Toba Owojaiye reporting
Lokoja, Kogi State
In a press release issued today, Hon. Austin Abu Achimugu, AAC Governorship Candidate, addressed serious allegations against Ex-Governor Yahaya Bello and three other suspects, Ali Bello, Dauda Suleiman, and Abdulsalam Hudu, who are facing 19-count charges of money laundering amounting to N80,246,470,088.88 by the EFCC. He asserted that “ The gravity of these allegations cannot be swept under the carpet and therefore demand thorough and unfettered investigation,”
In a statement made available to Truth Live News, Engr Achimugu said “ In the interest of accountability and to protect the legacy and opportunity of other young politicians, I call upon Ex-Governor Yahaya Bello to present himself to the authorities to clear his name, as a matter of urgency”.
“The Eighty billion Naira allegedly laundered, if used wisely, could have significantly benefited the citizens of Kogi State,” Achimugu pointed out. “It could have funded one new university per senatorial zone, one modern hospital in each of our 9 federal constituencies, and provided one solar-powered borehole in all 239 wards in Kogi State.”
Achimugu envisions a Kogi State where basic amenities are not a luxury but a right for every citizen, and where leaders prioritize selfless service over personal gain. “We envision a Kogi State where basic amenities are not a luxury but a right for every citizen, where leaders prioritize selfless service over personal gain,” he emphasized.
“A great Kogi State cannot emerge if we prioritize religious, ethnic, or political affiliations over competence, integrity, and a vision for our collective progress,” Achimugu added, emphasizing the importance of meritocracy over identity politics.
Hon Achimugu stressed the importance of upholding the principles of justice and accountability for the betterment of Nigeria. “Nations only progress when good is rewarded and evil is commensurately punished.”