Governor Yahaya Bello Sacks All His Commissioners, Calls Them Back Within an Hour

Governor Yahaya Bello Sacks All His Commissioners, Calls Them Back Within an Hour

A political drama ensued in Kogi State Government house, after Governor Yahaya Bello announced the sack of 15 commissioners in his administration and the 21 chairpersons of the local councils in the state.

However as residents of the state embraced the news, another announcement was made stating that the commissioners and local council chairpersons have been reinstated.

Though no statement has been released from the office of the Governor who has been accused of importing arms and ammunition ahead of the 2019 general election, to explain what really happened, however close sources to the governor, said the Governor announced the sack of the commissioners just to see how they will react and also to test their loyalty.

However other Sources close to the cabinet meeting held behind closed door on Sunday told Punch’s correspondent, that the dissolution might not be unconnected with the arms importation last Thursday.

The Governor was said to be furious with his cabinet members, whom he accused of leaking the information about the arms importation. The Director General, media and publicity to the Governor, Kingsley Fanwo, confirmed that the governor had reversed his order of dissolution and asked them to return to their position.

It was further gathered that the reversal might be at the instance of the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Edward Onoja, who reportedly prevailed on Bello not to toe that line.

Onoja, said to be a very powerful and influential member of the governor’s cabinet, was quoted as arguing against the dissolution, especially as the governor would need them for the realization of his 2019 re-election bid.

“He told the governor that it would be difficult to build a new set of loyalists that will be used for campaign” a source said.

Recall that Kogi West senator, Dino Melaye accused Governor Yahaya Bello of importing military gadgets into the country. In a point of order raised at the floor of the senate on Thursday, Mr. Melaye said the items were intercepted by the Nigeria Customs at the Abuja Airport.