Frank Nnaemeka Nweke, a former Minister of Information and Communication from Enugu State, has launched a scathing attack on ex-governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, describing him as a reckless and irresponsible leader who treated the people of Kogi like slaves.
In a series of tweets from his X account, Nweke accused Bello of having no sense of public service or public trust, and of being reckless in his speech and conduct. “The man is a specimen of those to whom political power must never be handed to. He carried on as if there was no tomorrow. The man had no sense of responsibility. It’s doubtful he had a sense of self-awareness,” Nweke wrote.
Nweke’s comments come just a day after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declared Bello wanted over an alleged money laundering case involving N80.2bn.
According to Nweke, Bello’s tenure as governor was marked by a complete disregard for the people of Kogi, who he treated like his personal property. “The Kogi people were his slaves. Every and anything Kogi was his to do as he pleased. He only remembered he had a tenure when it ended. Now we know why he chose to squat with his successor, the new caitiff, in Lugard House,” Nweke said.
Nweke’s attack on Bello is a stark reminder of the former governor’s controversial tenure, which was marked by allegations of corruption, mismanagement, and human rights abuses. Despite these allegations, Bello has remained defiant, insisting that he is innocent of any wrongdoing.
However, with the EFCC now on his trail, Bello’s future looks uncertain. As Nweke’s tweets suggest, many Nigerians are calling for him to be held accountable for his actions, and for those in positions of power to be held to a higher standard of conduct.
In the end, Nweke’s words serve as a warning to those who would seek to abuse their power and position for personal gain. As he put it, “Public service and public trust mean everything. They are the bedrock of our democracy. Those who betray that trust must be held accountable.”
