Yahaya Bello, Nigeria’s youngest elected governor when he took office in 2016, came into politics with promises of fresh leadership. But over his eight years as Kogi governor, Bello’s administration became one of the most criticized in Nigeria’s recent history.…….CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
From unpaid salaries to corruption allegations, his tenure was marked by controversies that continue to shape his political image.
Here are five scandals about Yahaya Bello that tarnished his governorship.
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1. Unpaid Salaries and Pensions
One of the biggest criticisms of Bello’s tenure was the non-payment of workers’ salaries and pensions. Despite receiving huge federal allocations and bailout funds, thousands of workers in Kogi were left in financial hardship.
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2. Alleged Corruption and EFCC Investigations
The EFCC has repeatedly accused Yahaya Bello of mismanaging billions of naira. In 2024, he was declared wanted in connection with an alleged ₦80 billion fraud case, a scandal that continues to trail him.
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3. Intimidation of Political Opponents
Bello’s government was accused of using security forces to intimidate opposition politicians in Kogi. Elections in the state under his watch were often marred by reports of violence and voter suppression.
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4. Extravagant Lifestyle Amid Poverty
Critics often pointed out Bello’s lavish lifestyle, from his luxury cars to high-profile events, at a time when many Kogi citizens struggled with poverty and lack of infrastructure.
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5. Failed Promise of Youthful Leadership
When Bello came into office, many Nigerians celebrated his emergence as a young leader. But his administration’s scandals and poor performance left many disillusioned, turning what could have been a fresh start into a cautionary tale.…….CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
