady said her remarks were misunderstood and explained that the programme supports different types of small traders and provides grants to help them grow.

The President’s remark was widely seen as a light joke about the online debate over the First Lady’s comments and public concerns about the country’s economic situation.