• Home
  • Anti-Corruption
  • Fact-Check
  • Economy
  • National
    • Government
  • Security
  • Features
  • State
  • Event
    • PR Nigeria Award
  • E-Paper
Search
  • Home
  • About
  • Adverts
  • Contact
Sign in
Welcome! Log into your account
Forgot your password? Get help
Password recovery
Recover your password
A password will be e-mailed to you.
PRNIGERIA PRNigeria News
PRNIGERIA PRNIGERIA
  • Home
  • Anti-Corruption
    • Engr Abba Babagana Dalori

      Engr Dalori Forfeits Galaxy Hospital, Petrol Station, Properties & Cash

      Chinese nationals jailed in Lagos

      Court Jails Nine Chinese Nationals for Cybercrime in Lagos

      ASUU

      Tackle Corruption, Institutional Decay – ASUU Charges FG

      EFCC Arraigns Bauchi Accountant General Over N8bn Fraud as Court Sentences…

      PRNigeria logo fearured image

      EFCC Arraigns Ex-Convict, Other for Naira Abuse in Lagos

  • Fact-Check
  • Economy
    • Comptroller General Nigerian Customs Bashir Adewale

      Customs Moves Against 223 Importers in N379bn Permit Breach

      Bashir Adewale Adeniyi Customs Boss

      How Customs is Tightening Borders to Stop Illicit Cash Flows –…

      Customs boss, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi with NAFDAC DG Professor Moji Adeyeye

      Codeine, Tramadol Worth ₦20.5bn Seized as Customs-NAFDAC Cooperation Deepens

      Acting Controller General of Customs, Nigerian Customs Services, NSC, Ag. CG Bashir Adewale Adeniyi

      Adeniyi Inaugurates Lagos School Renovated by Nigeria Customs 

      Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada

      Customs’ Maiwada Named Among Nigeria’s 50 Most Influential PR Voices

  • National
    • Delegates of IEDPU praises CP Moshood Jimoh

      IEDPU Praises CP Moshood Jimoh of Lagos Police for Exemplary Leadership

      Troops Repel Boko Haram Attack in Gwoza, Recover Firearms

      court Judiciary

      Court Remands TikToker Arrested by DSS for claiming President Tinubu died

      Comptroller General Nigerian Customs Bashir Adewale

      Customs Moves Against 223 Importers in N379bn Permit Breach

      Dr. Ibrahim Bello Emir of Gusau

      His Death is a National Loss – Tinubu Mourns Emir of…

    • Government
      • court Judiciary

        Court Remands TikToker Arrested by DSS for claiming President Tinubu died

        Leon Usigbe

        Tinubu Mourns Veteran State House Correspondent, Leon Usigbe

        Dr. Ibrahim Bello, Emir of Gusau

        Tinubu, NUJ, Police, and Military Mourn the Death of Gusau Emir

        Dr. Ibrahim Bello Emir of Gusau

        His Death is a National Loss – Tinubu Mourns Emir of…

        Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN)

        LPPC Elevates Nasarawa SSG, Osun AG, S/Court Judge’s Son, Ayodeji, 53…

  • Security
    • Delegates of IEDPU praises CP Moshood Jimoh

      IEDPU Praises CP Moshood Jimoh of Lagos Police for Exemplary Leadership

      Troops Repel Boko Haram Attack in Gwoza, Recover Firearms

      Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA

      Troops Kill Three Terrorist Leaders in Sokoto Ambush, Recover Weapons

      Nigerian Navy Personnel

      Navy Arrests 9 Impostors Operating as Fake Coast Guards in Akwa…

      Lt. Col (Mrs) Onyechi Appolonia Anele, FSS, anipr

      Army Dismisses Allegations of Delayed Promotions, Stagnant Allowances

  • Features
    • Leon Usigbe

      Death, you can’t be Proud of this By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem 

      Tinubu’s Plateau Gambit – Yilwatda, 2027, and the Return of the…

      Ozumi and a recipient of a wheelchair

      Wheels of Hope: How a Simple Gift is Reshaping Lives at…

      Late Ex-President Muhammadu Buhari and Mansur Liman

      “Buhari: A Blunt, Honest Leader Who Laughed at His Own Predicament”

