Otunba Babatunde Olushola Senbanjo Knocks Yahaya Bello: Nigerians Deserve Accountability not Political Boasting

Otunba Dr Babatunde Olushola Senbanjo (BOS) has questioned former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello’s declaration that, “January 16, 2027, is around the corner; the result will show whether I’m the White Lion or not.”

According to BOS, Nigerians deserve leaders who demonstrate accountability, integrity, and respect for public funds, rather than politicians whose public image is accompanied by serious corruption allegations and legal controversies.

BOS asked how a politician facing allegations involving public funds could boast about his political strength without first addressing the questions surrounding his record.

Bello has faced an EFCC investigation and was declared wanted by the commission in April 2024 in connection with an alleged money-laundering case. These allegations remain subject to due process and judicial determination, and no individual should be presumed guilty before a court of law establishes otherwise.

However, BOS questioned whether Nigeria’s institutions are doing enough to ensure that political influence and financial resources do not undermine efforts to promote accountability and combat corruption.

“No individual should be presumed guilty without a judicial determination, but neither should political ambition become a shield against legitimate investigation and accountability,” BOS stated.

He added that describing oneself as the “White Lion” does not place anyone above the law, stressing that Nigerians deserve transparency and proper resolution of allegations involving public resources.

BOS further said the forthcoming election should focus on the interests and development of the people of Kogi Central, as well as responsible representation and accountability, rather than the glorification of political personalities.

“No one is above the law. Public funds belong to the people, and every public official must be accountable. Democracy must never become a shield against justice.”