Gov Yahaya Bello chases Kogi Chief Justice out of govt house

Kogi state Chief Judge, Justice Nasiru Ajanah received the highest embarrassment of his life yesterday as he was ordered out of a function in Government House, Lokoja by Governor Yahaya Bello shortly after arriving there. The ugly incident happened during the swearing in of new Grand Ghadi of the state which was slated to take place at the Government House, and which was attended by top government officials and others from the Judiciary of the state.

It was gathered that the Chief Judge who was officially invited by the Protocol Officer of Government House was seated before the arrival of Governor Yahaya Bello at the venue. However, some minutes later before the arrival of the Governor, the Chief Security Officer to the Governor approached the Chief Judge and informed him that the Governor gave a directive that he should not be allowed to attend the function.

It was learnt, with this briefing, the Chief Judge, Justice Nasiru Ajanah quietly left Government House to his office to avoid any further embarrassment. Meanwhile, tension has heightened in the judiciary of the state over the non implementation of agreement reached with JUSUN by governor Bello before the staff called off their strike recently.

It was gathered that the labour leaders met with the Secretary to Kogi State Government, (SSG) Mrs. Folashade Arike on Monday for further dialogue. According to the JUSUN, it was agreed that government will pay salaries for 5 months by cheque during the Biometric Data Capturing before strike was called off.

But the JUSUN is insisting for the payment of one month salary before the data capturing to enable their members to have transport money to appear for the screening exercise. However, the SSG, Folashade Arike Ayoade was quoted as saying that she had no mandate for one month payment of subvention before data capturing exercise, except the Governor, stressing that the Governor is a way in Abuja and he is expected back on Tuesday.

It was learnt that SSG is to arrange for further meeting over the issue with Governor Bello to enable them impress on him to pay one month subvention in order to prepare the concerned workers for biometric data capturing.