An elder statesman from Kogi West Senatorial District, Chief Richard Asaje, has again cautioned political actors against turning sensitive legal matters into political controversies, urging the political class to allow the judiciary to function independently as the arbiter of justice.
In a statement personally signed by him on January 14, 2026, Chief Asaje said the judiciary remains the appropriate institution to determine the cases involving former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello (FGYB), stressing that judges are constitutionally empowered to evaluate facts, examine evidence, and determine legal responsibility.
According to him, political saboteurs and gladiators have no role in deciding the fate of any individual before the law.
“The courtroom is the proper forum for addressing the charges against Yahaya Bello. Any attempt to influence the outcome of the case outside the legal framework is inappropriate and dangerous to democracy. The matter is already before the court; let the judiciary do its job,” Asaje maintained.
He further noted that several former governors across the country have faced various court cases, including election petitions and corruption-related charges, yet were allowed to defend themselves through due process.
He added that Yahaya Bello remains one of the few governors who did not probe or investigate previous administrations while in office.
Recalling past events, Asaje referenced the late Prince Abubakar Audu, who was once arrested and detained by the EFCC but later defended himself through legal means, with justice ultimately prevailing.
He also pointed out that prominent political figures such as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT), Orji Uzor Kalu, and Abdullahi Ganduje, among others, have faced similar legal challenges without such cases preventing them from pursuing higher political offices.
Asaja stressed that Yahaya Bello’s reported interest in contesting the Kogi Central Senatorial seat is neither a crime nor unusual within Nigeria’s political cycle.
“Conspiracies by political gladiators cannot stand in a society governed by the rule of law,” he stated.
The elder statesman condemned what he described as desperate attempts by political opponents to prevent Bello from holding public office, describing such actions as a “political haemorrhage” driven by unconstitutional tactics. He dismissed claims linking the legal matters to Bello’s role in the APC Reconciliation Committee set up by President Tinubu, saying such wishful thinking would not stand.
Chief Asaje called on the public to refrain from undue commentary, external pressure, or political interference in the ongoing legal proceedings, insisting that the legal process must be allowed to run its full course without distractions or manipulation.
He described Yahaya Bello as a formidable political figure in Kogi State, adding that every citizen has the right to fair hearing and legal defence.
“Creating an environment where judges feel pressured to align with the wishes of political gladiators is cruel and dangerous to democracy,” Asaje warned.
He therefore urged the political class to respect the judiciary and allow it to carry out its constitutional responsibilities, noting that society is dynamic and the rule of law must always prevail.
Signed:
Secretary,”Like Minds Alliance Pressure Group”
