Kogi State natives residing in the United Kingdom gathered under the banner of Concerned Citizens of Kogi State in UK to stage a peaceful demonstration, urging action against alleged corruption and human rights abuses during former Governor Yahaya Bello’s tenure.
Led by Mr. Cyril Akubo and Barrister Samuel Promise, they presented a petition to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling for the intervention of British authorities, the Nigerian government, and international bodies, on Monday, May 20, 2024.
“We hereby call on the British authorities, Federal government of Nigeria, and the International communities to come to the aid of our people by arresting, trying, and prosecuting the past governor with the aim of recovering all our stolen funds and prosecuting all parties found guilty in the alleged corruption and human rights violations.”
The petition highlighted the purported embezzlement of state funds and the mistreatment of citizens under Bello’s administration.
The protesters emphasized their desire for justice, accountability, and the recovery of stolen assets.
They expressed solidarity with ongoing efforts by anti-corruption agencies and appealed for support in bringing the former governor and his associates to trial.
Additionally, the group submitted a copy of the petition to the British parliament and government, urging them to join the call for accountability.
They underscored the need for immediate action to address the alleged corruption and human rights violations, which they claimed had tarnished the integrity of governance in Kogi State and harmed its citizens.
The Concerned Citizens detailed their demands, including the prompt arrest of the former governor, a thorough investigation into allegations of misconduct, prosecution of those implicated, and the recovery of misappropriated funds.
They also called for enhanced protection for witnesses and whistle blowers and advocated for stricter oversight mechanisms to prevent future abuses of power.
In their letter addressed to President Tinubu, conveyed through the Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Amb. Cyprian Heen, the group urgently appealed for intervention to rectify the situation in Kogi State.
They stressed the importance of holding accountable those responsible for the alleged wrongdoing and ensuring transparency and good governance in the state’s affairs.
“Implementation of Stricter Oversight: We advocate for the implementation of stricter oversight mechanisms to prevent future occurrences of such grave misconduct and abuse of power in Kogi state and beyond.”
