Toba Owojaiye reporting
Lokoja, Kogi state
A brewing crisis between Governor Usman Ododo and his predecessor, Yahaya Bello, has allegedly erupted in Kogi State over the sacking of a transition committee chairman and the contentious distribution of 1,200 bags of rice intended as palliatives for indigent constituents.
Governor Ododo’s decision to remove Hassan Atawodi, appointed by Bello, as the transition committee chairman of the Ofu local government area has intensified tensions between the current administration and the previous regime. Atawodi’s dismissal is seen as a move to assert control and test the waters amidst an underlying power struggle.
Truth Live News gathered that the root cause of Atawodi’s dismissal stems from allegations of diverting the allocated rice meant for distribution to the needy. Sources suggest that Deputy Governor Joel Salifu Oyibo, from the same Ofu local government area, instructed Atawodi to divert the rice to party stakeholders instead of the intended recipients. Atawodi’s refusal to comply, citing the economic hardship faced by constituents, led to friction with the deputy governor and ultimately his removal from office.
Reports indicate that the 1,200 bags of rice were collected by a loyalist of former Governor Bello, Musa Muhammed Lawal, under the direction of Hon. Alfa Muhammed and Deputy Governor Oyibo. The rice, allegedly sold to a business tycoon in Lokoja, raised suspicions of foul play and misuse of public resources.
In response to Atawodi’s dismissal, Governor Ododo swiftly appointed Lawal as the new transition chairman of Ofu Local Government Area, signaling a shift in power dynamics. Atawodi’s loyalty to Bello and his perceived threat to the new administration further exacerbated tensions, especially as other former loyalists, like Hon. Alfa, switch allegiance to Governor Ododo.
Eyewitness accounts reveal the orchestrated efforts to sideline Atawodi and consolidate power within the ruling faction. Meetings convened by the deputy governor, accusations of non-compliance, and arbitrary restrictions on rice distribution highlight the systemic challenges facing local governance in Kogi State.
The saga surrounding the rice distribution underscores broader issues of governance, ethics, and representation in Kogi State. The clash between Governor Ododo and former Governor Bello reflects deeper rifts within the political landscape, with implications for governance and public trust.