The Kogi Youth Leaders Forum (KYLF) has criticized a northern group (NEYGA) for accusing Governor Usman Ododo of shielding his predecessor, Yahaya Bello, from prosecution.

Recall that the Northern Ethnic Youth Group Assembly (NEYGA) had called on President Bola Tinubu to address the actions of Governor Usman Ododo, who they alleged was protecting Yahaya Bello and undermining the anti-corruption campaign.

In a statement signed by spokesperson, Ibrahim Dan-Musa, NEYGA accused Governor Ododo of using his immunity to shield Bello, who has been declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The group claimed that Ododo has been transporting Bello, including trips to Abuja where they are lobbying influential figures to intervene on Bello’s beh alf.

Responding to the group, the youths of Kogi under KYLF banner,  described the allegations as “unfounded, mendacious, and politically induced” and urged the group to let Governor Ododo focus on governing the state.

The KYLF convener, Dr Benjamin Oguche, questioned why Yahaya Bello’s trial has become a political tool for “capitalists” to gain advantage.

He believes the media frenzy around Bello’s trial is politically motivated, driven by powerful forces within and outside the state.

“For a matter that is already in court to dominate the front burner in their discourse, it only amounts to a mob action against a man whose offence is nothing but standing by and defending the welfare of his people.

“Yahaya Bello is not the only politically exposed person facing prosecution but we keep wondering why feather-weight elements have latched onto it to vent out accumulated hate,” he noted.