Tinubu Under Fire Over Appointment Of Ex-Gov Yahaya Bello
The African Transparency Initiative (ATI) has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Reconciliation Committee, describing the move as an attack on integrity, accountability and Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.
In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Taiwo Omoniyi Otitolaye, ATI said the appointment represents a major setback for good governance and sends a dangerous signal that allegations of corruption, illegal mining and terrorism sponsorship no longer matter in Nigeria’s political space.
According to the group, the decision amounts to providing “presidential cover” for Bello, whom it said is facing serious allegations that should disqualify him from holding any public or party position.
“With this appointment, Tinubu has effectively provided presidential cover for an alleged terrorist sponsor and backing for Bello’s illegal mining activities. ATI views this move as a proactive demonstration to the international community that Tinubu’s government has 100 per cent tolerance for corruption, illegal mining and terrorism,” the statement said.
ATI warned that the appointment could further erode public trust in government and damage Nigeria’s already fragile international reputation.
The organisation alleged that Bello is currently facing trial over the diversion of more than ₦80 billion in Kogi State funds during his eight years in office. It also cited allegations of political violence during his tenure, including the killing of opposition figures.
ATI further pointed to Bello’s alleged links with controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, whose past engagements with armed groups have generated public outrage.
“He is known to have sponsored political killings as a sitting governor, including the brutal murder of a People’s Democratic Party (PDP) women leader who was reportedly set ablaze in her home. Bello’s connections to Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, a known ally of terrorists in Nigeria, are a matter of public record,” the group alleged.
The anti-corruption organisation questioned President Tinubu’s priorities, asking whether Bello was the right figure to serve on a reconciliation committee.
“Is Bello the type of character Tinubu prefers in a reconciliation committee? Is he telling the international community that corruption, illegal mining and terrorism allegations are irrelevant? Must Tinubu sacrifice integrity for his 2027 presidential ambition?” ATI asked.
The group said residents of Kogi State, who it described as victims of a brutal and despotic administration, are watching the development with fear, anger and concern.
ATI also argued that Bello’s appointment undermines the work of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), questioning how a person facing serious corruption allegations could be entrusted with such a sensitive party role.
“How can the President of Nigeria appoint a corrupt fugitive, accused of stealing ₦80 billion, to a reconciliation committee?” the group asked, describing the decision as a “gangrenous sore” on Nigeria’s anti-corruption fight.
The organisation further linked insecurity and illegal mining activities in parts of Kogi State to alleged alliances involving Bello, referencing Sheikh Gumi’s 2021 visit to Kogi West Senatorial District, where he reportedly praised the former governor.
According to ATI, the visit coincided with the influx of armed groups and illegal miners into the area, worsening insecurity and economic exploitation.
ATI called for the immediate removal of Yahaya Bello from the APC reconciliation committee and urged law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute all allegations against him without political interference.
“Nigeria deserves better than leaders who place power above principle and impunity above justice,” the group said.
