.Indigenes attack Ude over bribery allegation against Bello
Ahead of the November 11 governorship election in Kogi State, All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Dr. Tom Ohikere, has declared that the fundamental issues that will throw up the winner favour the party’s candidate, Usman Ododo.
This is just as Kogi indigenes have threatened to sue Jackson Ude for his bribery allegations against Governor Yahaya Bello, vowing to defend the governor against fake news and blackmail.
Ohikere, in a statement, yesterday, asserted that as a key player in Kogi politics and a foundation member of APC, he could not afford to sit on the fence and watch things deteriorate.
The two-time Commissioner for Information in Kogi and a strong advocate of power rotation noted that “Kogi political scene is always interesting,” given the array of personalities usually jostling for opportunity to get into public office.
“I, like many others, am a veteran gladiator and ardent believer in the possibilities and potentialities our political economy could offer and make our state the envy of others.
“My initial interest was for Kogi West to produce the APC candidate, but Kogi Central produced the candidate. I actually worked for Senator Smart Adeyemi, and will never regret it. I see him as a reliable contestant from Kogi West, and it would have been so good to have him in Lugard House. I am confident that he, as a party man, will align with the party’s position soon,” Ohikere said.
He enthused: “As we advance further into the political season, opportunities for consultation and negotiation are bound to arise as part of the larger political strategy and permutation.”
Meanwhile, Kogi Indigenes Collective Interest Group (KOGIC) has risen in defence of the governor over what they called “unfounded and irresponsible allegation” by his detractors.
Responding to a tweet by Ude that Bello bribed election tribunal judges to influence the outcome of cases before them, the group threatened to sue Ude and called on relevant security agencies to investigate and bring him to book.
According to the group, Ude has turned himself into a laughing stock of the social media, having allegedly churned out many lies in the past about innocent Nigerians.
The statement, signed by the Coordinator of KOGIC, Abduganiyu Yusuf, accused Ude of being a hireling of failed politicians, who were desperate to use all foul tactics to pursue their dubious objectives.
