A little over a week ago, when the Presidential Campaign Committee for Kogi State was constituted, a familiar noise rented the air. As usual, a handful of self-appointed commentators and political busybodies have taken to the public space to criticize the nomination of Hon. Ali Bello, the Chief of Staff to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, arguing that he should not have been included in the committee at all.
Their reason? According to them, he is facing an EFCC case and is therefore not capable of handling the Secretariat of the committee in the Confluence State. With due respect, that argument is not only irrelevant but legally and morally hollow.
First, it is important to restate a fundamental principle of our jurisprudence: an allegation is not a conviction. Having an alleged criminal case does not and should not deny anybody the right to representation or participation in political activities. Our democracy is guided by the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction. To seek to punish a man in the public space for a matter that is still before the court is to put sentiment above the constitution.
History is replete with examples. We have seen in this country where individuals faced criminal allegations, were tried, and even served time, yet the courts later discharged them and they went on to become distinguished Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The case of Senator Iyiola Omisore is a perfect example. If the law does not disqualify, on what moral premise do these critics stand to disqualify Ali Bello?
Beyond the legal point, those of us who are from Kogi know who Ali Bello is. We know the man alongside his principal, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Ahmed Usman Ododo. They are simple, humble, respectful, and result-oriented leaders. They are not the type who make unnecessary noise or engage in media showmanship. Their strength lies in quiet, effective administration.
People must understand the strategic importance of the office of the Chief of Staff. The Chief of Staff is the most powerful instrument the Governor uses in administering the state. This is not peculiar to Kogi. During the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, we all witnessed the enormous powers wielded by the late Abba Kyari, which made him arguably the strongest and most powerful Chief of Staff Nigeria has ever had. In Kogi State itself, we have had a Chief of Staff in the previous administration who was very powerful in the cabinet.
So, why is Ali Bello’s case different? His case is still in court and he has not been proven guilty. He is competent, organized, experienced, and loyal. He understands the administrative workings of the state and has the capacity to coordinate a sensitive assignment like the Presidential Campaign Secretariat.
The gentleman deserves the position he has been given. Let us allow him to work. Let the boy rest. His simplicity should never be mistaken for stupidity. I rest my case.
SIGNED:Â
CHIEF RICHARD ASAJE,
FOUNDER/NAT’L COORDINATOR,
LIKE MINDS ALLIANCE PRESSURE GROUP
2ND NOV. 2026
