Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yayaha Bello, has issued queries to eight out of the nine Local Government Chairmen in the Eastern Senatorial District.
This follows their failure to secure victories for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in their respective areas during the recent Governorship election, as reported by Arewa Punch.
READ ALSO: “I Will Punish All Cabinet Members Who Betrayed me During Nov 11 Poll” – Yahaya Bello Threatens
The affected chairmen represent Omala, Ofu, Dekina, Ankpa, Olamaboro, Ibaji, Igalame/Odolu, and Idah local government areas.
The queries were a result of a post-election stakeholders’ meeting where the Governor expressed his disappointment with the chairmen for not meeting the party’s expectations.
Governor Bello, visibly displeased, demanded explanations from the chairmen regarding the party’s poor performance in their local government areas.
Despite allegedly receiving support for logistics and transportation, the chairmen were unable to deliver substantial votes for the APC.
Sources revealed that the Governor accused the chairmen of collecting unspecified sums of money from the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaib Abubarkar Audu, under the pretext of “mobilization votes.”
This, despite receiving substantial funds from the Government House prior to election day.
The Governor reportedly expressed concern that the mobilization funds might have been misappropriated for personal gain.
Governor Bello emphasized the consequences of the alleged mismanagement, stating that the mobilization funds were seemingly diverted for personal use rather than their intended purpose. He further announced that a questionnaire would be sent to the chairmen, with a mandatory submission deadline by midday Tuesday.
While the chairmen’s tenure officially expires on December 12, 2023, there are speculations that they may be relieved of their duties before this date.
Moreover, talks circulate about the possibility of the chairmen being required to refund the mobilization funds they received prior to the election.
The situation raises questions about party loyalty and financial accountability within the local government structure in Kogi State.