News

YWC Holds First Simultaneous LG Meetings, Calls for Coordination Among Yoruba

Published

4 years ago

July 27, 2020

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The Yoruba World Congress (YWC), an umbrella body of Yoruba indigenes both at home and in the Diaspora, has successfully held meetings in all the local government areas of Yoruba origin in Nigeria.

The meetings, Which held simultaneously across over 200 local government areas of Yoruba speaking states including areas in Kwara, Kogi, Edo and Delta states, took place on Saturday under the leadership of Emeritus Prof Banji Akintoye, and supported by eminent Yoruba leaders such as Dr Amos Akingba and Chief Tola Adeniyi, among others who form part of the administrative arm. It was the first of its kind.

The Secretary-General of the body, Prof Anthony Kila, had earlier confirmed the meeting, noting that it would open a new page in the annals of history as the group, led by Prof Akintoye will be the first association in the world to hold meetings in all local government areas of Yoruba land at the same time on the same day aside churches and mosques.

The YWC Secretariat in Ibadan was also unveiled on the day as a highpoint of events. Recall that in June, the body initiated the YWC Global Library Project to preserve and promote Yoruba culture with Prof. Omofolabo Ajayi-Soyinka as head.

In his address at one of the centres of the meeting, Prof. Kila acknowledged the historic impact the initiative has made while expressing appreciations to as many that facilitated the realisation of the project including “various groups, individuals and state coordinators that make up the YWC that answered the call to serve and unite our people”.

The meetings Which were planned since March, according to Prof Kila and adhered strictly to the rules of social distancing as stipulated by the NCDC, did not make any nominations as it was basically held for the members to know one another.

Kila further observed that the group is creating a new dawn in Yoruba land aimed at harnessing a crop of leaders totally sold out to the progress of the land and its people

“It is a new dawn in Yoruba land and the Yoruba World Congress is putting together a crop of tomorrow leaders that are willing to give their time, ideas space and money to help Yoruba people. We thank you all and congratulate you for being part of such people,” he said.

While stating that YWC aims to promote, defend and achieve the collective growth and developmental aspirations and interests, prosperity, security, wellbeing, welfare and sustenance of Yoruba People and culture, Kila reiterated that establishing the group’s presence in the LGAs is with full “understanding and respect for local sensibilities as well as diversity of our groups”.

He added: “We want those that live in our community to meet themselves, know themselves, discuss what matters to them and later decide who will lead them by looking at who is most willing and capable.”

The Yoruba World Congress, with international Secretariat in Lagos, comprises Yoruba people and groups across the world, and aims to promote, defend and achieve the collective growth and developmental aspirations and interests, prosperity, security, wellbeing, welfare and sustenance of Yoruba People and culture.

News

Ex-Gov Bello Stripped of Security Details, Placed on Watchlist

Published

9 hours ago

April 19, 2024

Eric

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has placed Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi, on a watchlist, just as the police headquarters in Abuja “ordered the withdrawal of all men attached to his excellency Alhaji Yahaya Bello, former executive governor of Kogi state”.

Bello was declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on April 18 after his absence from the federal high court in Abuja “stalled his arraignment”.

The anti-graft agency alleges that Bello, alongside Alli Bello, chief of staff to Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi; and one Daudu Suleiman, diverted about N80.2 billion belonging to the Kogi government.

In a statement signed by DS Umar, assistant comptroller of immigration, on behalf of Kemi Nandap, comptroller-general of the NIS, the agency said “the above named person has been placed on watch list”.

“The subject is being prosecuted for breach of trust and money laundering. If seen at any entry or exit point, he should be arrested and referred to the Director of Investigation for further action,” the statement reads.

On April 17, the EFCC ended its siege on Bello’s residence in Abuja after Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi, arrived at the house and was later seen leaving with his predecessor.

News

N80.2b Fraud: EFCC Declares Ex- Gov Bello Wanted

Published

1 day ago

April 18, 2024

Eric

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, wanted. Yahaya Bello was declared wanted for offences bordering on economic and financial crimes, with special emphasis to an alleged N82.2 billion fraud.

This was contained in a press statement made available to news men on Thursday.

The statement signed by Commission’s management reads as follows:

“Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, is wanted by the EFCCfor offences relating to economic and financial crimes to the tune of N80.2 bn.

“Anybody with information as to his whereabouts should report immediately to the commission or the nearest police station.”

News

EFCC Seeks Military’s Help to Arrest Fleeing Ex-Gov Bello

Published

1 day ago

April 18, 2024

Eric

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court Abuja, on Thursday, adjourned to April 23, the suit instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello.

The adjournment is for substituted service and possible arraignment of Bello for alleged N84billion money laundering.

At the sitting, counsel for the EFCC, Kemi Phinro, told the court that Bello was absent from court for his arraignment because he was being protected by someone with immunity.

Phinro complained that the former governor was whisked out of his Abuja residence by the same person with immunity.

Phinro said the anti-graft agency might seek the help of the military to fish him out to come face his arraignment.

Responding to this submission, Yahaya Bello through his counsel, Abdulwahab Muhammad, told the court that there is an order of the court restraining the EFCC from arresting or arraigning him.

Muhammad said a Kogi State High Court had on February 9, 2024 restrained the EFCC from arresting or arraigning the former governor.

He added that the EFCC has appealed the ruling and the Court of Appeal was yet to decide on the matter.

He pointed out that the action of the EFCC was unconstitutional and the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain any charge from the EFCC.

Counsel for the EFCC, however, disagreed with the submission of the counsel to Bello.

The EFCC counsel held that the ruling in the substantive matter on the suit was delivered on March 17, 2024 by the Kogi State High Court.

He cleared the air that the court in its ruling held that for the former governor to be arrested or arraigned, the EFCC must first seek leave from the court to do so.

He said it was in line with that judgment that the EFCC, through an exparte application, filed for the order seeking the arrest of the former governor which was granted by the court.

Counsel for Yahaya Bello, however, insisted before the court that the order for the ex-governor’s arrest was made out of jurisdiction. He said the former governor is not a fugitive, but relying on the order of the Kogi State High Court to take protection.

On Wednesday, EFCC operatives stormed Bello’s residence in the Wuse area of Abuja and spent most part of the day attempting to arrest the former governor whom the Commission later confirmed was whisked away by his successor.

The EFCC subsequently warned members of the public that it is a criminal offence to obstruct officers of the Commission from carrying out their lawful duties.

The Commission’s spokesperson said that Section 38(2)(a)(b) of the EFCC Establishment Act makes it an offence to prevent officers of the Commission from carrying out their lawful duties.

According to him, culprits risk a jail term of not less than five years.

“On several occasions, operatives of the Commission have had to exercise utmost restraint in the face of such provocation to avoid a breakdown of law and order.

“Regrettably, such disposition is being construed as a sign of weakness.

“The Commission, therefore, warns that it will henceforth not tolerate any attempt by any person or organisation to obstruct its operation as such will be met with appropriate punitive actions,” the statement added.