The Kogi Ethnic Nationalities Forum (KENF)**, a socio-cultural organization, has raised concerns about a potential plan by certain politicians to arm hoodlums and orchestrate an invasion of the Kogi State government house.
On July 14, reports emerged that Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, had sought “protective custody” from the state government following his declaration as wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In a statement released on Monday, Kennedy Owolabi, the national publicity secretary of KENF, alleged that this planned invasion is aimed at locating and targeting the former governor. Owolabi condemned any such attempt as tantamount to a “coup” and warned that it would be met with strong resistance from the state’s residents.
“We have reliable information about some desperate politicians acquiring automated weapons to arm hoodlums from neighboring states for an assault on the government house,” Owolabi stated. “This appears to be a carefully planned coup attempt to topple a constitutionally elected governor under the guise of searching for Yahaya Bello.”
He questioned the legality of such an invasion, emphasizing that it seems intended to usurp the governor’s position rather than pursue lawful objectives. “What they failed to achieve through democratic means, they now hope to accomplish through violence,” he said.
Owolabi reassured that the people of Kogi State are committed to defending their chosen leadership and will resist any attempts to return to past dark times. He urged that violence should have no place in Kogi’s future, but also cautioned that attempts to incite unrest will be met with equal force.
“Desperate politicians must understand that violence is not an option in the new Kogi,” he added, “and those who seek to ignite conflict should be prepared for the consequences.”
(cable)