A viral video has captured former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, instructing newly elected State House of Assembly member, Hassan Shado, and his supporters to sit on the floor during a meeting at Bello’s Abuja residence.
The meeting, held on Monday, saw Bello warning Shado to strictly follow every directive of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo in the discharge of his duties. Shado, the All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker-elect for Dekina-Okura II State Constituency, won the August 16 by-election with 55,073 votes, defeating Godwin Meliga of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who scored 1,038 votes.
In the video, Bello emphasized party unity and collective responsibility, urging Shado to cooperate fully with the Speaker and other Assembly members, even if certain matters were unclear to him. “Go and cooperate with the Speaker, other members of the House of Assembly of Kogi State, and be part of those that will support Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo; in everything that comes to the Assembly, everything, even if you don’t understand it,” Bello said.
The former governor also highlighted the importance of grassroots support in political victories, calling for inclusivity, broad consultation, and collective leadership. He reassured APC supporters of the party’s continued dominance, asserting confidence in the re-election of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Ododo, as well as the success of other party candidates.
Bello’s tenure as governor was marked by controversy. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accused him of diverting over N110 billion during his eight-year administration. Despite repeated court summonses, Bello initially evaded the EFCC, stalling his arraignment on at least six occasions and reportedly escaping a confrontation at his Abuja residence. He eventually surrendered to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on November 26, 2024.
READ MORE:
Kogi: Yahaya Bello Pleads Not Guilty To Charges