      Intelligence Synergy: Reshaping Nigeria’s Security Architecture, By Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi

  • State
    • Delegates of IEDPU praises CP Moshood Jimoh

      IEDPU Praises CP Moshood Jimoh of Lagos Police for Exemplary Leadership

      Troops Repel Boko Haram Attack in Gwoza, Recover Firearms

      Nigerian Navy Personnel

      Navy Arrests 9 Impostors Operating as Fake Coast Guards in Akwa…

      Lt. Col (Mrs) Onyechi Appolonia Anele, FSS, anipr

      Army Dismisses Allegations of Delayed Promotions, Stagnant Allowances

      Police Officer

      Enugu Police Raid IPOB/ESN Hideout, Nab 25 Militants, Recover Firearms

  • Event
    • Cross section of participants and guests at the Kaduna State Chapter world PR day

      Kaduna NIPR Urges Students to Embrace Evolving PR Landscape

      Engr. Saleeman Adedoyin Saleeman

      Global IT Leader Saleeman Adedoyin Launches Free Summer School in Ilorin…

      Celestine Achi, AI in PR specialist

      BOOK REVIEW: AI is Reshaping PR—Celestine Achi Shows Us How

      Saudi Arabia’s ‘Sleeping Prince’ Dies Weeks After PRNigeria Debunked Viral Recovery…

      Young Muhammadu Buhari jnr

      A Young Buhari’s Poetic Tribute to a Leader By Yushau A….

    • PR Nigeria Award
  • E-Paper
Home Features On Yahaya Bello: What Does Gov Ododo Really Want? by YAShuaib
  • Features
  • State

On Yahaya Bello: What Does Gov Ododo Really Want? by YAShuaib

By
Yushau A. Shuaib
-
February 8, 2025
Yahaya Bello and Usman Ododo
Yahaya Bello and Usman Ododo

On Yahaya Bello: What Does Gov Ododo Really Want?
By Yushau A. Shuaib

My first encounter with Usman Ododo occurred at PRNigeria Centre Abuja in February 2021, exactly four years ago, when he sought strategic communication supports for Governor Yahaya Bello’s aspirations. He portrayed a committed and loyal aide, yet I found it peculiar that he never mentioned his own political ambitions. It was through our legal adviser, the now Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Yunus Abdulsalam, who accompanied him, that I learned Ododo was likely to be the anointed candidate of then-Governor Yahaya Bello.

At the time, I struggled to understand how Yahaya Bello—a charismatic and high-profile governor—could endorse someone who struck me as remarkably humble and reserved, lacking the typical boastfulness and vainglory associated with Nigerian politicians. As the Auditor General for Local Governments, Usman Ododo had never served as a flamboyant commissioner in a lucrative ministry or as the chief executive of a prominent state agency. Despite his low political profile, I later learned that he had been quietly supporting philanthropic initiatives through various groups and individuals, benefiting communities across the state. Interestingly, these efforts were often perceived as coming from Yahaya Bello himself, likely due to Ododo’s evident admiration for the governor.

A few days later, I received an invitation from a respected media colleague to attend a press engagement with Governor Yahaya Bello. This encounter later became the subject of my article, “Governor Yahaya Bello for President of Nigeria?” In it, I reflected on our earlier acquaintance when he served as a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member and was subsequently offered automatic employment at the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC). At the time, I served as Head of Press and Public Relations from 1999 to 2005.

I noticed Bello’s intense publicity push, especially regarding his controversial stance on the COVID-19 pandemic, which he infamously downplayed as a “glorified malaria.” He consistently defied safety measures, opposed vaccination efforts, and countered public health narratives—actions that attracted significant media attention, similar to former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Despite facing a barrage of criticisms from formidable opposition forces both within and outside the state, which often cast him as a controversial figure and undermined his notable strides and achievements in empowerment, revenue generation, infrastructure development, and other areas, Yahaya Bello as an achiever remains one of the most misunderstood governors of the Buhari era.

