Consequences of Kogi State Government Destroying Road to Opponent's Local Government; Yahaya Bello Claims It’s a Measure Against Terrorists
In a controversial move that has sparked outrage and raised questions about political tactics, the Kogi State Government, under Governor Yahaya Bello, reportedly destroyed a major road leading to the local government area of his political opponent, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The road destruction, which took place in 2023, was officially justified by the state government as a "deliberate measure against terrorists," but critics have questioned the true motive behind the act, suggesting that it was a politically motivated action aimed at undermining Akpoti-Uduaghan's constituency.
Governor Bello’s administration claimed that the road was being used by terrorists to facilitate criminal activities in the region, and that cutting off access was necessary to curb insecurity. The Kogi State Government argued that the move was part of its broader strategy to combat terrorism and restore peace to the area.
However, the decision has faced heavy criticism from political opponents, residents of the affected local government, and various civil society groups, who view it as an attempt to punish a political adversary and disrupt the development of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constituency. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan herself condemned the road destruction, labeling it as a politically motivated attack on her people and an abuse of power by the state government.
"This is a clear example of political sabotage," Akpoti-Uduaghan said in a statement. "By cutting off vital infrastructure in my constituency, Governor Bello is sending a message of political retaliation. This is not about fighting terrorism; it is about denying my people basic rights and access to essential services."
Residents of the affected area have also expressed frustration, with many accusing the state government of neglecting their well-being. Some locals have claimed that the destruction of the road has made it significantly harder for them to access markets, healthcare facilities, and other vital services.
The incident has also drawn the attention of national observers, who are questioning the legality and morality of using road destruction as a political tool. Political analysts have pointed out that while combating terrorism is an important concern, the collateral damage caused by such actions should not disproportionately affect ordinary citizens and innocent communities.
"This is not just about politics; it’s about the lives of the people in Kogi," said political analyst Amina Adamu. "You cannot justify cutting off roads to a local government area, especially when it directly impacts the livelihood and well-being of citizens. There are more effective ways to tackle insecurity without punishing innocent people."
As the controversy continues to unfold, many Nigerians are calling for a thorough investigation into the matter and are urging the federal government to intervene to ensure that political power is not used to deny citizens basic services and infrastructure.
In the wake of the incident, questions have also been raised about the broader implications for democratic governance in Nigeria. The destruction of roads and other infrastructure as a form of political retribution could set a dangerous precedent for how political disputes are handled in the future, particularly as the country heads into future elections.
Governor Yahaya Bello’s justification for the road destruction, along with the ongoing fallout, will likely continue to dominate political discussions in Kogi State and beyond, with many wondering what the long-term consequences will be for both the state’s infrastructure and its political landscape.
