–Beyond ethnicity.
By Otori Ozigi
Let me state categorically that the position I have taken to stoutly stand with the former governor of Kogi State is far beyond the small layer of ethnicity or any other primordial sentiments.
At my old age and exposure in life I would be doing myself a big disservice to cling to ethnicity and other unprogressive tendencies in life.
Those who knows me personally and my professional pedigree spanning over 4 decades now would quickly bear me witness that I’m not an ethnic jingoist.
And most importantly I don’t hero worship anybody in this life.
I wish to state also that all my life I don’t fear anybody no matter your status or position in life.
I only fear God the Alfa and Omega.
The only one who describes himself as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Even if you are the President of US if you don’t respect yourself I’m bold enough to speak truth to your power.
As a free born to the great Idu Clan of Ihima town I have the uncommon courage to always speak the truth even at the point of death.
Back to EFCC Versus FGYB tango.
What are the ingredients of their drama?
The notorious EFCC have been alleging fraudulent charges against Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello since his first year in office.
And the agency decided to put him through their traditional resort to media trials.
Is this the professional way of acceptable international standard in investigation and prosecution of criminal jurisprudence?
The answer is capital no.
First, the EFCC started their apparent witch-hunt by alleging blindly that the former governor swallowed a 20billion naira bail out funds.
When the bank denied the existence of such transactions between them and FGYB, the lazy and shameless agency started looking for how to save it’s ugly face.
After a long silence it announced to Nigerians that the missing and prodigal money had found its way back to the coffers of the Useless CBN, under the most corrupt governor of the apex bank in history, Godwin Emefiale.
This singular act of the EFCC triggered my keen interest in it’s relationship with FGYB.
As an investigative journalist I started paying a close watch on its activities in Kogi State.
And again another layer of allegations against the former governor began to grow from the sky .
The agency woke up from their slumber and claimed that the former governor embezzled Kogi Sate funds in September 2015.
And that was at a time FGYB was just getting ready to start his gubernatorial campaigns.
This particular incident made me to loose all my respect for the fumbling agency
When EFCC discovered its foolishness it quickly sought for an amendment to the charges against the former governor claiming that the incident happened in 2016.
Hmmm
And that was at a time the total allocations accrued to the State stood at 58 billion naira only.
And the agency is insisting that the former governor allegedly stole 80 billion naira.
The question begging for answer is that how was this possible.
Did the former governor swallowed all the allocations and even took loans to make up for the difference?
Ladies and gentlemen this is why I have decided to stand on the side of truth because I’m totally convinced that the former governor is being wrongly persecuted.
Those who think that I have collected millions from the governor should hear it today that I have not collected a dime from either FGYB or his close aides.
I don’t even know the former governor from Adam.
The last time I visited Lugard House was in 2017.
I have no business there.
I don’t go to where I’m not invited.
I’m not hungry too.
I’m a self made highly successful man who is redeemed to flourish in hard times.
I’m highly favored in life beyond measure.
I’m a federal pensioner who have seen it all.
The good, the bad and the ugly sides of this life .
I have learned to be contented in life.
Am a journalist and not a political jobber.
I will stand with FGYB to the end of this drama .
No shaking.
I’m not a carword.
My conscience is very clear.
I come in peace.