During the meeting, I informed Yahaya Bello of Usman Ododo’s support for his presidential aspirations. In response, the governor smiled and downplayed Ododo’s role, saying, “Watch out for that guy… he is a perfect candidate for the future.”

Read Also:

  • IEDPU Praises CP Moshood Jimoh of Lagos Police for Exemplary Leadership
  • Troops Repel Boko Haram Attack in Gwoza, Recover Firearms
  • Troops Kill Three Terrorist Leaders in Sokoto Ambush, Recover Weapons

Intrigued, I began researching Ododo’s background. Born on January 1, 1978, in Okene, he pursued academics at the Federal Polytechnic Bida, where he earned both a National Diploma and a Higher National Diploma in Accounting, later obtaining a B.Sc. in Accounting (Forensic) from Achievers University, Owo. His professional trajectory included positions as Assistant Manager of Revenue at the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) and Finance Manager at the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN). In 2016, Governor Yahaya Bello appointed him Auditor General of Local Governments in Kogi State. His financial management and compliance expertise earned him memberships in esteemed organisations such as the Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM), the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.

While serving as Auditor General, Ododo was nominated as the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and subsequently won the 2024 governorship election at age 46.

A defining aspect of Ododo’s character is his unwavering loyalty, humility, and sincerity. His deep allegiance to Bello has drawn both admiration and criticism. Many believe Bello’s endorsement of Ododo was a calculated move intended to preserve his political legacy and influence within the state.

As governor, Usman Ododo has demonstrated remarkable loyalty to his predecessor, even going so far as to assist Bello in evading scrutiny and arrest, as reported. Ododo’s administration largely mirrors Bello’s policies, emphasizing strong alignment with his predecessor’s political interests.

In a nation where anointed candidates often turn against their benefactors, Ododo’s steadfast loyalty to Yahaya Bello stands out as exceptional. His readiness to confront federal agencies, such the Economic and Financial Commission (EFCC), raises questions about his priorities. This loyalty is not merely political; it appears personal and calculated, though it comes with risks of potential political isolation and damage to reputation.

Despite not being particularly outspoken or inclined to grant press interviews, Ododo has been quietly impacting the state through infrastructure development, reconciliation with opposition groups, and fostering peaceful coexistence.

A recent executive summary of a monthly PRNigeria media review on Kogi State highlights a mix of positive efforts, security challenges, and political developments. The report indicates that Ododo’s administration is commended for budgetary allocations, welfare initiatives, and infrastructural projects, although security threats and political controversies dominate public discourse. The report suggested that strengthening security, project implementation and judicious utilisation of resources and strategic media relations will be vital for sustaining positive public perception and effective governance.

Meanwhile, to gauge the sentiments of Kogi indigenes, I consulted Mojeed Dahiru, a respected public commentator and columnist from Okene. He commented, “Ododo has a peaceful disposition… he views himself as a governor for all, striving to build consensus among political leaders, ethnic groups, and religious communities, even engaging with the opposition.”

Similarly, I reached out to Haruna Abdullahi Haruspice, a renowned social media influencer and Igala chieftaincy titleholder, to gain insight into Ododo’s leadership style. While praising the governor, Haruspice noted that he demonstrates a humane approach to leadership, marked by remarkable humility, particularly in the face of adversity and hostile environments. Moreover, he highlighted Ododo’s promising prospects for ensuring equitable distribution of government interventions across the state.

An Abuja-based youth activist, Shuaibu Omoolowo, described Usman Ododo as a leader who has demonstrated the potential to steer Kogi State toward a prosperous future. He noted that while Ododo remains loyal to the former Governor, who continues to serve as a guiding figure in his career, Bello’s influence does not interfere with his decision-making, allowing him to take independent actions and lead with autonomy.

Despite the commendations, concerns persist regarding perceived favoritism or nepotism, especially in appointments and resource allocation from some quarters.

The pathway ahead for Governor Usman Ododo requires a careful balance between loyalty and the democratic ideals of accountability to the people of Kogi State.

Someone once posed a simple yet profound question that remains unanswered: “In loyalty to Yahaya Bello, what does Ododo really want?”

Yushau A. Shuaib is the author of *An Encounter with the Spymaster.” [email protected]

VISIT OUR OTHER WEBSITES
PRNigeria.com EconomicConfidential.com PRNigeria.com/Hausa/
EmergencyDigest.com PoliticsDigest.ng TechDigest.ng
HealthDigest.ng SpokesPersonsdigest.com TeensDigest.ng
ArewaAgenda.com Hausa.ArewaAgenda.com YAShuaib.com
  • TAGS
  • Kogi
  • Ododo
  • Yahaya Bello
Previous articleNigerian Army Warns Public Against Imposters Claiming to be COAS on Social Media
Next articleHaruspice Haruna: The Nigerian Project – Between Yesterday and Today’s Men
Yushau A. Shuaib
Yushau A. Shuaib
https://prnigeria.com/

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

Delegates of IEDPU praises CP Moshood Jimoh

IEDPU Praises CP Moshood Jimoh of Lagos Police for Exemplary Leadership

Troops Repel Boko Haram Attack in Gwoza, Recover Firearms

Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA

Troops Kill Three Terrorist Leaders in Sokoto Ambush, Recover Weapons

Nigerian Navy Personnel

Navy Arrests 9 Impostors Operating as Fake Coast Guards in Akwa Ibom

Lt. Col (Mrs) Onyechi Appolonia Anele, FSS, anipr

Army Dismisses Allegations of Delayed Promotions, Stagnant Allowances

Leon Usigbe

Death, you can’t be Proud of this By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem 

Police Officer

Enugu Police Raid IPOB/ESN Hideout, Nab 25 Militants, Recover Firearms

Troops Eliminate Notorious Bandit Kingpin ‘Dan Dari Biyar’ in Sokoto Operation

Dr. Ibrahim Bello, Emir of Gusau

Tinubu, NUJ, Police, and Military Mourn the Death of Gusau Emir

Police Officer

Anambra Police Arrest Suspected Child Trafficker, Rescue 11 Abducted Children

Dr. Ibrahim Bello Emir of Gusau

His Death is a National Loss – Tinubu Mourns Emir of Gusau

Six Suspects Arrested for Kidnapping, Rape, Robbery in Nasarawa

Recent Posts

  • IEDPU Praises CP Moshood Jimoh of Lagos Police for Exemplary Leadership
  • Troops Repel Boko Haram Attack in Gwoza, Recover Firearms
  • Troops Kill Three Terrorist Leaders in Sokoto Ambush, Recover Weapons
  • Navy Arrests 9 Impostors Operating as Fake Coast Guards in Akwa Ibom
  • Army Dismisses Allegations of Delayed Promotions, Stagnant Allowances
  • Home
  • About
  • Adverts
  • Contact
© 2020 PRNigeria. All Rights Reserved.
Latest News
IEDPU Praises CP Moshood Jimoh of Lagos Police for Exemplary LeadershipTroops Repel Boko Haram Attack in Gwoza, Recover FirearmsTroops Kill Three Terrorist Leaders in Sokoto Ambush, Recover WeaponsNavy Arrests 9 Impostors Operating as Fake Coast Guards in Akwa IbomArmy Dismisses Allegations of Delayed Promotions, Stagnant AllowancesCourt Remands TikToker Arrested by DSS for claiming President Tinubu diedDeath, you can’t be Proud of this By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem Tinubu Mourns Veteran State House Correspondent, Leon UsigbePolice Arrest 22 Cultists in OgunEnugu Police Raid IPOB/ESN Hideout, Nab 25 Militants, Recover FirearmsTroops Eliminate Notorious Bandit Kingpin ‘Dan Dari Biyar’ in Sokoto OperationTinubu, NUJ, Police, and Military Mourn the Death of Gusau EmirCustoms Moves Against 223 Importers in N379bn Permit BreachCOAS Endorses NDC’s Research on Advanced Military TechnologiesAnambra Police Arrest Suspected Child Trafficker, Rescue 11 Abducted Children
X whatsapp